To put it plainly, stress can lead to substance abuse. Stress and relapse are unfortunately intrinsically linked because when the level of stress is high during recovery, you are more likely to experience a relapse. Learning how to manage, cope with, and control stress in a relapse prevention program is essential for a successful recovery.…
A meditation therapy program can help focus the mind and calm an individual struggling with substance abuse. Meditation and addiction treatment can go hand in hand, as you follow a path toward a lifelong recovery. During rehab, a person may experience a wide range of emotions and triggers that can be challenging to manage. Thanks…
None of us are perfect, and we have made mistakes and choices that we regret. Everyone has been hurt or wronged by someone at some point. If someone has hurt you, you know how hard it can be to extend forgiveness. If you have hurt or wronged another, you understand how good it feels to…
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In the United States, depression impacts millions of adolescents and adults. Depression does not occur in a bubble. When someone suffers from depression, its impacts are also felt by friends and family. Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects different people differently. Further, different types…
Our nation’s military service members, both veterans and those still on active duty, are at greater risk for mental health and substance use disorders than the general population. A life of service in the military presents unique challenges for service members and their families. When service members are deployed, families have to adapt to a…
We hear a lot of talk about depression, yet it is still widely misunderstood. People often say they are depressed when what they are truly feeling is sadness. This generalization of the term has contributed to the many misconceptions about clinical depression, including the belief that people should just be able to snap out of…
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made from the leaves of the coca plant. In powder form, it is usually snorted but can also be liquified to be injected. Crack is a more potent crystallized form of cocaine that is smoked. A stimulant, cocaine impacts the central nervous system (CNS) by blocking norepinephrine, dopamine, and…
Trauma is the psychological and physical response to an event that challenges your sense of safety and leaves you feeling overwhelmed. About half of all people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma symptoms usually ease over time as the mind processes the event. However, sometimes the brain gets stuck in…
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders throughout the world. Since the inception of COVID-19, reported rates of depression have spiked dramatically. More than just temporary feelings of sadness that everyone experiences from time to time, clinical depression significantly impacts a person’s ability to function in daily life. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)…
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion that ranges from mild irritation to intense rage. Anger is generally viewed as a negative emotion, but it does have positive benefits. For example, anger can motivate us to solve problems and stand up to injustices. However, anger is harmful when it results in impulsive, aggressive, or destructive behaviors.…