Why Treat Addiction and Mental Health Disorders Together?
If you have an addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder, it’s important to treat the two together. This means getting help for both simultaneously. But why can’t you just treat one? Well, substance use and mental health disorders interact with and affect one another. If you enter recovery without being treated for a mental health […]
What Relapse Can Teach Us
Relapse too often makes people feel ashamed, weak, or as though they are not cut out for sobriety. If you relapse, it’s important to feel whatever emotions arise—but it’s also crucial to understand that this is part of recovery. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition. Get Curious About What Caused the Relapse Not only is […]
Does My Loved One Need Addiction Rehab?
Sometimes, family and friends first notice the signs that someone they care about needs addiction treatment. Talking about entering addiction rehab center programs or having an intervention is not easy, though. You might wonder if you are doing the right thing or if it is really necessary. How can you be sure? It’s an obvious […]
Matthew Perry
Leading up to the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reunion, fans are worried about Matthew Perry. He’s struggled with addiction since the 90’s and has had periods of sobriety, but his slurred speech in promo videos is causing speculation about a relapse. It’s unclear whether Perry did relapse or is having health problems, but he has been open about […]
Star-Studded Addictions: Macklemore
The first time rapper Macklemore drank, he was 13 or 14. He drank alone—stealing from his parents’ liquor cabinet—and had about 12 shots.[1] Throughout his freshman year of high school, he skipped school to drink and smoke weed. He later began misusing OxyContin. Macklemore has been making music since about the age he started drinking, […]
This is Your Brain on “Flow States”
Since I’ve been sober, one way I combat cravings and curb anxiety is to engage in flow state activities. This is the scientific term (though I know it doesn’t sound that scientific) for being “in the zone,” when you’re so immersed in something that everything else fades to the background. The Neuroscience of Flow States […]
What is Holistic Therapy?
Holistic therapy is a type of therapy that takes into account the full person and their physical, mental, and emotional needs. It emphasizes how issues in one area of life can impact others. During active addiction, almost all areas of people’s lives are affected. They may struggle with health issues caused by their drug or […]
What Is Psychological Dependence?
The word dependence means reliance or deep need. When you add psychological to it, you get an emotional or mental need to do something like drink or use drugs. Psychological dependence doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as physical dependence. Many people who go through withdrawal don’t separate the physical from the mental symptoms […]
Sober “Firsts”
Many of us in recovery started drinking or using drugs at a young age—meaning when we get sober, we have a lot of “firsts.” This means the first time you experience each life event without drinking or using. It might be the first time you go to a party sober, or date sober—or even feel […]
Achieving Success in Drug Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery can be challenging. Deciding that you need help is just the first step in finding meaningful recovery. Once you make that choice, you must look for ways to maintain your sobriety. You’ll need to establish goals and create strategies that support your success. That’s something you will start in the drug addiction treatment […]
