Addiction

Addiction takes a physical toll on the body, especially the brain. The brain's normal activity can be negatively altered when substance abuse is left untreated. Neurofeedback therapy works to identify these abnormalities and reform them back to a healthy brain pattern. Discover the process of neurofeedback therapy and how it is a safe treatment for those struggling with their mental health and addiction.

Cannabis addiction is often overlooked within our society. Because cannabis use is legal in several states, people avoid viewing it as a problem and often deny its addictive potential. For this reason, cannabis use is not frequently talked about, allowing many false assumptions to thrive. Learning about those false assumptions is a great way to become educated about mental health and make sure that individuals have an accurate view of cannabis use.

Despite being often prescribed by doctors for anxiety, Xanax is considered highly addictive. Even those who properly use the drug as prescribed are at a high risk of abusing the substance. Are you unsure whether you or a loved one may have a Xanax addiction? Learn more about the drug, the signs of addiction, and how Xanax addiction can be fully treated.

Addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) are extremely complex. So many different factors can play a role in addiction and it can be hard to separate those factors. Addiction can have strong physical, psychological, and social components. Additionally, genetic factors can influence your risk for SUD. If you have a family history of addiction, then you may be wondering how that could impact you. Let's discuss the role that genetics can play in addiction and recovery.

Healing is not possible alone. It can be scary to let others in on your healing process. This is especially true when opening up to others, expressing yourself, and allowing yourself to be seen hasn't felt safe in previous relationships. Learning to cultivate healthy relationships again is often part of recovery. Being part of a peer support group, such as a 12-Step program, can provide space for you to connect with others walking a similar path, work through the 12 Steps, and begin to cultivate your sober lifestyle.

Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression can make it difficult to believe in yourself. You may struggle to experience greater depths of confidence, worthiness, and safety to be who you are. Disorders such as these can mask your ability to trust, be, and express your authentic self with the world.

Individuals often experience and express anger as a secondary emotion. This means that when people feel anger, they are often feeling it in response to another emotion that drives anger as a defense mechanism. Beginning to see anger as the tip of an iceberg and discovering what is underneath the surface can help individuals regulate it and other emotions.

Those who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol may also struggle with a lack of self-respect. Addiction can cause individuals to behave in strange and often surprising ways. Developing self-respect will allow individuals to find the strength to pursue recovery and create a gratitude-filled life.

Recovering from mental illness can be challenging at times. Healing is not linear, and challenging moments can make it tempting to give up. Although, choosing to lean in when you want to lean out of recovery is what leads to self-trust, self-confidence, and healing in ways that you may never have thought possible.

Recovery from substance use and mental illness is not linear. While recovery takes time, it may feel as if you are never doing enough or that you should be further along in your recovery. This mindset can keep you from celebrating how far you have come and enjoying all you have accomplished.

Recovery means something different to everyone. Just as healing is not one-size-fits-all, what recovery means to each person is going to be different.

Journaling is an activity that you can practice to help make sense of challenging thoughts and emotions. Plus, there is something cathartic about sitting down and expressing your feelings on paper. Your journal is a private space for you and your thoughts, where you can be honest without fear of judgment. As you work through your troubles in a linear and organized fashion, you can start to connect with your inner voice. Journaling is a form of writing therapy, a creative approach to helping you heal from a past of substance abuse, trauma, and mental health conditions.