Tag Archives: Triggers

Peer Pressure and Substance Use: How Do I Walk Away?

Peer Pressure and Substance Use: How Do I Walk Away?

“Peer pressure” is most commonly associated with misbehaving high school students, but the phenomenon can occur at any age. As you continue on your journey in recovery, you may find friends, coworkers, and other acquaintances urging you to engage in group activities that involve substances despite your efforts to maintain sobriety. When the pressure to […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Substance Abuse

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Substance Abuse

The American Psychiatric Association reports that nearly 5% of adults living in the US experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a major depressive disorder that manifests symptoms during some seasons, namely fall and winter, but not all. Individuals with untreated SAD are at a higher risk of substance abuse, but knowing the symptoms and treatments for […]

Mental Health Benefits of Video Journaling

Mental Health Benefits of Video Journaling

Journaling is a popular practice among individuals recovering from substance addiction, but the activity isn’t for everyone. Taking pen to paper can be tedious, and even typing becomes a chore when you have a lot to say. In the time of high-definition phone cameras and free media editing software or apps, it’s time to explore […]

How Can We Cope with Trauma Triggers on Television?

How Can We Cope with Trauma Triggers on Television?

It can be scary when we see realistic depictions of tragic events and real-life trauma. “Orange Is the New Black” showed an inmate dying in a way similar to the death of George Floyd. The new season of “13 Reasons Why” showed a protest against the police, just like our country is currently dealing with. […]

What’s the Difference Between Craving and Mental Obsession?

What’s the Difference Between Craving and Mental Obsession?

If you have ever been in treatment, you have probably heard the term “craving” before. It’s often said that we have a three-part disorder – mental obsession, spiritual malady, and the phenomenon of craving. The phenomenon of craving is the main distinction between those of us who have a substance use disorder (SUD) and those […]

Relapse: What Is the Cause, and What Prevents It?

Relapse: What Is the Cause

Concern about relapse is common for recovering addicts and their loved ones. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40-60 percent of those in recovery will relapse. (www.drugabuse.gov) There are many causes for relapse and practices to help prevent the possibility.    Addiction: Addiction is a chronic disease, and recovery is a life-long process. […]

Triggers: Their Relationship to Psychological Issues and Addictions

triggers

People who endure traumatic events can experience issues when something in their environment triggers distressing memories associated with the event and their connected thoughts and emotions to these memories. Triggers may set off a re-memory, or flashback, that transports the individual back to the event of the original trauma.  What Are Triggers? Personally formed through […]

Harvard Study Links Emotions with Substance Abuse

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People are aware that smoking can destroy your lungs and your life. What if emotions are what come into play to make us want to smoke? Harvard University did four studies to see just how emotions come into play when feeling tempted to smoke. The Goal of the Studies A team of researchers conducted four […]

How Construction Working Can Make You Prone to Addiction

It can be tough and demanding to be a construction worker. It can be even more challenging when your job causes you to succumb to addiction. It is important for construction workers to seek help for their addiction so that they can have a clear mind and optimal performance for work. Study Reveals Addiction Among […]