It doesn’t have to take a series of blackouts, a drunk driving incident, or the recognition of withdrawal symptoms after a day away from alcohol to realize that you may be drinking too much. The little things can add up. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy alcohol use as consuming … Read More
So much of the foundation of a sustainable recovery is about learning how to tolerate, engage with and move through adverse emotions; learning how to cope with the inevitable pain and discomfort, anger and grief that comes in a way that is life-giving, rather than life-threatening. It is a process that takes unwinding, unlearning, and … Read More
Vaping might be a less harmful alternative to smoking, but that still doesn’t make it safe. There are still a lot of unknowns about vaping, including the chemicals that make up the vapor and how they affect a person’s physical health over the long haul. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance even … Read More
There is a troubling disconnect between the number of people who have alcohol use disorder and those who are actually getting professional help for alcoholism — and not because they haven’t seen a healthcare provider. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis evaluated survey data from more than 200,000 people who reported … Read More
September is designated as National Recovery Month, and each year, these 30 days are used to highlight the importance of seeking recovery from a wide range of mental health issues, the need for equitable access to quality care, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and recognize the hope that is possible in recovery. These are … Read More
Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) both involve intrusive thoughts, fear, and ritualistic behaviors. The two disorders often occur together, and mental health experts continue to study their relationship to determine if one might cause the other. Regardless of the answer, there is ongoing evidence that links the two conditions, so treatment should address both … Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of young people, causing a disruption to their social lives and the way they attend school. Now, as adolescents prepare to return to in-person classes in the fall, experts are interested in the stress-related growth (SRG) they may have experienced over the course of … Read More
For many, summer is the best season of the year, with a break from school, warmer weather, and fun vacations. However, for people who are struggling with an eating disorder, the summer months present new challenges in managing symptoms and maintaining recovery. Understanding why summer may be more challenging can help individuals who are struggling, … Read More
We are an overstimulated society. American adults spend an average of 10.5 hours per day in front of some kind of screen. On top of that, we live in a culture obsessed with productivity, our lives move at a fast pace, and the most common answer to the casual “How are you?” Is usually (and … Read More
Eating disorders frequently co-occur with addiction, and stimulants are among the many substances people turn to when they are struggling with these devastating conditions. Understanding Co-Occurring Stimulant Addiction Stimulants include illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines and prescription medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Every person has unique experiences that influence why they start … Read More
