Author Archives: Alta Loma

How Does Sharing My Story Help Others?

How Does Sharing My Story Help Others?

We hear of others telling their stories in recovery all the time – but you may be thinking, “Why should I do this?” Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or have been working towards sobriety for quite some time, it’s an important question to ask yourself. Sharing your story is a vulnerable task. […]

The Ups and Downs of Recovery for Family

Options for Funding Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

When a person battles with addiction, their family members – those who are closest to them – face many emotions that can be characterized almost as feeling as though they’re on a roller coaster. The addicted family member and those within the family may be wondering, “How did this happen?”, “What am I supposed to […]

Our Ever-Changing Roles in Recovery

Coping With Crisis During Recovery

If you were to take a moment to explain who you are, what type of words would you use to describe yourself? Would you explain that you’re a friend, lover, family member, cook, or an adventurer? What’s interesting about these labels is that the very ones we choose almost always are in relation to other […]

Your Guidebook to Relapse Cues

Religion and Spirituality in Recovery

Relapse is probably one of the most commonly feared aspects of recovery, yet there is so much insight that can be gained from discussing and learning about it. While relapse prevention is certainly an important area of exploration for those in sobriety, relapse itself can teach people a lot about what’s working for them in […]

How Can I Overcome Seasonal Depression?

Living Alone During Recovery

Now that it’s summertime, the days of winter are over which means that, with more sunlight and weather changes, those who battle with seasonal depression can begin recovering. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects approximately 4-6% of people in the United States. Those who live in more northern regions are more likely to experience symptoms of […]

Challenging Dynamics of Group Therapy

Negative Body Image and Substance Reliance

If you’ve been looking into treatment options or heard stories from others in recovery, you may have heard about group therapy. Many recovery programs include speaking with a therapist in what’s called psychotherapy or talk therapy. Psychotherapy is an excellent way for you to explore a number of issues pertaining to your life, even if […]

Is It Possible to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders Such As Bipolar Disorder and ADHD?

Healthy Ways to Reintegrate into Your Family's Lives

Dual diagnosis occurs when a person has two co-occurring disorders at the same time. This affects millions of people each year. If you have a dual diagnosis, it’s important that you seek as soon as possible to begin treatment. Dual diagnoses can involve a variety of symptoms which can make it difficult to actively participate […]

How Can I Build My Quality of Life in Recovery?

How Sugar Can Affect Your Mental Health

When we talk about quality of life (QOL), we’re talking about an important aspect of addiction recovery because over time, you’re going to want to build a life that is conducive to your happiness and health. You’ll often hear people talk about QOL if they are in the field of psychology, but it’s also important […]

What Encompasses a Co-Occurring Disorder Like PTSD and Alcoholism?

What’s the Difference Between Craving and Mental Obsession?

When we’re faced with a traumatic event, stress kicks in. The hippocampus (the area of the brain that stores memories) holds onto the trauma of what happened even years after the event occurred. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very serious condition that can develop in a person soon after a traumatic event, and it […]

Why Sharing in 12-Step Meetings Is Crucial to Your Success

The Risks of Prescription Opioid Addiction

As you pursue sobriety, you’ll find that it requires consistent dedication and effort in order to achieve excellent results. 12-Step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, are fantastic support groups to help you build an maintain motivation in both your recovery journey and in strengthening your relationship with God or another Higher Power. […]