Author Archives: Alta Loma

How Do You Overcome Exercise Anxiety?

Exercise

While many people exercise to ease stress, others find that working out increases their anxiety. There can be many reasons for exercise-induced stress. Social pressure to conform to a certain body image; feeling overwhelmed by the many fitness options; setting unattainable goals; and body acceptance are just a few reasons people may feel anxiety around […]

Severe Mental Illness Increases Risk of COVID-19

Severe mental illness, which includes bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, may put a person at increased risk for developing COVID-19. Living with unfamiliar and unprecedented rules related to quarantine and safety procedures that are now mandated is difficult enough for people who do not deal with mental health issues. Factor in a severe mental illness, and […]

How Did John Goodman Tackle His Alcoholism?

|healthy recovery

John Goodman is a talented actor known for his breakout role as Dan Conner in “Roseanne” as well as “Monster’s Inc.,” “The Flintstones,” and more. Goodman has also had his struggles dealing with alcoholism and overeating. By understanding John Goodman’s story of addiction recovery, we can learn that anyone can struggle with addiction and can […]

Loss of College Sports Can Cause Athletes to Turn to Campus Party Life

college athlete

College sports are a big part of the lives of many students, none more so than the athletes themselves. The beginning of a new school year means a busy time for college athletes. Training, working out, and playing their chosen sport occupies a lot of time during the college year.  Drugs and Alcohol as an […]

Can Hand Sanitizer Cause A Hangover?

hand sanitizer

With the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, many people have been careful about washing their hands, whether it is with soap or hand sanitizer. A recent study in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism says that inhaling alcohol fumes from hand sanitizer can cause alcohol to reach the bloodstream. One man experienced the symptoms of a […]

Starting a Gratitude Journal Rewires Your Thoughts

writing journal

It’s easy to dismiss the idea of using a gratitude journal as part of recovery. If you’re not familiar with one, it may sound like an exercise in faking happiness. This kind of journal does not negate any negative feelings. Instead, it teaches you to count the positives that happen as you work on your […]

How Did DJ and Podcast Host Matt Pinfield Recover From Addiction During Quarantine?

covid depression

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of people who are struggling with addiction, cutting them off from the support that is so vital to their recovery. DJ, MTV VJ, and podcast host of “In a Lonely Place,” Matt Pinfield was one of countless individuals whose addiction recovery was further complicated by the pandemic. With […]

What Role Does Insomnia Play in Substance Use Disorders?

What Role Does Insomnia Play in Substance Use Disorders?

Insomnia and substance use disorders (SUD) are often co-existing conditions. A person suffering from chronic insomnia is 5-10 times more likely to develop a SUD than somebody with normal sleep patterns. Insomnia, a disorder that prevents sleep, is often caused by stress. Acute insomnia is short-term and often occurs before a major stress-causing event like […]

Assuming New Responsibilities After Rehab

Assuming New Responsibilities After Rehab

As you acclimate to life outside of your rehabilitation center, you will adopt new responsibilities in your life: walking the dog, cleaning your home, and caring for your body are some of the potential duties that you will assume after graduating from a residential treatment program. You are now in control of your schedule and, […]

How Can I Focus on My Needs When My Parent Develops Alcohol Use Disorder?

How Can I Focus on My Needs When My Parent Develops Alcohol Use Disorder?

When a parent develops an addiction to alcohol, shifts in mood and behaviors altered by the addictive substance can inflict unintentional trauma on each member of the family and the familial unit. If your parent exhibits signs of alcohol reliance, such as irritability, memory loss, drinking constantly, drinking alone, and ranking drinking above other activities, […]