Undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues can lead to substance use, as the need to alleviate painful and misunderstood symptoms increases. Unfortunately, this method of coping can have dire consequences, as addictions and lethal dependencies develop. The situation becomes compounded, as now both mental health and addiction need to be addressed and tended to. […]
12
May
May
Whatever we are healing from issues with mental health or struggles with substance abuse, the process requires tremendous commitment, vigilance, determination, and courage. Health and recovery are more than full-time jobs and ask so much of our spirit, mind, and body. While this complete focus on health and wellness is necessary, it puts other […]
12
May
May
The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) community is at higher risk for substance abuse than the heterosexual population. This risk is due to issues surrounding homosexuality in the United States. Consequently, the LGBTQ community is at a higher risk of having mental health disorders that lead to substance abuse and addiction. Contributing factors […]
11
May
May
Addiction impacts the entire family. Substance abuse co-occurring with psychiatric disorders can make matters even worse, taking a toll on everyone involved. Substance abuse affects the family unit emotionally and financially, destroying relationships once central to the addict’s life. Emotional Impact Family members experience emotions ranging from guilt and embarrassment to confusion, denial, […]
11
May
May
Living with undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues, or experiencing severe substance abuse without any support, can cause severe internal and external confusion. Our bodies and minds can confuse chaos with the feeling of being alive. We confuse drama and intensity for real adventure and excitement. We suffer swings of serious depression or ecstasy […]
10
May
May
The struggle with mental health and addiction can leave our lives in chaos and uncertainty. In addition to our own experience and feelings of sadness and depression, this struggle can profoundly impact our loved ones, families, and friends. Once we commit to recovery, it can be challenging and painful to reflect on the damage we […]
08
May
May
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 […]
07
May
May
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 […]
07
May
May
The inhalation of nicotine has been around since the 1920s. It wasn’t until 2003, however, that vaping came to the United States. Now, vaping has become an epidemic among teenagers and is also used by many adults. What is Vaping? Vaping devices are e-cigarettes and e-vaporizers that resemble a pen or flash drive. They […]
06
May
May
Addiction and mental health issues can be painfully disempowering, and lead us to fall silent regarding our needs, wants, and wishes. It can lead us to believe that we are deserving of any disrespect, judgment, or insults we receive. It can cause us to not speak up for ourselves and to not stand up for […]
