Addiction or substance abuse is a complex and multifaceted issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. It is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that involves compulsive drug seeking and use despite the harmful consequences. Many factors contribute to addiction, including genetic, environmental, and personal factors. Studies have shown that [...]
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that can have a permanent impact on the brain even long after the cessation of the use of narcotic substances. The nature of such disruptions can be catastrophic at times and primarily affect three regions in the brain: the prefrontal cortex, the basal ganglia, and the extended amygdala. All [...]
Sobriety is an ongoing process that requires a daily commitment to recovery goals. Those in recovery know that it is essential to have a strong support system to maintain sobriety. This is especially true for those who are in early recovery. Other factors that help individuals in recovery include having daily structure and positive routines. [...]
Recently, I read a quote that said, "You wake up to fight the same demons that left you so exhausted the day before. That's bravery!" I felt inspired by that and thought.. Jeez, I wonder how many other people believe fighting our 'demons' is brave work. Now, I'm sure we've all heard people refer to [...]
Staying sober can be especially difficult around the holiday season when there are so many events and parties. These kinds of situations can cause stress, triggering thoughts or urges to use substances. Sobriety becomes even more challenging when drugs or alcohol are present at these events. Getting through the holiday season may seem daunting, but [...]
Addiction can result from and bring forth emotions and thoughts that are difficult to deal with. These emotions can drive an addict to behave in ways they later regret. It can be challenging to figure out how to act in opposite ways that have more positive outcomes. A question I often ask my own clients [...]
Do you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction or in early recovery? Watching someone you love struggle with an alcohol or drug problem is painful for the entire family. It causes many intense feelings such as anger, confusion, sadness, and worry. Addiction is a “family disease” because the entire family becomes consumed [...]
When a loved one has an addiction the entire family often spirals into chaos. Family members can feel like they're walking on eggshells in order to keep the peace at home. Other times, they may feel like they are jumping through hoops to try to "fix" the problem or help their loved one get better. [...]
When people hear the term "Hurricane Season", What do they think of? Most people reading this blog would probably guess the time between June-September in which the tropical areas of the world are most likely to be struck by a tropical storm/hurricane, right? Yes. However, in the emotional/psychological realm, the term "Hurricane Season" has begun [...]
Clients sometimes make comments like, “How do I empower myself? I don’t even know how to go about healing. How do I start?” Self-empowerment is a path towards setting goals and strengthening and developing oneself. It requires taking personal responsibility and having a belief in an internal locus of control where one has the power [...]
