If you’re living with a mental health condition such as depression, you know it can feel like a monumental achievement just to get out of bed some days. Though moving around might be the last thing you want to do, exercise is one of the best all-natural remedies for...
American society puts an outsized value on people’s appearance. Though we come in all shapes and sizes, our favorite movies and TV shows generally depict attractive people as successful, and equate physical beauty with thinness. The desire to fit in may give rise to a mindset and behaviors associated...
It happens to all of us – we start working on a priority, but find we can’t keep our thoughts focused on the task at hand. As our world becomes increasingly connected, you probably have a collection of devices demanding your attention at any given moment, making it challenging...
If you’re working to overcome an addiction, several challenges lie ahead of you – not least of which is the fact that you will need to repair the relationships you damaged when you were actively drinking or using drugs. Once substance use became the top priority in your life,...
When you’re newly sober, any holiday can represent a challenge to your recovery, but July 4 is especially difficult for many people. Thanks to pervasive marketing, the occasion is virtually synonymous with parties and drinking. If you’re working to overcome an alcohol addiction, how can you avoid a relapse on Independence Day? 1. Be...
Addiction is a disease that affects people of all ethnicities, walks of life and gender identities, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s experiences with substance abuse and recovery are identical. Gender-specific treatment programs have some distinct benefits in the healing process, since they are responsive to the unique needs of each group in recovery...
When you’re working on overcoming an addiction, leaving intoxicating substances behind you and making a fresh start is only the tip of the iceberg. The life skills you’ll develop along the way are also an essential part of maintaining lifelong sobriety. If you’ve been using drugs or alcohol as your chief coping mechanism...
Since 1994, June has been the officially designated observation of men’s health in the U.S. – specifically, the need for early detection and treatment of preventable health problems. In honor of Men’s Health Month, how can you avoid common men’s health issues and become more aware of the need...
As our country observes National Great Outdoors Month this June, it provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the host of benefits it provides for addiction recovery. What can nature teach us about ourselves and our surroundings? 1. Nature Has the Ability to Heal Itself Recovering from...
Most people don’t make the effort to observe their emotions as they’re happening. However, those who take time to recognize and process what they’re feeling are more likely to engage in healthy coping mechanisms and fully express themselves in challenging circumstances. By learning to own your feelings, you can...
Getting and staying sober is a lifelong process of learning, growth and acceptance. While you will undoubtedly add many joys to your life along the pathway to recovery, you’ll also discover some things you need to leave behind – one of which is negativity. Toxic influences such as old drinking and drug buddies...
Millions of people from coast to coast have spent the past few months self-isolating during the COVID-19 epidemic to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Despite knowing you’re doing the right thing to keep yourself and others in your community healthy, you might be starting to feel lonely and missing activities such...
