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“He or she only cares about themselves…they are such a narcissist.” We’ve been hearing different variations of that phrase for quite some time now, as the term “narcissist” has been taken over on social media to serve as a quick insult. This isn’t the first time that mental health issues have been used incorrectly in the public forum, but misuse is likely to occur when explanation behind these disorders isn’t provided as much as they should be. The truth is, narcissism isn’t bad. In fact, we all have it to some degree – and we shouldn’t stigmatize that term nor the disorder so much, because it only makes it more challenging for those around us to seek the help they need.

Recovery is a difficult road to process without proper support. In addition to this, “we don’t know what we don’t know” – and without having the knowledge to understand what type of questions we need to be asking in treatment, we’re likely to make some daily mistakes that actually aren’t contributing well to our overall health. During the first few months – and even in the first year – of recovery, you’re going to find what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll likely hear a lot of tips from those who’ve been in recovery for a long time, as well as some advice from those who are also new to recovery but have been doing some research. No matter where you’re at in the recovery process, you have to consider what decisions you’re making on a daily basis – and whether that’s improving or hindering your addiction recovery journey.

Thomas Merton, a monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar once stated, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” For centuries, people have used art as a way of communicating thoughts, ideas, and feelings. From the time we created stone carvings to now, we’ve found that artwork is a beautiful way to explore different modes of expression. Even today, one of the biggest struggles we face is communicating our emotions. We were either raised to hold our pain deep inside, or we drowned out that pain with substances or another form of addiction. Art can help us get back to that place of vulnerability – to that place of authenticity, where we can discover more of who we are and make more sense of our life experiences. Those in addiction recovery have much to gain from art therapy. In 2015, a study published in the International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice assessed 59 individuals for their mental health and addiction recovery after participating in weekly outreach sessions related to art and craft activities. Researchers found that participants improved on all areas that were assessed: Learning and Skills – art therapy truly ignites almost all of our senses. We’re touching different materials, we’re moving, and we’re learning new skills to achieve our desired outcome. Levels of confidence – when an art project is completed, those in addiction recovery often feel proud of themselves. It’s a creation that shows just how talented they are – and it’s a beautiful reminder that they have something wonderful to offer this world. Sociability – with art projects, those in recovery are able to connect with their peers as they work together on making something meaningful. Simply assessing pieces of art can inspire those in recovery to talk to one another – which could be the start of an incredible support network. A 2015 thesis titled “Colorful Recovery: Art Therapy for Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment” highlights that art can build a sense of spiritual connection as well as reducing shame, anxiety and other painful feelings that may linger throughout treatment.

Around this time of year, Valentine’s Day can be triggering for those in addiction recovery. Billboards depict champagne and large gatherings, while television shows and commercials begin highlighting romance. For a person who is focusing on themselves and their sobriety, where do they fit in? It is for this exact reason that Valentine’s Day can become triggering – especially if those in recovery find themselves focusing on what they don’t (or can’t) have over what they do have. Relapse is a common buzzword in addiction recovery, and that’s because many people try to avoid it at all costs. Relapse occurs when a person reverts back to previous addictive behaviors – and for many, this turn of events is followed by guilt and shame. Valentine’s Day can trigger relapse for people in a number of ways:

If you were to be told, right now, that you’re about to enter an acupuncture session, what would you envision? For many Americans, acupuncture seems like a terrifyingly painful experience. A popular practice in the Eastern world, the Western world is still learning to become more open to holistic modalities such as acupuncture. Countries such as China have used acupuncture for preventative health measures for thousands of years - with the main difference between Eastern and Western practices being the approach. Western practices consider medicine to be used as a cure or relief to maladies, while Easter tradition utilizes medicine as a means to practice wellbeing.

Self-care has been quite the buzzword lately, but it’s nonetheless important because all too often, we forget to take care of ourselves on the most basic of levels. We stress, worry, ruminate, and meanwhile forget to feed our mind and bodies nutritious food, practice sleep hygiene, exercise and so much more. Valentine’s Day can be a particularly difficult holiday to get through while in addiction recovery because of the societal expectations to drink, celebrate, and indulge in romance with a significant other. If you’re in recovery this holiday season, remember that your self-care is of utmost importance. In reality, Valentine’s Day is just like any other day – and you can use this day to engage in self-care activities that are most beneficial for your mind, body and spirit.

Couples tend to face a lot of challenges the longer they’re together, as life throws different situations their way. If you’re with a significant other who has been struggling with addiction, it’s sure to cause some major challenges for you both. By recognizing some of the main obstacles you’re both facing, you will be able to work through them more effectively in couples therapy; addiction recovery can take a major toll on the relationship but by being proactive and learning about what you’re each going through during this vulnerable time, you’ll be one step ahead in healing and restoration. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) notes that when addiction is involved, couples are often unhappy. Substance abuse tends to take more time away from the relationship, and once it becomes the reason for arguing, couples tend to see a vicious cycle appear:

Diazepam, otherwise known as Valium, is a benzodiazepine (often called a benzo) – a sedative, tranquilizer, and a depressant. It’s available by prescription and can help with a variety of health issues such as: muscle spasms, seizures, panic attacks and more. As with any prescription medication, however, Valium can be easily abused if a person comes to crave the euphoric effects of taking higher doses. Whether you’re currently in recovery from addiction or you have a loved one who has struggled with Valium addiction, it can be helpful to gain some insight on how the drug itself can be so habit-forming. A few years ago, a young woman shared her story with Vice about becoming addicted to Valium. She explained that it all started when she started feeling tired often as she was navigating school life. When she took the drug, it would ease her panic attacks, her anxiety, her headaches and more. She felt as though Valium was the answer to all of her problems – but she realized that once she was addicted, normalcy was hard to achieve. She stated, “…With increased tolerance to benzos comes decreased normality when you’re not taking them. I reached a point where, if I didn’t take Valium, I’d feel more panicky than when I started using them as a crutch.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that Valium weakens a group of neurons in the brain – the brain’s ventral tegmental area (VTA) - which is typically responsible for preventing excessive dopamine production (“feel-good” chemicals in the brain). This means that when Valium is taken, the more dopamine is produced in the brain – and the neurons that typically regulate it are now rendered feeble. The flooding of dopamine in the brain is what eventually causes the brain to experience cravings. Cells in the brain respond to the increased about of dopamine produced and eventually need more and more as they become used to the initial doses of the drug that were taken. If you’re struggling with Valium addiction, seek the help you need today. Recovery is possible – you’re not alone.

For decades, psychologists, researchers, and community leaders alike have worked diligently to identify unique modalities for treating addiction, mental health disorders, pain management and more. The psychological issues we face walking into addiction recovery isn’t an isolated event – for many, trauma and mental illness co-occur alongside addiction, but without the right tools, there’s little room for improvement. Addiction recovery is about treating the whole self, and since we all have different ways of learning and responding, creative approaches fill that gap of subjectivity. If you’re looking for a creative way to express yourself, learn from others and develop healthy coping mechanisms, psychodrama could be an excellent addition to your treatment regime.

No matter what stage you’re at in recovery, it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive at times. The beginning of recovery can be challenging because you don’t know what to expect, while even months or years into recovery can bring about uneasiness if you’re not quite sure where your journey will take you next. There becomes a problem, however, when we start letting those uncertainties dictate our views on recovery. We may start making excuses for why recovery is no longer a viable option for us, and that’s what can cause us to take drastic measures. If this is where you’re at right now, take a deep breath and remind yourself that ups and downs are part of the process – and recognize the 3 common lies we tell ourselves:

A co-occurring diagnosis is a condition in which an individual is struggling with addiction, while simultaneously coping with some form of mental illness. This type of situation is common enough that addiction treatment centers have incorporated mental health treatments into their programs. While co-occurring may sound like an easy condition to identify, it's actually a very complex psychological problem that has generated myths and rumors.

College brings new responsibility, experiences, and freedom to young adults. It is the first chance for many to really experience life away from home without restrictions. Some students use this opportunity to grow and learn who they are as an adult. Others abuse this freedom, and find college campuses are a place to party and experiment with illegal drugs. While college is an exciting time, it also carries added stress. Full-time students are twice as likely to suffer drug abuse as young adults who don't attend college. Stress, heavy course loads, and peer pressure are some of the reasons college students begin using drugs.