Whether you've known for some time that your friend is struggling with a substance use disorder or you only recently became aware of the problem, it's wonderful that you want to show your support for their desire to seek treatment. Worrying about saying—or doing—the wrong thing is understandable, but to ease your concerns the team [...]
The loss of a loved one is already considered one of the most painful experiences a person can go through, but the grieving process has been complicated for many by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. If you're mourning a friend or family member who has recently passed, it's important to proactively manage your [...]
National Recovery Month is observed every September to recognize the struggles faced by those who have been diagnosed with substance use disorders or other mental health conditions. For 31 years, National Recovery Month celebrations have served as a reminder that there's always hope for recovery no matter what challenges a person has faced in the [...]
A Dual Diagnosis The symptoms of bipolar disorder can often be masked by active substance abuse, but these conditions are two separate mental health issues. For a lasting recovery, both must be treated simultaneously. If your loved one has been diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder, educating yourself on this dual [...]
What Is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is defined as pain that is experienced on most days of the week for a period of six months or more. A wide range of medical conditions, including osteoarthritis, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and migraines, have been linked to chronic pain. In total, the U.S. Pain Foundation estimates that [...]
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of daily life. This has been particularly difficult for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Managing Your Mental Health While no two people will have the exact same experience, you should be aware of five common pandemic-related mental health challenges. Knowing [...]
Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction requires a holistic approach that heals the mind, body, and spirit. For many people, sobriety provides an opportunity to explore their creative side. Benefits of Creativity in Addiction Recovery Creative pastimes provide a number of important benefits for people in recovery. For example: Creativity provides a safe place for [...]
Learning to face challenging situations without turning to drugs and alcohol for comfort is a crucial part of building the foundation for lasting sobriety. Radical acceptance, a concept associated with dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), can help. About Radical Acceptance Radical acceptance is a practice developed by Marsha Linehan. An Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral [...]
The Importance of a Strong Immune System The coronavirus pandemic has bought newfound attention to the importance of a strong immune system. Individuals with underlying medical conditions that weaken the immune system have an increased risk of developing COVID-19 complications that can lead to hospitalization or death. Alcohol weakens the body's immune system in several [...]
Now Is the Time If you've been worried about your drinking or drug use, you might find yourself wondering whether it's better to seek treatment now or to wait until the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has passed. While we understand your concern, the team at St. Joseph Institute for Addiction's Pennsylvania residential drug and alcohol treatment [...]
