Category Archives: Recovery

The Danger of Self-Medicating for a Mental Illness

Danger of Self-Medication

You may be using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate an underlying mental illness. Some people have a “dual diagnosis” of mental illness and addiction; often, addiction begins as a means to self-medicate. You may have struggled with anxiety and found that alcohol “calms your nerves.” You might have had difficulty staying awake during the day […]

Tricking Our Brains to Start Something New

Finding Hobbies

When experiencing mental illness symptoms, your mind might be chatting away in negative or anxious thought patterns. You may get caught up in your mind and feed into these thoughts easily. You can learn to get out of your head and get back into your life! You might need something new to find your focus. […]

How Can Mindfulness Help with Racial Trauma?

The ongoing police violence and the nationwide protests targeting people of color have had a traumatizing affect on many members of the community. Unaddressed, this trauma can cause lasting damage to both physical and emotional well-being. Practicing mindfulness after a protest or any encounter with racism, can reduce stress and anxiety and improve the ability […]

How Did a Broadway Star Turn His Life Around After Drugs and Alcohol?

broadway

When Broadway star Brandon Leffler discovered dance he found his passion. Unfortunately, the demanding life of theater led him down a spiraling path of alcohol and substance addiction that almost cost him his dream. By going into addiction recovery, Brandon Leffler returned to sweeping people off their feet with his talent, that was now fueled […]

What Makes a Great Mental Health Mentor?

What Makes a Great Mental Health Mentor? Being a mental health mentor requires the ability to understand a variety of mental illnesses and knowing the best course of treatment for them. By knowing what it takes to be the best mental health mentor to someone, you can help people who are dealing with mental health […]

What Does “The Opioid Fix” Say About Stopping Overdoses?

overdose

The isolation, despair and economic hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic may be causing the opioid epidemic to grow worse. According to Barbara Andraka-Christou, assistant professor of health management and informatics at the University of Central Florida, says that overdoses have already gone up in the first half of the year. In Andraka-Christou’s new book […]

What Coping Habits Should You Avoid in Treating Anxiety?

sleep and anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety – like rapid heartbeat and excessive worry – can make it very hard to function. You may think you know how to treat your anxiety, but your coping methods may be making you feel worse. It is important to be aware of activities to avoid doing in treating your anxiety to […]

Residential Treatment: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Residential Treatment: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Professional treatment is the most effective strategy for combating substance use disorder. A 2006 study reveals that 62% of individuals who sought professional assistance for a SUD were succeeding in recovery three years after treatment, whereas only 43% of those who did not seek professional help saw progress in recovery. Nearly 57% of those who […]

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is a lifelong process that requires you to address and eradicate unhealthy behaviors developed during an extended period of substance abuse. The journey to recovery is not always smooth or comfortable, especially during your first months of sobriety. You will have to face the underlying causes of your SUD […]

Shake Up Your Self-Care Routine

Shake Up Your Self-Care Routine

Simple acts of self-care like preparing your favorite healthy meal or taking a few minutes to meditate may seem insignificant, but those little acts go a long way! Caring for your mind and body is important in recovery. The work you do in therapy is difficult, and you may find yourself feeling exhausted and, after […]