How Different Types of Trauma Impact Addiction
We have long recognized the role of trauma in addiction. Though trauma is complex, affects people in numerous ways, and can be difficult to diagnose, it is a very common underlying or co-occurring symptom of addiction. Trauma therapy programs are important as part of any addiction treatment. At TruHealing Centers, our trauma therapy program is […]
The Importance of Al-Anon in Recovery
Addiction is widely understood as a family disease. An Al-Anon group is a support-style fellowship based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Members are typically the family members and close friends of someone who struggles with an alcohol use disorder. The support of others experiencing the challenges of a loved one in the throes […]
Six Reflections for Six Years Sober
Today I’m six years sober! As someone who drank upwards of 15 drinks every night for a decade (and did whatever drugs came my way when I was drunk), I’m proof recovery is possible. Six years ago, I couldn’t fathom how life would look without alcohol. A month, a week, a day sober—these were huge […]
Healing From Unhealthy Family Dynamics During Recovery
Getting some sober time brings clarity. This may make it more obvious that the family dynamics you grew up with were unhealthy or destructive. You might realize you picked up patterns of relating that don’t serve you in recovery. Changing Instinctual Ways of Relating Therapy is a really useful tool for both excavating and healing […]
What Are Resources for Loved Ones of Those With Addiction?
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease, because it significantly impacts those in the person with addiction’s life. When the person enters recovery, their friends, family, partner, and other loved ones may need to recover, too. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources for the loved ones of people with substance use disorders. Al-Anon […]
Recent Review Measures How Many People Receive Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was the first nationally representative survey to ask respondents who received treatment for alcohol addiction if medications were part of their care. A new review in JAMA Psychiatry used data from this survey to understand how many Americans receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use […]
Can People Change?
“Can people really change?” is a common question—and that “really” seems to imply we can’t. Sayings like “a zebra never changes its stripes” or “a leopard never changes its spots” reinforce this idea. But people often come at this question from a narrow angle: can this person change in the way I want them to? […]
New Study Measures Efficacy of Internet-Based CBT for Youth with Social Anxiety
A study published May 12th evaluated the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT) for youth with social anxiety disorder.[1] While CBT is considered the first line of treatment for social anxiety disorder, only 10% of people with the condition have seen a mental health professional.[2] This is in part due to access issues and […]
What Is Al Anon?
Since 1951, Al-Anon has been providing fellowship and support to people all over the world. These individuals have one unique thing in common; they love someone with an alcohol use disorder. Attending Al-Anon meetings can provide access to a family therapy program so you can better your loved one’s addiction. At TruHealing Centers, we value […]
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 […]