Stress is a normal part of everyday life. However, some people may have a more difficult time than others navigating stressful situations. Those who are recovering from substance abuse and mental health disorders often have a lower stress threshold. Therefore, creating a toolkit for managing stress is essential to ongoing recovery and positive mental health.Read More
Emotions can have a powerful effect on your life and your choices. During treatment, you likely learned how your emotions can influence your substance use. Instead of turning to substances, you discovered how to use healthy coping skills to deal with your emotions. Like a compass, your emotions can guide you in the right direction.Read More
Many individuals with substance use or mental health disorders have experienced trauma and struggle with trauma responses. The effects of trauma can impact all areas of your life and how you respond to everyday situations. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Trauma, including one-time, multiple, or long-lasting repetitive events, affectsRead More
September is National Recovery Month. This month is dedicated to people worldwide who continue to fight the good fight, one day at a time. It does not matter if you have been in recovery for one day or 20 years. September is your month to celebrate all the accomplishments you have experienced thus far. YourRead More
Public perception of recovery often relegates it to lockdown facilities with stark white walls as they are portrayed in movies. Traditional treatment programs often have similarities to Hollywood misrepresentations of addiction treatment. However, addiction treatment has evolved as research and community engagement have shown the significance of whole-person healing. Recovery is more than treating withdrawalRead More
Completing treatment is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations on starting the next step of your journey. You’re one step closer to being the person you have always wanted to be. Now that you are ready for the next chapter to begin, alumni groups are a great way to continue to gain the understanding and support thatRead More
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 60% of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) will enter sustained recovery, yet many will relapse first. The thought of relapse after all your hard work in treatment can leave you feeling defeated. However, your risk for relapse post-treatment is not an inevitable thing. Rather, relapseRead More
Meditation can be profoundly beneficial. This is especially true for people who are suffering from addiction, mental health issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lasting effects of meditation can be significant, as meditation can improve nearly every area of a person’s life functioning. When people commit to a consistent meditation practice, this can paveRead More
Many people who experience addiction are no stranger to financial struggles. Even though it may feel difficult to get back on track with your finances, it is possible. Building a healthier relationship with money will pave the way to self-empowerment, security, and lasting happiness. Financial Struggles That Accompany Addiction It’s more than easy to loseRead More
Everyone you know has had at least one negative thought. Granted, some people have more of them than others. Sometimes negative thinking overrides positive thoughts and wreaks havoc on your life. Understanding how to change negative thinking can feel like an overwhelming process. However, with a few simple steps, you can be on your wayRead More