Author Archives: Alta Loma

Is There Still Stigma Against People Recovering from Addiction?

Is There Still Stigma Against People Recovering from Addiction?

Celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Dennis Quaid, Simon Pegg and more have become much more open about addiction – and it’s all mainly been to help combat stigma. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) explains that the language we’ve used in the past as a society has been incredibly harmful to people recovering. “Junkie”, […]

Your Ultimate Guide to Dopamine and Addiction: What Happens with Substance Abuse

Your Ultimate Guide to Dopamine and Addiction: What Happens with Substance Abuse

When we indulge in alcohol or other illicit drugs, we’re likely to experience a variety of symptoms – including euphoria. It’s that “rush” that many people chase after, but what is it about substances that gives them such a pleasurable feeling? One component of family and individual addiction recovery is exploring how drugs affect the […]

What Are a Person’s Risk Factors for Relapse?

What Are a Person’s Risk Factors for Relapse?

Last year, the Huffington Post covered the story of Demi Lovato – who released a song called “Sober”, which talks about her potential relapse and drug overdose. Relapse is incredibly common for people in recovery, but for those who are “outsiders” to this world, there begs the common question: Why do people relapse, and what […]

Recent Study Says Online Support Groups Make for an Enhanced Recovery Experience

The support we receive while in recovery can make an incredible influence on the way we push forward. Friends, family and peers in our treatment program can motivate us to carry out recovery-related activities even on days we don’t feel like it – and these same groups can cheer us on as we navigate the […]

Does Recovery Mean the Same to Everyone?

Does Recovery Mean the Same to Everyone?

A few years ago, an article was published on The Conversation, a website that explores various topics as it relates to arts and culture, economy and business, health and medicine, and more; it was explained that recovery from trauma is different for everyone, because each person goes through their own battles and successes. In a […]

Why Hope Is So Critical for Post-Traumatic Growth in Recovery

Why Hope Is So Critical for Post-Traumatic Growth in Recovery

For many people in addiction recovery, trauma is an underlying commonality. For many of us, traumatic experiences – whether they be from an assault, an accident or a natural disaster – can have such a significant impact on our mental, physical and spiritual health that we rely on substances to numb the pain. Once in […]

Can Addiction Cause Paranoia?

Can Addiction Cause Paranoia?

Many substances can cause changes in perception and behavior, and those that cause paranoia are said to cause “substance induced psychosis”. When this occurs, both delusions and paranoia may take place; Mental Health America (MHA) defines paranoia as, “…Intense anxious or fearful feelings and thoughts often related to persecution, threat or conspiracy.” A person with […]

Negative Emotions and Their Link to Substance Abuse: What You Need to Know

Negative Emotions and Their Link to Substance Abuse: What You Need to Know

Pain. Anger. Sadness. These are just a few of the negative emotions that we all experience from time to time – but when times get hard, it feels almost unbearable – and that’s when many of us find ourselves reaching for alcohol or illicit drugs to numb the discomfort. It all happens so quickly, and […]

Does Having a Mental Disorder Mean I’m “Crazy”?

Does Having a Mental Disorder Mean I’m “Crazy”?

We’ve all heard the names that plague the realm of mental illness. “Crazy”, “psycho”, “weird”, “nuts” – it’s unfortunate, but our society has had a difficult time accepting the various mental illnesses that can occur and the symptoms that people deal with on a daily basis. Mental illness is an incredibly serious topic that deserves […]

Opioid Use Disorder Amongst Older Populations: Implications for Healing

Opioid Use Disorder Amongst Older Populations: Implications for Healing

The opioid epidemic has affected millions of people across the United States, and while the epidemic has yielded tragic effects on children, there’s another population of concern: older adults. The American Society on Aging explains that older adults are struggling with opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and other drugs, alongside illicit ones such as heroin […]