Author Archives: Alta Loma

Where Self-Care Meets Healing and Restoration in Addiction Recovery

Where Self-Care Meets Healing and Restoration in Addiction Recovery

A common buzzword in mental health, lifestyle and addiction recovery platforms, “self-care” has become increasingly popular over the past year – but what exactly does it mean? While everyone could technically define self-care in their own way, Habits for Wellbeing, a website that publishes content related to mental, physical and spiritual wellness, highlights what self-care […]

How Common is Driving While Intoxicated?

How Common is Driving While Intoxicated?

We hear of unfortunate cases all of the time; in the news, on social media, through friends and family – it’s devastating, and it happens more than we’d like to admit. Substances have a way of affecting a region in the brain that’s responsible for executive functioning (such as critical thinking skills, assessing consequences of […]

Building Support in Treatment: Why It’s Important and Tips for Success

Building Support in Treatment: Why It’s Important and Tips for Success

In 2016, researchers published a study in the journal Addiction Recovery & Theory that explored individuals’ recovery journeys. The outcomes of their study revealed that those in addiction recovery go through some incredibly changes, especially when it comes to their social identity – and it makes sense, because the people and groups we associate ourselves […]

What is the Difference Between Dependence and Addiction?

What is the Difference Between Dependence and Addiction?

In the world of addiction recovery, it becomes an intense, complex dialogue when people begin discussing what constitutes as dependence versus addiction. It’s a rather highly debated topic – because some would say that they’re one in the same. If we turn to highly qualified resources, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), […]

Defining Mental Health Recovery and What People Need to Thrive

Defining Mental Health Recovery and What People Need to Thrive

Mental health is an incredibly important part of our holistic wellbeing, yet many of us neglect this aspect of healing because we can’t physically see it. The way we think, feel and behave all provide incredibly telling signs as to the state of our mental health, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Health […]

What Does Abstinence Mean in Terms of Addiction Recovery?

What Does Abstinence Mean in Terms of Addiction Recovery?

Abstinence is a common term used in addiction recovery, but there are often questions as to what constitutes as abstinence and what doesn’t. There are many situations that individuals may deem as “gray areas” – ones that, in certain circumstances, could appear to be opportunities that are okay for “only one drink” or two; for […]

The Stages of Recovery For Those With Depression: What You Need to Know

Bi-Polar Disorder and Addiction - What You Need To Know

Depression is the leading source of debilitation worldwide – and the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that with more than 300 million people struggling with this disorder, it’s a major contributor to disease as well. For those who battle depression everyday, the hopelessness and darkness felt inside can feel utterly heart wrenching. Many people with […]

Are Cravings Dangerous for People Trying to Recover?

Are Cravings Dangerous for People Trying to Recover?

Cravings are an incredibly common experience for those recovering from addiction, no matter how long they’ve been in recovery; fortunately, they do fade away the longer a person is sober. Throughout the first year of recovery, cravings can reach their peak intensity – and if a person isn’t careful, they may find that relapse takes […]

Exploring Dual Recovery: Recent Study Highlights This Journey

Exploring Dual Recovery: Recent Study Highlights This Journey

When a person experiences two conditions occurring simultaneously, they’re battling a co-occurring disorder – also known as co-morbidity or dual diagnosis. The treatment for this can be complex because there are two sets of symptoms at play – and in some cases, the symptoms may overlap. Many people find that their conditions are difficult to […]

What Cognitive Deficits Can Alcoholism Cause?

What Cognitive Deficits Can Alcoholism Cause?

While it doesn’t happen right away, long-term substance abuse of any kind can cause some significant deficits. Alcoholism is a complex and dynamic disease, with so many factors that can influence a person’s vulnerability to it. The types of dysfunction that can derive from alcoholism may range from mild to severe – but by knowing […]