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Whether you’re in recovery or not, you may be trying to formulate Valentine’s Day plans either by yourself or with others. Valentine’s Day can bring about a lot of stress and anxiety if you hold certain expectations about the holiday and how it should go. Many people enjoy going out to eat with their friends or significant other, while others may decide to host something at home or simply make a nice dinner for themselves. No matter your circumstance, gift yourself this Valentine’s Day with food that will boost your mental health and recovery.

Mental illness takes a major toll on Americans, with Newsweek claiming that 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental illness every year. Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia lead to feelings of hopelessness, major mood changes, and delusions, all of which can make daily life hard to manage. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the average life expectancy in the United States is 77.9 years old, with the drop-in life expectancy being due to serious mental illnesses. Why does mental illness impact life expectancy so much? Mental illness doesn’t just affect one’s psychological condition – it impacts physical health as well. The NIMH states that serious mental illnesses cause people cancer, heart disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, individuals with a mental illness are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes, and to be obese, as compared to the rest of the population. Poverty is another contributing factor to mortality, with poor nutrition and healthcare leading up to further economic troubles. For those of us with mental illness, seeking support and working daily to take better care of our health is critical for a longer and healthier life. Dr. Weiden, professor of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois College of Medicine reiterated for The Huffington Post the ways those with serious mental illness experience earlier death. He stated, “People with severe mental illness are less likely to take good care of themselves, more likely to smoke heavily and have sedentary lifestyles, and have more difficulty than most negotiating the complicated medical care system to go for appointments and follow-up care. And primary care physicians are not well trained or compensated for the additional complexities involved in diagnosing or treating medial problems in the severely ill.” The shocking fact is that suicide is not the main cause of death for those with severe mental illness; it’s lack of support and appropriate day-to-day health management. This brings a call to action to those of us who have a mental illness, a call to action that we strive hard each day to take small steps towards improving our mental and physical health so that we may overcome our challenges and live a happy and fruitful life. It’s a call to action for our loved ones, to take better care of us and listen to our needs and concerns, to be someone whom we can rely on.

Medications are often used for people with mental illness because it helps them clear their mind and focus solely on their recovery. Some medications come with side effects, which can be particularly challenging, however. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, nausea, and more. Medications work differently with each person, and not everyone needs medication. According to Mayo Clinic, the following are the most common forms of medications that individuals may take for their mental illness:

Celebrities shape the public perception, endorse values and beliefs, and influence people. The stories of celebrities in the United States have the propensity to challenge others and inspire them, no matter the story. Fergie is no exception – the singer has shared her story of addiction with millions, and her 18 years of sobriety has impacted many. Billboard states that Fergie really struggled with crystal meth addiction, and she found herself “hallucinating on a daily basis”. Understanding what Fergie went through and what led to her 18-year sobriety may give you further hope in your own journey through recovery. Crystal meth can cause hallucinations, erratic behavior, panic, psychosis, and more. As Fergie told a British news publication, “At my lowest point, I was [suffering from] chemically induced psychosis and dementia.” The singer was addicted to the substance back when she was part of the group Wild Orchid, and was still addicted even after leaving the group. Fergie, 42, explained a time when she was so high on crystal meth that she thought the CIA, FBI, and SWAT teams were following her. She described the experience as this: “They tried to kick me out, because I was moving down the aisle in this crazy way, as I thought there was an infrared camera in the church trying to check for my body…I bolted past the altar into the hallway and two people were chasing me. I remember thinking if I walk outside, and the SWAT team is out there, I was right all along. But if they’re not out there, then it’s the drugs making me seeing things and I’m going to end up in an institution.” That moment truly awakened Fergie to her battle of addiction, as she described that moment in the parking lot as “freeing”. New York Daily News states that hypnotherapy has worked very well for Fergie, and it continues to help her relax. Fergie stated for People Magazine, “I thank the day it happened to me. Because that’s my strength, my faith, my hope for something better.” Although Fergie really struggled with crystal meth addiction, that one memorable night led her to recovery. It showed her that she deserves more than this, and that she can lead a happier, healthier life. Millions of stories are like Fergie’s, and their stories of recovery can be yours too. Make the decision to seek help today; it’s never too late.

With Valentine’s Day right around us, there is the inherent pressure to be in a relationship. Many people view Valentine’s Day as a couple’s holiday, and whether you are in a relationship or not, you’re probably thinking about it. For those of us in recovery, relationships can be a vague concept because we are currently spending most of our time focusing on developing tools that we need to succeed. Perhaps you’ve considered dating, or you may even be contemplating if now is the best time to be with your significant other. No matter the circumstance, the question remains: is being in a relationship appropriate while you’re in recovery? Each person’s situation is different, but generally, it is suggested that the first year of recovery should be complete focus on that and nothing else. Several sources have provided reasons for this, including:

We’ve all heard of the gateway drug theory – as a kid, you were likely told that smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol could lead to more drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Programs such as D.A.R.E. – Drug Abuse Resistance Education – taught us at an early age to always say “No!” to someone who is offering us drugs or other substances. This program and theory might have helped some of us refrain from using, at least at a youthful age, but is the theory true? The New York Times has broken down the theory and provided several useful pieces of data. Several studies have shown the effect of one drug to another in lab rat experiments. For example, a Columbia University study found that rats exposed to alcohol were far more likely than other rats to press a lever that dispensed cocaine. A 2011 study found similar findings in a study that explored nicotine use in mice. While these types of studies have shown some sort of causal relationships, many scientists are still wondering the effectiveness of these studies due to the simple fact that the studies’ assumptions were that humans respond similarly to rats when it comes to narcotics. Other studies have proven that users who took a drug, like marijuana for example, were able to reduce their use of other drugs. For example, a 2008 study found that individuals who smoked marijuana could reduce their dose of pain-relieving opioids. Newer research is also concluding that other factors, such as poverty and poor social environment have greater predictability in one’s use of drugs than using soft drugs during childhood. A 2016 study conducted by researchers in Texas titled “Gateway hypothesis” and early drug use: Additional findings from tracking a population-based sample of adolescents to adulthood”, further emphasized that childhood drug use wasn’t consistent through adulthood and that other factors such as social context and role of community social norms should also be considered. Does this mean there is no such thing as gateway drugs? Not exactly. Research has proven there is some connection, but each person is different, and some people may be more impacted by childhood drug use than others. Personality, addictive-behavior tendencies, temperament, social context, environment, biological factors, and so much more play a role in addiction.

The National Retail Foundation, as explained by ABC News, has stated that Valentine’s Day is expected to reel in about $18.2 billion. This equals to an average of $136.57 per person each year on Valentine’s Day candy, cards, flowers, and more. Jewelry is a very common gift, and sources say 20% of consumers are expected to buy jewelry, measuring up to $4.3 billion. Two hundred and fifty roses are produced each year for Valentine’s Day, and approximately 190 million greeting cards are sent out each year. Valentine’s Day can be difficult for those in recovery for a few reasons: 1) the pressure to be in a relationship even if the person is focusing on their recovery, 2) the pressure to buy gifts, which many people in recovery can’t afford, and 3) the pressure to celebrate through drinking, which many in recovery are working against. The additional stress of deciding and finding the “perfect gift” can leave many stressed, anxious, and depressed; there’s no question that Valentine’s Day brings in a lot of money, gifts, and pressure, but is this what it’s all about? If Valentine’s Day feels too forced or overly consumeristic, change your perception of what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about. History dating back to about 269 C.E. shows that St. Valentine was killed, confused with other people, and removed from the General Roman Calendar, according to The Guardian. Folklore surrounding Valentine’s Day is quite brutal, but society has taken pieces of the story to fabricate a consumerist story and whether you choose to abide by this is completely up to you. Whether you’re in recovery or not, decide for yourself what Valentine’s Day means to you. Is it a day for self-love and self-care, or is it a day for you to appreciate those in your life? Is it a magical day for you to spend with your significant other, or is it just another day? If you decide that it’s just another day, there’s nothing wrong with that. Many single people and couples hold the belief that love should be celebrated every day of the year, and Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to validate that.

Valentine’s Day is known for flowers, chocolates, romance, cards, champagne, and more. However, those without a significant other may feel strong emotions on Valentine’s Day due to the expectation that you should have someone special on that day and if you don’t, you’re lonely. Emotions that could arise from this include guilt, sadness, depression, anxiety, and anger. No matter the case, sobriety is key for those of us in recovery, and those emotions could trigger us. Here is your ultimate guide to getting through Valentine’s Day, no matter where you’re at in your recovery:

A common myth is that people with addiction must hit “rock bottom” before they will seek help. While this might be true for some, it certainly isn’t true for all – and it’s important that we change our perspective and not make this the default. Many who have an addiction and seek healthcare are hoping that someone will see them for what they could be in the future – to see their potential, their light, their spirit, their improvement. Although this goes for healthcare professionals, this also brings front and center an important discussion about how we can view those we love with an addiction. CNN raises an important concern: there has been no evidence to support that the level of consequences a person undergoes before seeking help is related to their chances to succeed in recovery. With this, each person’s definition of “rock bottom” is different – for one person, “rock bottom” might mean losing a close relationship whereas for another, becoming homeless could spark them to seek help. If consequences have no effect on chances of recovery success, then shouldn’t we provide support and offer help much sooner? CBC further notes that initial treatment, utilization of every possible resource available within the community, and medical support should all be implemented to best take care of our loved ones. Whether you have an addiction or your loved one does, remember that anyone can seek treatment and get help early. You do not have to wait until “rock bottom”. Some people with addiction are in denial regarding their addiction and this is what leads to them going through major life events to show them they need help, but others attempt sobriety and find that it’s the right choice for them before they even reach “rock bottom”. One woman described her realization to seek help from addiction as this: “After a series of drinking fueled incidents, I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t take the lying, deceit, guilt, and shame I was putting myself and my family through anymore. One night, while I was on the couch, I had an overwhelming sense of heaviness on my heart that I had never experienced before…I knew without a doubt that once and for all I needed to be honest with my husband about my drinking.” The woman described above didn’t hit “rock bottom” in the sense that society often refers to; she didn’t lose her home, her family, her job – she got tired of the pain that addiction caused her, and she reached out. “Rock bottom” doesn’t have to happen to you. Realizing is enough.

With the opioid crisis and nation-wide concerns of illicit drug use, it’s no surprise that addiction is a hot topic right now. Many “natural” drugs can be extremely dangerous, and can result in individuals experiencing paranoia, confusion, dizziness, coma, and even death. Synthetic, or man-made, substances pose additional risks, as individuals aren’t aware of everything they are consuming; disproportional doses of drugs and dangerous combinations can lead to lethal consequences. News reports have lately announced a new drug that has hit the market, and it could kill you in one dose. Known as “grey death”, this drug can be dangerous to even touch with gloves. There have been overdose cases involving this drug in Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio lately – and it seems the drug is a dangerous cocktail consisting of heroin, fentanyl, the elephant tranquilizer carfentanil, and a synthetic opioid called U-47700. Users can inject, swallow, smoke, or snort the drug. The name “grey death” comes from the drug’s appearance, which looks like a concrete mixture that appears as either chunks or rocks. Many scientists are stumped by the color of the drug, as they have stated that none of the drugs mixed should produce that color. What makes grey death so dangerous is its potency. News reports have revealed that just one flake of carfentanil can tranquilize a 2,000-pound elephant. The “grey death” drug is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. The drug has been said to be able to float by air and to be absorbed by touch alone. Deneen Kilcrease from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation told the Associated Press, “Grey death is one of the scariest combinations that I have ever seen in nearly 20 years of forensic chemistry drug analysis.” Grey death is very fast-acting, and a lethal dose isn’t even visible. “You need smaller and smaller amounts because [these drugs] don’t get metabolized. They go straight to the brain,” stated Dr. Francesco Leri, a professor at the University of Guelph who studies behavioral pharmacology and neuroscience. Since the drug can be taken in such small doses, many people are sending and receiving packages of it through postal mail. Always be alert as to what you are taking and consult a doctor before consuming any unknown substance. Seeking medical attention beforehand could save your life.

A common myth is that natural drugs are not dangerous because they do not consist of any synthetic ingredients or harmful additives. Although some “natural” drugs such as marijuana have been said to be safe, natural drugs can be just as dangerous as any other drug. Understanding the dangerous effects of nature’s medicine could meaning saving your own life or preventing serious health consequences. For example, tobacco is grown on a plant whose leaves have been dried, broken down, and smoked for thousands of years. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that cigarette smoking causes approximately 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. Cigarette smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more. Some may question this, as one may think, “Cigarettes have added chemicals, and natural tobacco is different.” This is false – the U.S. Food and Drug Administration claims that, “the tobacco plant itself contains chemicals right from the start, including highly addictive nicotine.” Natural chemicals that are dangerous include nicotine, cadmium, and lead. Marijuana has been another contested subject, as many have argued that it has not caused nearly as much danger as other legal substances, such as alcohol. Our brains continue to develop until the late 20s, and smoking marijuana in adolescence increases the risk of becoming psychotic and/or developing schizophrenia. Individuals who already experience psychiatric symptoms before beginning marijuana use. Marijuana users have also been shown to be at an increased risk for developing depression, anxiety, and memory deficits. Psychological dependence is also a risk, with many people exerting symptoms of this as they view smoking marijuana as the only way to “have fun”. The same goes for herbal remedies – although many are natural, they can cause health issues. CBS News reported aconite, an herbal supplement used for inflammation and joint pain, as a dangerous medicine that can cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. Bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, Yohimbe, and belladonna are several herbal medications that can be extremely dangerous – even deadly. Always speak with a physician before taking any natural herbs or medications and seek immediate medical assistance if dangerous side effects occur.

According to the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America, approximately 3.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with schizophrenia, and it is one of the leading causes of disability. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms such as feeling detached from oneself, general discontentment, anger, anxiety, and more. Most people recognize schizophrenia as a disorder that causes delusions and hallucinations, but there is much more that many don’t know.