Author Archives: Alta Loma

How to Navigate Social Isolation in Addiction Recovery

Redefining Intimacy with a Partner during Recovery

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) means everyone is isolated from one another. Some have family, others are totally by themselves. If you have an addiction and mental health issues, it can mean becoming even further isolated. With addiction, or in recovery, this can be a dangerous thing. To stay healthy, people need social interaction. Mental health […]

What’s the Deal with Viibryd Abuse?

What Types of People Do I Need in My Support Network?

Many different drugs and substances are out there that cause addiction. Some people become addicted to alcohol, other pills, and yet others try multiple things because they give them different feelings from each substance. The reality of addiction is complicated. Viibryd is one drug many may not have heard about but it is a medication […]

5 Ways to Cope with Boredom in Addiction Recovery

5 Ways to Cope with Boredom in Addiction Recovery

It’s not good to bored too much early on when recovering from addiction. Boredom is an opportunity for negative thinking to start creeping back in. It’s also an opportunity to slip back into old habits, whether it’s getting in touch with people who might be a negative influence on your recovery or actually drinking or […]

What Are Common Alcohol Use Triggers?

Peer Pressure and Substance Use: How Do I Walk Away?

Addiction treatment programs are not a panacea. They don’t cure addiction but they can help people find hope and healing for the day-by-day walk forward. Knowledge is power when it comes to recovery. Triggers are things that get in the way of recovery, that pop-up and create struggles for people to move on from addictive […]

5 Ways to Overcome Loneliness

How are Marijuana and Anxiety Related?

Loneliness is not healthy for anyone and it’s especially not healthy for anyone recovering from addiction or mental illness. Loneliness has been linked to greater risk of health problems, depression, and early death. No one wants to be lonely but it’s not always easy to know what to do about it. Here are some suggestions […]

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep in Recovery

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep in Recovery

Getting plenty of quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Many studies have found that too little sleep can lead to more feelings of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Even modest sleep deficits can lead to poor concentration, less self-control, poor emotional regulation, and other cognitive […]

5 Ways to Keep Anger from Ruining Your Recovery

5 Ways to Keep Anger from Ruining Your Recovery

Everyone gets angry sometimes. Anger is a normal reaction to being attacked or being treated unfairly. It can even be healthy if you use it to motivate you to make positive changes. However, dealing with anger constructively is hard. Too often, we lash out or act impulsively. This can have consequences from alienating friends and […]

5 Tips for Staying Sober While on Vacation

5 Tips for Staying Sober While on Vacation

A vacation is a great time to relax and recharge. Everyone needs a break from time to time and traveling is a great way to have new experiences and come home with a fresh perspective. However, it’s important to remember that a vacation from your regular life is not also a vacation from your recovery. […]

What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?

What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?

The opioid epidemic keeps getting worse every year. In 2107, more than 47,000 people died of opioid-related overdoses. With growing awareness of the problem, there are now more treatment options than ever. However, for many people, fear of withdrawal is a major obstacle to seeking treatment. Opioid withdrawal is almost never fatal but it is […]

5 Things to Do When You Come Home from Treatment

5 Things to Do When You Come Home from Treatment

Residential addiction treatment is a great way to start recovery but it’s still just a start. In treatment, you learn healthy coping skills, you have time to break old habits, you get started making healthy lifestyle changes, and you get therapy for any co-occurring mental health issues that might underlie your addiction. After treatment, you […]