Author Archives: Alta Loma

The Power of Nature in Recovery

The Power of Nature in Recovery

While being in nature benefits everyone, it’s essential for people in recovery. Being in nature allows people to unplug and disconnect from their typical environment. Mental health disorders and addiction frequently occur together, and getting back to nature is a helpful addition to any treatment program. People use substances to cope with suffering and underlying […]

Self Compassion: How Can I Help My Son Love Himself Through His Recovery?

How Can I Help My Son Love Himself Through His Recovery?

Practicing self-compassion does not come easily. Addicts and people in recovery experience self-loathing and negative feelings towards themselves. Guilt, shame, and feeling like a failure or disappointment are persistent thoughts in the mind of an addict. Abusing drugs and alcohol becomes a means to cope with and manage these feelings, as well as any pain […]

In Addiction Recovery, How Is Pain Managed?

In Addiction Recovery

A lot of medications used to treat pain and ADHD are habit-forming and have the potential for substance abuse. How can discomfort due to injuries and pain be managed without increasing the risk of relapsing? Pain management and care is the most common reason people seek medical attention. For people in recovery, the risk of […]

A Mother’s Perspective

A Mother's Perspective

Mothers feel an immense need to protect and help their children. Watching your son or daughter disappear and spiral downwards due to mental health issues and substance abuse is an incredibly painful experience. You may feel overwhelmed by guilt, anger, and complete helplessness.    Observed behaviors: Personality: Changes in your child’s personality are one of […]

Addiction and the Teenage Brain: How will drugs impact my teenage son?

Addiction and the Teenage Brain: How will drugs impact my teenage son?

Teens are at a higher risk for developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol due to brain development. The adolescent brain is still under construction and won’t be complete until about twenty-five years of age. Consequently, teens are more likely to have problems with substance abuse and addiction than older adults because of their lack […]

The Importance of Pride, Forgiveness, and Self-Love

The Importance of Pride

 Life in recovery is often liberating, joyous, and brings much-needed peace. But in addition to these positive and affirming feelings, many others may come with it. When considering past behavior, actions, and time wasted, there may be self-loathing or humiliation. But these feelings of self-resentment are a trap, and work must be done to alleviate […]

How Do You Begin a Spiritual Path in Recovery?

How Do You Begin a Spiritual Path in Recovery?

Many of us have heard that spiritual healing is an integral part of recovery. But getting started can feel so daunting.  Do we need another person to guide us?  What if we haven’t practiced any “spiritual stuff”‘ before?  How do we know if we are doing it the “right” way? How do we even begin […]