Traumatic events shape you. Whether it’s a childhood experience or something you faced as an adult, these situations change how you see the world and how you view yourself. It’s not uncommon to hear that someone who has suffered a traumatic experience now struggles with addiction. Too often, trauma leads to alcoholism or drug abuse.…
Everyone feels a little nervous when meeting new people, but social anxiety is much more than feeling a bit anxious in public spaces. Feeling shy usually goes away once you meet people or have a great conversation. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) causes heightened self-consciousness and an intense fear of being negatively judged by others. It’s…
Addiction is a deeply personal experience. During your recovery, you may find it difficult to communicate your story or verbalize how you feel. Unfortunately, many addiction programs focus on talking about what you’ve been through. When the words don’t come easily, art therapy for substance abuse can help bridge the gap between you and others, giving…
Whether you consider yourself a social butterfly or a wallflower, all humans are social beings. There’s hardly a moment in your life when you aren’t interacting with someone else or benefiting from their activities. It’s not surprising, then, that our happiness connects to our relationship with others. Loneliness is a serious epidemic that is overshadowed…
There’s something pure and healing about the natural world. Hiking through the mountains on a crisp fall morning. Sitting on the shore, watching waves crash on the sand. Staring up at the dark night sky. These images evoke powerful feelings within us. Nature therapy for depression and drug addiction is the idea that spending time…
There’s something about celebrations that call for toasting with friends and family with a beverage in hand. Whether you’re celebrating the Yuletide with a cheery drink or enjoying a chilled refreshment during those hot summer months, drinks are a common way to socialize throughout the year. Just because you’re in recovery, doesn’t mean you can’t…
Over 19 million people in the United States struggle with substance use disorder. This number represents countless lives impacted by drug and alcohol abuse. Spouses, parents, children, family members and close friends — addiction brings devastation and trauma to everyone it touches. Addiction is a disease that destroys trust and wreaks havoc on the family dynamic.…
The holidays are upon us once again. This time of gift-giving and generosity is one of the happiest seasons. Sadly, it can also lead to a lot of stress, especially since Christmas is one of the most difficult times on everyone’s wallet. For those in recovery, avoiding stressful triggers is an essential part of guarding your…
If you’ve ever been to a rave or dance party, you or someone you know may have used club drugs. These chemical substances are meant to stimulate the senses and heighten the experience of the party. Yet club drugs are far from innocent — in fact, they are quite dangerous and even deadly. What Are Club…
Becoming an athlete takes years of training, practice and endurance combined with a healthy lifestyle and innate talent. Professional sports players are some of the most popular celebrities. But there’s a dark side to the lifestyle of being a star athlete — substance abuse. Many of today’s top athletes have struggled with addiction to drugs or…