One of the most challenging moments of recovery involves waking up and getting to know what life is without substances or mental health afflictions. At the beginning of our recovery journey, we could feel a bitter sense of emptiness at times. Sometimes it’s a specific life event or substance abuse that brings out that empty […]
Author Archives: Alta Loma
09
Jun
Jun
When a loved one battles with substance abuse, it affects everyone around them. Grandparents may begin to take on more parental roles since that individual can no longer fulfill family responsibilities. Friends may fade away if they notice significant changes in that person. Not only does a person’s social network become affected, but so does […]
08
Jun
Jun
When we talk about treatment for mental health and addiction recovery, sober living homes often enter the conversation a bit later. Nevertheless, they’re an incredibly important aspect of recovery that each person should consider for themselves. Sober living homes are defined as facilities used by those recovering from substance abuse that serve as a transitional […]
07
Jun
Jun
We hear the term “neuroticism” used all the time, especially between friends, loved ones, and when discussing other people. What exactly does it mean? Why is it used so much, and is it being used correctly? Neuroticism is characterized by an individual’s tendency to experience negative emotions, particularly in response to stress. People who are […]
06
Jun
Jun
There are some instances when our loved one’s symptoms are extremely noticeable and we can clearly see that they’re battling with a mental illness, but they may be in complete denial. Stigma and the fear of stigma are often what holds people back from facing the truth about dealing with a mental illness. If your […]
06
Jun
Jun
Relapse is considered a very taboo subject for those in addiction recovery, often because nobody wants to associate themselves with that feeling of “going back,” “failing” or even the sense of “being weak.” Despite what you may have heard about relapse, it is a common occurrence for many of us in recovery. It can be […]
05
Jun
Jun
There’s no denying the fact that alcohol has become a normal part of American culture. It’s used in celebrations, after-work ventures, relaxation on the weekends, and more. Drinking is often seen as a pretty common activity for millions of people across the nation. While there may be no harm in casual drinking, it becomes riskier […]
05
Jun
Jun
Several studies have noted that men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit substances. Despite the growing number of people who classify as having substance use disorders (SUDs), there are many people who still do not seek treatment because they’re unaware that they need help. In many instances, men are […]
04
Jun
Jun
Millions of people across the United States have schizophrenia, yet millions more still do not understand the in-depth nuances that occur with this disorder. Movies depict schizophrenia as solely experiencing paranoia and potentially acting out violence, yet those with this disorder are more likely to hurt themselves than others. Another unknown fact about this disorder […]
04
Jun
Jun
A part of addiction recovery that often goes unspoken is the fact that we change as people. We learn more about who we are, we reinvent ourselves, and we create a life that’s more fitting to what we want. In many cases, this involves a change in social networks. The people we used to abuse […]