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 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 [...]
In uncertain times, it's important to be proactive about managing your mental health. Use these tips to help you navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic as you continue to put sobriety first. Give Yourself Permission to Feel Sad It's perfectly reasonable to be upset by the changes COVID-19 has created in your [...]
Throughout the United States, May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month to bring attention to the role mental health care plays in a person's overall sense of wellbeing. Started in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), the observance encourages a better understanding of mental health disorders and promotes access to screening and treatment options. [...]
The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but meeting this target can be difficult if you're in recovery for a substance use disorder. A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that people in the early stages of recovery struggle with sleep problems at rates that are five times [...]
If you're in the early stages of recovery, it can be helpful to remind yourself of all you stand to gain by staying sober. The benefits of quitting drinking can touch nearly every aspect of your life. 1. You'll Look Better Alcohol dehydrates the body and causes inflammation. This can cause skin to look dry, [...]
Did you know that experts believe most Americans spend about 90 percent of their day indoors? Our modern lifestyles often don't provide many opportunities to naturally spend time outside, which means we need to make a conscious effort to head outdoors. If you're in recovery, you should make it a goal to spend at least [...]
Listening to recovery podcasts can be a wonderful way to support your sobriety while you're commuting, handling household chores, or exercising at the gym. About Podcasts Podcasts are on-demand Internet radio programs that are generally either the monologue of a single speaker or a conversation between a host and one or more guest speakers. You [...]
The gender-based differences in addiction are hard to ignore. According the National Institute on Drug Abuse: Men have higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol abuse in most age groups. Men more likely to use almost all types of illicit drugs—including both illegal street drugs and misused prescription drugs. Men are more likely to need [...]
