Spending Time Alone When we are alone, we may reflect on past events, picking over all that happened to us, and believing we are responsible for where we are today. Destructive, useless thoughts, can drive us deeper into self-hatred, shame, and blame. Thankfully, it’s possible to exercise control over these moments, processing our thoughts in […]
Category Archives: Mental Health
Mental Health, Recovery
Reach Out and Develop a Sustainable Trigger Plan During the Holiday Season and Beyond
03
Dec
Dec
For many reasons, the holiday season raises an assortment of red flags around our circle of family and friends, including the resentment and loneliness that may trigger a relapse event. Cultivating safe, supportive peer relationships with those who understand our emotional issues is critical for managing potential triggers. Understanding Triggers Intense social, environmental, or emotional […]
30
Nov
Nov
One of the biggest challenges of being in the throes of addiction is the negative thoughts that permeate despite trying to numb them with drugs and alcohol. Thoughts drive our actions, and if we are filled with negative thoughts, it most likely will lead to negative behaviors. Once you find recovery, you may still find […]
20
Nov
Nov
A step often forgotten or ignored in recovery is getting to know yourself again after losing your identity in the throes of your addiction. Connection to yourself can be found through tools such as meditation and self-reflection practices that provide peace and motivation for maintaining sobriety. Meditation and other practices are common in treating addiction […]
16
Nov
Nov
Considered by many belief systems, pride can be extremely hurtful not only to yourself but more importantly, to your recovery. It can cause you to believe unrealistically about yourself and your capabilities and lead you to take risks they wouldn’t otherwise take. It can make you believe yourself invulnerable to the harms that others face. […]
13
Nov
Nov
College is supposed to be about self-discovery, creating lifelong friendships, developing independence, and seeing what the world has to offer. Unfortunately, your parents, teachers, and other students may place pressure on you to be the person they want you to be, allowing yourself to give in to drugs or alcohol and potentially develop a mental […]
13
Nov
Nov
Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay because, without them, it would be difficult for people to figure out how they might be able to change. A common occurrence seen with making these mistakes is that they can turn into regret. Care needs to be taken when dealing with regret so it can be processed in […]
08
Nov
Nov
Holidays can be hard during early recovery. Many celebrations include drugs or alcohol so keeping away from your temptations and urges is more difficult during the holidays. There are ways to encourage your continued recovery, and each of them can show you that sober fun is possible after detox or addiction treatment. Set Clear Boundaries […]
06
Nov
Nov
You might have voices of doubt telling you that change is not possible. In the past, it may have had you convinced you were not capable of amounting to anything, and that no one in your family amounted to much. Those messages, instilled in you from the time you were born, contributed to how you […]
Mental Health, Treatment
How an Appropriate Wrap-Around Support Network Helps with Substance Abuse Recovery
03
Nov
Nov
Our social network determines not only our outlook in life but also our outcomes. Think about two or three of your closest friends or acquaintances; chances are, you will be similar to them in how you view the world, how you view yourselves, maybe even the type of language you use. Taking the first step […]
