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 […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
07
Jun
Jun
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 […]
06
Jun
Jun
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 […]
06
Jun
Jun
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 […]
05
Jun
Jun
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 […]
05
Jun
Jun
In many cases, substance use disorders (SUDS) or mental illness don’t occur alone; whether we realize it or not, it’s possible that both may be present at the same time. Co-occurring disorders, also known as co-morbidity or dual diagnosis, is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as, “Two or more disorders or […]
04
Jun
Jun
For so many years, it was a commonly held belief that those who battled with addiction chose to do so – and it’s perpetuated harmful stigmas surrounding moral strength, laziness, etc. Scientists have been studying the realm of addiction for well over a decade and have found that while the initial substance use is in […]
04
Jun
Jun
Our society has become more open towards mental illness and the challenges that so many of us face – yet there are still many instances in which either our loved ones or ourselves may be battling with a condition we didn’t even know we had. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reminds us that in many […]
03
Jun
Jun
A few years ago, addiction recovery writer Holly Glenn Whitaker shared her story of utilizing yoga to boost her own recovery journey on her website, Hip Sobriety. She explained: “[Yoga] turned around my anxiety entirely and within a few months, not only was I panic attack free, but I was also somewhat of a new […]
03
Jun
Jun
It typically begins with recreational use. We’re out having fun with a few friends, or we get home from work one day and we want to find a way to wind down. It feels so harmless – after all, we’re not abusing the substance yet and our intentions of using are quite simple. What happens […]
