Author Archives: Alta Loma

How Are Hallucinations Linked to Bipolar Disorder?

vector art of two head silhouettes with scribbles on the inside
[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_repeat=”no-repeat” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” hover_type=”none”][fusion_text] Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by “high” and “low” mood states of mania, hypomania, and depression. People with bipolar type I […]

How to Build Self-Esteem in Recovery

Self-esteem is one of the essential pieces of personality. High self-esteem is a predictor for happiness and healthy relationships, while low self-esteem is a predictor for addiction, depression, and crime. Feeling poorly about yourself can give you the sense that your actions don’t matter, and it can fuel self-destructive behavior, whereas feeling highly of yourself […]

The Importance of Recreation in Addiction Recovery

Science strongly supports the idea that being physically active makes you more emotionally resilient, relieves stress, and makes you feel happier. However, what does science have to say about recreation in general? Thankfully, it isn’t just aerobic activities that feed your brain. Weight lifting and physically active leisure activities both boost your mood. Mental Health, […]

How Is Psychomotor Agitation a Factor in Bipolar Disorder?

photo of a man and his reflection|

Psychomotor agitation is one of the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. It causes a person to feel restless and “wound up,” both physically and mentally. People with bipolar disorder typically describe feeling as if their thoughts are racing, and they may become fidgety and unable to control their movements at rest. If you have bipolar […]

Is Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19 Good for Your Mental Health?

serious man wearing a black cirurgical mask with an orange background|

The purpose of the COVID-19 vaccine is to prevent those who take it from experiencing the severe symptoms of COVID-19. However, positive, unintended consequences also come from getting the vaccine. New research published in PLOS ONE journal titled “COVID-19 Vaccines and Mental Distress” has shown that those who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine have experienced better […]

Understanding Opiate Replacement Therapy

doctor with a serious face is holding a white notepad|||medical equipment

Opioids are often found in the form of prescription medications for pain relief; however, some illegal opioids include heroin and fentanyl. This class of drugs can be highly addictive, and withdrawals can be intensely uncomfortable if undergone without assistance. Withdrawal symptoms can be a significant barrier to full recovery from addiction, but medications can often […]

How Can Mirror Gazing Help You Love Yourself More?

Vector Cartoon in Flat Style of a young Woman with her reflection
[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_repeat=”no-repeat” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” hover_type=”none” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text] We are used to thinking of people who stare at themselves in the mirror for long periods of […]

How to Know Your Medication Is Working

doctor writing notes on notepad|doctor writing notes on chart

A client who is undergoing treatment may be prescribed medication for several different reasons. With psychiatric treatment, medication is often an additional tool to help clients feel better and progress towards better mental health. With addiction, some medications have been proven to help clients stay in recovery. Receiving treatment for addiction while taking medication is […]

What Is the Importance of Accepting Powerlessness in Recovery?

two women sitting on rock facing on body of water and mountain|

In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the first step is “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.” This means admitting that alcohol is negatively impacting your thinking, your feelings, and your actions. Admitting your powerlessness over alcohol is a great step towards a positive direction. Tell Someone When You Want […]