Showing Up in Recovery
One thing about recovery I find really rewarding—and sometimes overwhelming—is the fact that I can show up. When we’re in active addiction, that’s really difficult to do. We are too caught up in cycles of craving and use, and not able to be present or make intentional decisions. When we get sober, we can take […]
What are Reputable Sources About Addiction and Mental Health?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, you probably want to learn more about these topics. Doing so can help you figure out the next steps for yourself, or better support your friend or family member. There is so much content available online, but not all of it […]
Finding Comfort in Recovery
While it is important to go out of your comfort zone in recovery, it’s also helpful to find a sense of comfort. This doesn’t mean complacency—it means figuring out what makes you feel most supported, safe, and secure. Support Systems When you feel a basic sense of safety and comfort in recovery, it can give […]
Building Self-Awareness in Recovery
Self-awareness is an important part of recovery. Learning about both what triggers and what centers you can help you make healthy choices for yourself. Self-awareness also helps all your relationships with other people, improving quality of life and increasing your motivation to stay sober. Reconnecting to Yourself After Active Addiction It can seem like self-awareness […]
National Stress Awareness Day
Today is National Stress Awareness Day. As we approach another winter in COVID and the holidays, stress levels might be high. This day is a reminder of the ways stress impacts us physically, mentally, and emotionally—and what we can do to reduce it. When we’re stressed, we often feel powerless. We can’t control whether lots […]
How Can Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Treat Addiction?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT is a form of psychological treatment pioneered at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. Over the last few decades, CBT for addiction has been understood to be effective in helping people suffering from a substance use disorder start on the road to recovery. If you or someone you care about is […]
What are Partial Hospitalization Programs?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are a level of care in addiction treatment. These programs offer more intensive treatment than regular outpatient programs, but unlike with residential treatment, you don’t live at the facility while receiving care. PHPs are typically several hours, three to five days a week. They are great for those who may need […]
The Importance of Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental health is an essential component of proper overall health. It affects our well-being, longevity, and quality of life as much as any other aspect of our health. Millions of Americans live with mental health disorders, and we all know, love, or work alongside someone coping with mental health challenges. Annually since 1990, during the […]
What Is World Mental Health Day?
Since the first World Mental Health Day in 1995, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, the event has been commemorated every year on October 10. The overarching objective of this global day of awareness is to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental health in every […]
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Show Red Table Talk Helps Break Stigma About Addiction and Mental Health
Jada Pinkett Smith’s show Red Table Talk—which she hosts along with her mom Adrienne Banfield-Norris and daughter Willow Smith—continually works to destigmatize mental health and addiction. Pinkett Smith and Banfield-Norris are both in recovery themselves and have been candid about their struggles. Red Table Talk looks at complicated topics in a nuanced way that we […]