Many people associate substance use disorder (SUD) with the abuse of alcohol and drugs like opioids. Yet, this association can cause process addictions to often get overlooked as a source of harm to well-being. Process or behavioral addictions are often overlooked because people are unaware of them or do not recognize that they are aRead More
Many people experience trauma in childhood, both “big” traumas and “small” ones. Healing the inner child can profoundly affect your journey and help you find lasting happiness and success. The Inner Child: Childhood Traumas and Wounds Unfortunately, childhood trauma is quite common. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “More thanRead More
A sense of gratitude helps you show appreciation for the kindness of others. Living with the emotionally distressing side effects of substance use disorder (SUD) may make it difficult for you to recognize and express gratitude. However, practicing an attitude of gratitude can significantly improve your mental health. According to the National Institutes of HealthRead More
Sleep quality impacts your emotional and physical health during recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Many people with SUD and dual diagnoses have co-occurring sleep issues caused by chronic substance abuse. According to the Medical Clinics of North America, “[S]leep dysfunction in the context of substance misuse may contribute to increased severity of substance useRead More
Everyone is impacted by stress to some degree in their daily lives. Some stress is healthy as it motivates you to challenge yourself and grow. However, prolonged or chronic stress can have a devastating impact on your well-being. Your health and well-being are also further compromised by unaddressed trauma. Thus, exposure to trauma in yourRead More
Thanksgiving is usually when we hear about the importance of feeling thankful. Also known as gratitude, this thankful mindset can aid in your recovery journey and profoundly affect your life. The Importance of Feeling Thankful Gratitude can have a wide range of benefits for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Being grateful promotes overall well-beingRead More
It’s common knowledge that a positive mindset and outlook will greatly increase your chances of long-term success in recovery. Learning to surround yourself with positivity will give you a whole new outlook on life. Surround Yourself With Positivity: The Benefits A positive mindset offers mental, physical, and emotional benefits. Surrounding yourself with positivity is alsoRead More
The holiday season involves a lot of triggers. These triggers can result from parties, increased home or workplace stress, ads featuring alcohol or other substances, and holiday invitations from friends or family who may have current or past associations with substance abuse. Finding ways to navigate family get-togethers and holiday events can be challenging. TheRead More
The phrase digital disconnection can seem at odds with the idea of digital media technologies like social media. At its core, digital media is a source of connection. Through interactions, sharing information, or creative expression, people use digital media to connect with themselves and others. However, for many people, especially trauma survivors, digital media hasRead More
The holidays are often a time for family gatherings, which can be especially difficult if you’re in recovery. Setting boundaries during the holidays will help you protect your sobriety and stick to your long-term goals. Having good boundaries will also strengthen your overall happiness, well-being, and sense of self-empowerment. Why Setting Boundaries Is So ImportantRead More