There you are, standing by the buffet table at your grandmother’s house, when Uncle Fred slips up beside you and says, “So! You’re fresh out of rehab! How ya’ feelin’?” Now what? Whether you’re gathered with family during the holiday season or helping your cousin move across town, don’t be surprised if people want to...
About Depression There’s a strong connection between depression and substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in the nation. The American Academy of Family Physicians referenced a 2018 National Center for Health Statistics report that indicated one out of every 12 American adults has...
While we don’t want to split aspects of health by gender, it’s important to note that men often have specific challenges to overcome regarding addiction treatment and recovery. The more we understand these issues, the easier it is to provide a clear path. “Manly Men” Don’t Need Help In our society, there’s a prevailing attitude...
Tips for Working the 12 Steps So you completed inpatient rehabilitation facility treatment and learned about a 12-Step program. Maybe you even have a program sponsor from whom you receive helpful guidance for your recovery. Ultimately, though, “working the steps” is a soulful, individual journey that requires courage, diligence, and humility. Here are some tips...
We’re just going to say it: it’s hard making friends as an adult. If you’re in addiction recovery and no longer feel comfortable spending time with your old group of friends, what can you do? Fortunately, there are ways to find more sober friends and activities to enjoy. You’re Not Alone in Feeling This Way...
Whether you have insomnia after addiction treatment, sleep issues because of chronic pain, or a busy life with many people to care for and other responsibilities, trying to rest well is often a challenge. Making progressive life changes will help you improve sleep. Why Is Sleep Often Elusive? The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports...
Changing your life patterns after inpatient rehabilitation treatment might leave you with some extra time. You understand the importance of staying busy, but perhaps activities and people in your previous chapter no longer support your sobriety choices. So now what? Remember: there’s a wide, wonderful world to enjoy, and you can opt to be part...
If your teen or another adolescent loved one lacks focus, seems disoriented, has lost interest in usual activities, seems more inhibited than usual, and has more trouble in school, it might be time for a face-to-face conversation. These are just a few potential symptoms of a drinking problem. When Is Behavior “Just a Phase” vs....
Contentment is often found in the simple routines and rituals we establish for ourselves each day. That first cup of coffee or tea in the early morning. A prayer before a meal or bedtime. Setting out tomorrow’s wardrobe the night before to make getting ready for work easier. Attending a regular support group at the...
Affirmations For people who believe in the power of positive affirmations, the words you choose and how you identify yourself have great influence. Psychologists believe affirmations help you reprogram the subconscious mind, which is essential to “the actualization of our lives and the manifestation of our desires.” The positive language used in these statements can...
