Author Archives: Alta Loma

Alternatives to God as a “Higher Power” in a 12-Step Program

Alternatives to God as a “Higher Power” in a 12-Step Program

Most of us have heard of the 12-Step program before, but we may still be fuzzy on the details. According to the American Addiction Center’s website, the 12-Step program was first pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The “steps” include the reliance on a “higher power,” and this model is used by 74% of addiction centers. […]

How Do You Know You Are Drinking Too Much?

What Happens to Your Mind and Body When You Quit Weed?

Being in quarantine can leave you with a lot of free time. It is stressful, and you may feel like you have nothing to do while locked up in your house. A lot of people choose to kill this extra time with alcohol. By learning healthy coping methods, you can identify whether your drinking is […]

Why It Can Be Harder to Get Help as a Man

Why It Can Be Harder to Get Help as a Man|Why It Can Be Harder to Get Help as a Man

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and men have higher rates of use and dependence than women. This also holds true for alcohol dependence, as men meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence at a rate of 4.5% compared to 2.5% in women, […]

Who is Recovering Addict Nolan Neal on America’s Got Talent?

Learning Life Skills Outside of Your Treatment Center

NBC’s talent competition show “America’s Got Talent” is known not only for its showcasing talent but also for the backstories of the contestants. One contestant had a heartbreaking backstory about his dark past that led to his addiction and eventually, his recovery. Nashville contestant Nolan Neal touched the hearts of the judges and the audience […]

Tips for Dealing with Your Year of No Romance

Tips for Dealing with Your Year of No Romance|

According to an article published by American Addiction Centers entitled “Guide to Sober Dating,” a lot of treatment programs don’t recommend that their clients seek romantic or sexual relationships in the first year of treatment. The first year in recovery is the hardest. You will need to dedicate your time, energy, and focus on fixing […]

How Can SoberBuddy App Help with Recovery?

Support is an essential component of addiction recovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be hard to visit your support system when you are in quarantine. Luckily, there is an app called SoberBuddy that will give you a virtual companion to offer you the resources you need to have a successful recovery. What is SoberBuddy? […]

Tips for Positive Thinking in the Backlash of COVID-19

Tips for Positive Thinking in the Backlash of COVID-19

When you’re in a bad mood or in a “low place,” positive thinking sounds like a bunch of crap, if you’re being honest. That, however, is just your mind playing tricks on you. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that being optimistic can actually have many health benefits. The Mayo Clinic notes that […]

Can E-Cigarettes Cause You to Relapse in Smoking?

Can E-Cigarettes Cause You to Relapse in Smoking?

Medical News Bulletin says that 34 million Americans smoke and that smoking starts typically in a person’s teen years. When youth are encouraged to pick up flavored alternatives like vaping, it can actually increase the number of young smokers. You must abstain from vaping if you used to smoke, as it can increase your chances […]

What Can a Study About a Sea Slug Teach Us About Drug Addiction?

What Can a Study About a Sea Slug Teach Us About Drug Addiction?

The choices our brain makes may seem smart, but could actually leave disastrous results for our bodies. For example, drugs and alcohol may have empty calories, but our brains still crave them because of how they make us feel. Recently, the University of Illinois decided to use a sea slug to study the cravings of […]