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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By: Emily B., Transformations Alumna I was 23 and I had just relapsed after 6 months because my mom wouldn’t let me have a car and I couldn’t handle my emotions. (thinking back I knew that wasn’t the real reason). I relapsed for a total of 2 days and was already doing and selling substances….
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By: Lisa Blomgren, Transformations Alumni Coordinator It was suggested to me early in recovery that I should get involved with some volunteer work. My first thought was “why would I do that?” I was already extremely busy with my other commitments. I was doing IOP 3 times a week, hitting daily meetings, working, partaking in…
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Substance abuse can have many underlying causes. One of the most prevalent, though, is chronic mental illness. This can be a powerful enemy to overcome, but with the right resources, you can take your life back.
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It’s only natural to have some questions and concerns about how life is going to change while you’re getting addiction treatment. In fact, one of the biggest questions people have is “can I get my job back after rehab?” The quick answer is yes, most of the time.
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Approximately 4% to 5% of American adults live with ADHD — many of whom do not receive treatment. Even when symptoms are managed, ADHD can affect nearly every aspect of your life. That is why you should take steps to make everyday life easier. Here are some strategies to better live with ADHD so that you can live a happier, more fulfilling, and productive life.
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If you relapse, it doesn’t mean that your drug addiction recovery efforts have been wasted. Find out what causes relapses, how to prevent them, and what to do if one occurs.
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There is no quick fix for certain psychological issues, but the mental health benefits of sunlight cannot be overstated. While getting out in the sun may not cure mental illness, it can certainly give you a fighting chance.
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In case you missed our February monthly tune-up meeting- it was run by our very own Johnny, who discussed the importance of boundaries and how to maintain them as you move along in your recovery journey. To keep the theme of boundaries going strong, I decided to share an excellent TED Talk from 2015, where…
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Entering a residential treatment program requires real courage. Now that you’ve completed this important first step, congratulate yourself and stand proud as you plan the next stages of your life. Setting some simple goals, building a support network, and being kind to yourself is a solid start.
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