Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.
During my twenty-five year career in substance abuse treatment, I’ve frequently heard family members (and clients) insist that "Alcohol isn't his/her/my problem - drugs are!" and "Alcoholism isn't his/her/my problem - addiction is!" as if the same principles of recovery from chemical dependency don't apply to any dysfunctional situation where alcohol either isn't present or isn't present enough to be identified as the primary drug-of-choice.
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As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives. This severe mental health condition causes intense mood swings that often affect day-to-day living, including the ability to work, go to school, or maintain healthy relationships. There are many signs and…
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As many as 50% of American adults experience insomnia symptoms, and up to 15% live with chronic insomnia disorder. Although there are several treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, doctors often prescribe medications as part of short-term treatment plans. Behavioral and lifestyle changes offer more long-term solutions. However, they take time. When prescribed, sleep aids are intended to…
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By: Lisa Blomgren, Alumni Coordinator In Max Strom’s video, “Breathe to Heal,” he discusses the importance of breathwork and the extensive scientific research that backs its powerful impact. Breathwork has been proven to have intense physiological effects. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances. It can improve one’s immune functioning and…
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By: Ruth F., Transformations Alumna ‘What do I do for FUN in sobriety?!’ ‘Does getting sober mean I can’t go to places or do the things I loved anymore?!?’ These were some of the questions I asked myself and others when I first got sober, and after almost four years sober, I still get asked…
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By: Mike Murphy, Manager of Alumni Services One of the questions I get asked most by people, whether in recovery or not, is “What keeps you going?” For the first year or so, my answers would be all over the place. After all, I did learn a plethora of tools to use while I was…
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What Is Group Therapy Like? Mental health issues like depression and substance abuse have become common in society. These issues can affect your quality of life and how you relate to others. For this reason, you need to seek help through psychotherapy. Psychotherapy comes with various options, including group therapy. Group therapy can help you…
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What Are Alumni and Aftercare? Substance abuse and addiction treatment involve a number of services and interventions. It can be helpful to think of substance use disorder treatment on a continuum that doesn’t necessarily have a finite end. If you are thinking about seeking help to end an addiction, you will most likely start with…
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You Hate Rehab? Here’s what to Do To Achieve Your Addiction Recovery Goal Alcohol and substance abuse and addiction are common problems worldwide. According to statistics, 50% of the world’s population aged 12 years and above have indulged in illicit drug use at least once in their lifetime.1 Similarly, up to 3.8% struggle with addiction, while…
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How Do I Know If I’m Ready For Rehab? Making a move to get treated for mental illness or drug abuse is a major step. How do you know if you’re ready to go to rehab? If you’re thinking about this question, you may be pondering treatment for addiction therapy or for issues like anxiety…
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