HALT: Anger Management Over time, unchecked anger takes a toll on your mind and body. It can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms—including teeth grinding, headaches, anxiety, muscle tension, and trouble sleeping. If you've ever heard the HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired) acronym used to describe the most common relapse triggers, you [...]
Family Members & Your Recovery In a perfect world, you could count on your parents, siblings, and other family members to always have your best interests at heart and to be supportive of your efforts to build a better future. Unfortunately, many of us have learned the hard way that our families are deeply flawed. [...]
The "runner's high" you may have heard about isn't just a myth. Karmel Choi, a clinical and research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found a 26% decrease in a person’s odds of becoming depressed for each major increase in objectively measured physical activity. A National Library of Medicine review of [...]
Returning to work after completing addiction treatment represents a major step in your recovery journey. It's normal to feel a little nervous and apprehensive about rejoining the workforce, but these tips can help you make a smoother transition. Know Your Rights When Returning to Work Alcoholism and drug addiction are considered disabilities under the Americans [...]
Wine Mom Culture & AUD The rise of social media has had the unfortunate effect of amplifying wine mom culture—the idea that the monumental task of raising children is impossible without drinking a large amount of wine. While it might seem like memes referring to wine as "Mommy juice" or Etsy shops selling wine glasses [...]
Feeling Irritated Easily Lately? Is your first response to a difficult task to postpone it for as long as possible? Do you often find yourself searching for "quick fix" solutions or immediate gratification instead of taking the time to make a decision that will lead to long-term success? It's normal to feel frustrated when you're [...]
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, 6.3% of adults will meet the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana use disorder at some point in their lives. However, this condition often goes untreated due to a general misunderstanding about the risks associated with abuse and [...]
Do you often feel as though you can't shut your mind off? Are you constantly dwelling on things that are beyond your control? Do your friends and family accuse you of overthinking every decision you make? Understanding Substance Abuse Finding yourself unable to control intrusive, repetitive, and generally negative thoughts is referred to as rumination. [...]
The relationship between trauma and substance use disorders is complex, but there's no doubt that experiencing a traumatic event can be a trigger for drug or alcohol abuse in vulnerable individuals. Thus, trauma-informed care can be beneficial in promoting a lasting recovery. How Trauma Leads to Substance Abuse Some of the different types of traumas [...]
In the United States, more than 14 million people are struggling with alcohol use disorders. Those who consume alcohol on a regular basis face an increased risk of developing over 200 different health conditions—including cancer, dementia, and cirrhosis—as well as the danger of drunk driving crashes, accidental injuries, and suicide or self-harm. Fake Alcohol? A [...]
