Do you know that shame and guilt aren’t the same feelings? More importantly, shame can actually hamper your recovery process, while guilt can create a new path of healing, especially once you’re able to release it. How might this happen? Understanding the Differences Between Guilt & Shame In 2012, professor and researcher Brené Brown, now...
Faith is frequently at the crossroads of addiction and recovery. But is it an all-or-nothing proposition? Will the power of faith, however you choose to define it, reinforce your goals and help make sobriety easier? It depends on your perspective. What Defines Faith? For many people in recovery, participating in 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics...
Ahhhh, sleep! Few things make you feel as wonderful as a full amount of rest that provides energy to spare. Unfortunately, a lot of factors interfere with how well we sleep—and most of the time, we try to ignore them. A better focus on sleep hygiene is worth prioritizing. Sleep: The Giant Reset Button We...
We know that over the course of human history, children have suffered through tremendous events. But it’s only been in the last few decades that scientists have tried to understand how adverse childhood experiences affect adult behaviors and what can be done to improve health. What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences? From 1995 to 1997, an...
It’s hard to believe that aspects of the coronavirus pandemic are still affecting us. But new variants and, at press time, a continual rise in cases means that many people still feel the stress and strain of this global health crisis. Another unfortunate side effect of the pandemic is a rise in drinking. High Drinking...
Although human beings have suffered trauma for their entire existence on earth, it wasn’t until 1980 that post-traumatic stress was acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). That year, the organization added post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). What Defines PTSD? Even after...
Without a doubt, there are days when too many thoughts zoom through our brains at once. The to-do list seems endless, time demands are considerable, and it’s as though we’re splitting ourselves into multiple directions. One way to return (or retreat—however you want to look at it!) to a calm center is through mindfulness. What...
Ativan is a prescription medication frequently given to patients to induce a calming or tranquilizing effect. Classified in a category of drugs known as benzodiazepines, it can be addictive if not properly monitored. If you or a loved one has Ativan dependency, you’ll likely need professional treatment to reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms. Facts...
A troubling rise in senior citizens with addiction has occurred in the past decade, and loneliness is one primary reason. If you’re concerned about your health or that of a loved one, here’s what to know and how to get help. A Changing World: Why Seniors Are More Lonely Let’s start with an obvious recent...
While antidepressants aren’t categorized as addictive substances, you should still be cautious about stopping or switching medication. Here are some points to remember when discussing a change with your healthcare provider. Why Most People Take Antidepressants The majority of individuals prescribed antidepressants have some form of clinical depression, often the result of a combination of...
