Author Archives: Alta Loma

What Are Proven Ways to Relieve Stress in 10 Minutes or Less?

When was the last time you truly took time to yourself to destress from the chaos of life? The American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” 2020 survey found that one in five adults believe their mental health is worse now compared to the previous year. Instead of leaving this stress untreated, consider dedicating at least […]

Benefits of Physical Touch for Mental Health

For some people, physical touch is not considered to be good for mental health. They may view it as others invading their space or feel vulnerable when someone gets too close to them. However, consensual physical touch has numerous benefits for mental health that many individuals are unaware of. By learning about these benefits, you […]

How Can Nightly Affirmations Improve Your Mental Health?

Anxiety or depression can negatively impact sleep. If you find it hard to fall asleep or have a hard time getting out of bed, you might benefit from relaxation techniques like nightly affirmations to help put your mind at ease before bedtime. Nightly affirmations can increase your focus, quiet your mind and make you less […]

How Are Emergency Rooms Failing Patients Who Struggle With Addiction?

On March 11, 2020, Suzanne Rybak admitted her son, Jameson, to the emergency room to treat his opioid addiction. While the emergency room gave Jameson medication to treat his withdrawal symptoms, they failed to secure continuing care for him at an inpatient facility, causing him to leave the hospital with no plan on how to […]

Letting Go of Toxic Friendships

Recovering from addiction requires numerous changes in your life. Some are easier than others, but all are necessary if you wish to sustain long-term sobriety. One of the hardest things people in recovery experience is letting go of friendships that no longer serve them. For many in recovery, success means prioritizing sobriety over everything else […]

What Does Science Tell Us About the Link Between Alcohol and Cancer?

Alcohol can have deadly effects on the body that can be irreversible if a person doesn’t seek treatment. Alcohol is said to be responsible for one in 20 deaths around the world. A new study published in the journal Lancet Oncology titled “Global Burden of Cancer in 2020 Attributable to Alcohol Consumption: A Population-Based Study” […]

Mindfulness Exercises for Staying Present

There are many ways to bolster your recovery over time and ensure you remain on the path to successful and sustained sobriety. Mindfulness is one of the best ways to stay present and cope with anxious thoughts, cravings, and negative feelings you may experience in recovery. Understanding the importance of mindfulness and what exercises you […]

Adjusting to Medications: How to Know If a New Medication Is Right for You

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Switching to a new medication involves an adjustment period, no matter who you are. This period can be challenging, as initially, you may feel as though the new medication isn’t working. Your doctor or those around you may tell you to wait a couple of days or weeks to ensure that your body has time […]

Keeping Your Needs in Mind When Seeking Treatment

Deciding to seek treatment for addiction is a significant step in your path towards recovery. Making that choice is not easy, and the steps you need to take to follow through with your decision can seem daunting. Realizing that you have to research various facilities, learn what they offer, and decide how they best match […]