Recovery |

Throughout history, medical professionals have struggled to understand how people experience pain. The difference between an individual’s perception of pain and a physician’s assessment of that perception have made this a challenging task. The popular care response has been to provide whatever medication comes close to alleviating the most symptoms. This gives the patient a...

For many people, spirituality is often the same as religion. Some individuals rely on faith to provide awareness, cope with challenges, teach them to seek a calling, and show support for others in their community. Spirituality can also be techniques to help you stay present, interact positively in the world, have a guiding purpose, and...

There’s not a tried and true method for preventing relapse: just a series of reminders that help you focus on wellness. Too often, people don’t understand that the work someone puts into recovery only begins with specialized treatment. Afterward, each day requires you to use techniques learned in rehabilitation to stay focused on your value,...

To truly embrace your sobriety and recovery, you may have to change previous habits and behaviors. People compulsively use drugs or alcohol for different reasons, but many of them often indulge while with friends, at parties, during special events such as the holidays or other celebrations, or after work with colleagues. So, to adapt behavior...

Returning to work after substance abuse treatment has a number of implications. On one hand, being back on the job may be just the right structure someone in recovery needs to stabilize a new way of life. He or she may appreciate the opportunity to be productive, enjoy aspects of a fulfilling career, take care...

Why is exercise good for you? One primary reason is because movement increases the flow of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Endorphins are essential hormones that promote feelings of pleasure and reduce pain. If you’re familiar with the term runner’s high, it’s in reference to the flood of endorphins produced in your body through intense exercise....

When someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it puts you in a difficult position. You’re on the front lines of battle, dealing with his or her behavior in a variety of negative ways: Increasing ill health Uncharacteristic behaviors, such as irresponsibility, lying, stealing, excessive promiscuity, and gambling Safety concerns for your loved...

Making the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility is a monumental life change. The ability to recognize you have a problem and seek treatment for better wellness is the first step to a new way of thriving. But change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s common for many people to go through initial rehab in about 30...

Information about the power of proper nutrition to promote vitality and health is readily available. Yet many of us still reach for a lot of the gooey, salty, sugary stuff. Instead of thinking of food as nourishing fuel, we often use it as comfort; for immediate gratification; or as a way to placate feelings we...

Autumn Altamirano, CCS, CAC II, a WW alumna, has worked at Willingway for the last 15 years, getting her start on Unit I as a Nurse Aide/Ward Secretary. Autumn soon became an Outpatient Counselor once she began to pursue a career in the clinical field and was ultimately promoted to Program Director of The Women’s...