Author Archives: Alta Loma

What Makes a Man High Risk for Addiction and How to Seek Help

What Makes a Man High Risk for Addiction and How to Seek Help

Men and women use substances and mental health issues can also plague both genders. Men are particularly high risk for addiction if they have certain conditions present. That does not mean they are going to be addicted to substances or experience mental health issues. It just means they are more likely to struggle and there […]

Why is Ghosting Painful and How Can You Cope Better?

Why is Ghosting Painful and How Can You Cope Better?

Ghosting can be a painful, excruciating experience for people who are cut off from someone they are connected to. It may be a friend, colleague, dating partner, or a long-time friend. Sometimes, even family can ghost someone after a while, with no contact or reason why. The reasons people just ‘disappear’ varies, but it can […]

How Do Men Cope with Grief and Loss?

How Do Men Cope with Grief and Loss

Loss happens to everyone at some point. Some people experience loss by going to therapy and working out the issues, turning inwards, or externalizing the stress and challenges of losing someone, a job, a relationship, or an actual person in their life who dies. Substance use is, also, unfortunately, common for people who experience loss. […]

How to Handle Stress at Celebrations for People in Recovery

How to Handle Stress at Celebrations for People in Recovery

Celebrations—whether a friend’s birthday party, a holiday event, or an anniversary dinner—can be enjoyable experiences filled with thankfulness and gratitude. But they can just as easily feel awkward and uncomfortable and be riddled with stress-triggers. Crowded rooms, loud or annoying people, and lots of drinking—little landmines like these are potential triggers for stress, and collectively […]

Sober Living Environment

Sober Living Environments

If you’re nearing the completion of an residential drug and alcohol treatment program, there will most likely be a limited number of housing options available to you. You may be eager to move back in with loved ones, or have decided to find a low-cost room in a house. One of the very best options […]

Why is Dating in Early Recovery Discouraged?

Why is Dating in Early Recovery Discouraged?

After we have sobered up and have begun recovering from active addiction, we often begin to feel better. Not only have our bodies and minds begun to heal, but we have also started feeling some hopefulness and happiness—for some of us, for the first time in years. We begin to make new social connections, particularly […]

Acupuncture: Can It Help During Addiction Recovery?

Acupuncture: Can It Help During Addiction Recovery?

First, What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that believes there are lines of energy running through the body called meridians. When there is an issue in the body or disease, it’s believed to be a blockage in the movement along those meridians. Micro-thin, sterile needles are used to facilitate […]

Is Improving my Physical Health an Important Part of my Recovery?

Is Improving my Physical Health an Important Part of my Recovery?

When we think about recovery from active addiction, we tend to think about twelve step meetings, counseling sessions, and connecting with a power greater than ourselves. Indeed, these are crucial to our recovery and key to beginning our spiritual growth. Also important to our recovery is our physical health. Although we sometimes think of our […]

Benefits of Art Therapy During Recovery

Benefits of Art Therapy During Recovery

Art allows thoughts, beliefs, and feelings to rise to the surface in a creative, productive, and purposeful way. It’s no wonder art therapy is commonly used at most addiction rehab centers to help those with substance use and mental health disorders find ways to express themselves and heal. But what happens when you’re done with […]

What is Preventing me From Reaching Out for Help?

What is Preventing me From Reaching Out for Help?

Barriers to Seeking Treatment If you are suffering from the disease of addiction and you are reluctant to get help, you’re not alone. A recent government survey reported that, of the nearly 23 million people with substance use disorder, only about 10 percent of them received treatment. This suggests that vast majority of people in […]