Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays
If you're not feeling particularly festive this year, you're far from alone. Even without the added stress of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the holidays can be a time of loneliness for many people. To avoid putting your newfound sobriety at [...]
How Gratitude Helps Build Resilience in Recovery
Although gratitude takes center stage during the Thanksgiving holiday, reminding yourself of what you're most grateful for should be a year-round practice. Gratitude helps build the resilience you’ll need to tackle the challenges you’ll face on the road to recovery. [...]
Spirituality and Addiction Recovery
Building the foundation for a lasting recovery involves more than simply abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Addiction affects the mind, body, and spirit—which means lasting recovery requires a holistic approach. At St. Joseph Institute for Addiction, we encourage you to [...]
How to Help a Friend Enter Rehab
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. [...]
Don’t Let Grief Trigger a Relapse
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 [...]
September Is National Recovery Month: A Reminder That Recovery Is Always Possible
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 [...]
Helping Your Bipolar Loved One Stay Sober
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 [...]
Coping with Chronic Pain During COVID-19
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 [...]
5 Mental Health Challenges You Might Not Have Realized Are Pandemic-Related
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 [...]
How Creativity Supports Addiction Recovery
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 [...]