Reading Time: 4 MinutesWe often tell “little white lies” to our healthcare providers in terms of our diet, exercise, taking our medications as prescribed, and the amount of alcohol (and if we consume any drugs) we drink. We may say that we eat healthy, but in reality, we have a soft spot for fried food and drive-thru restaurants. […]
Reading Time: 5 MinutesCommunity Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court is a new program in California that launched in October 2023 and slowly rolled out throughout the year to other counties to help people with mental health and substance use disorders get the support they need while combating California’s homeless crisis. Eight counties are enrolled in this plan: […]
Reading Time: 4 MinutesWhat do drugs, alcohol, sex, social media, and food all have in common? They all create the same “instant feel good” response in our brains. Fueled by the neurotransmitter dopamine, pleasurable activities significantly impact our brains’ reward and motivation center. Dopamine is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) released from your nucleus accumbens, a tiny structure within […]
Reading Time: 5 MinutesIn the world of addiction recovery, the path often meanders rather than runs straight. There are ups and downs, progress and setbacks, and because addiction is a complicated disease, recovery is not a streamlined journey. Addiction is not only a physical dependence on substances; it intertwines with mental health, emotional well-being, and environmental triggers, forming […]
Reading Time: 4 MinutesBenefits Of Traveling Out-Of-State To Go To Rehab: Out-of-state treatment can be very effective. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, choosing the right rehab can seem daunting. From the insurance and financial aspects to choosing how much time and which level of care is best for you, the decision to […]
Reading Time: 5 MinutesRomance in Addiction Recovery: Pitfalls of Dating in the First Year of Sobriety In the early stages of recovery from addiction, healthy relationships and being true to yourself and your recovery are essential for your well-being and sobriety. As humans, we are social creatures and want to connect with others on a platonic or romantic […]
Reading Time: 4 MinutesAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 4% of the world’s population. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood however it is a lifelong disorder. It is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can make it difficult for you to pay attention and control your behaviors. You […]
Reading Time: 5 MinutesMedication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of prescription medications in addiction treatment to alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with dependence urges and cravings associated with addiction. Alcohol and drug withdrawal side effects can be very uncomfortable and even life-threatening. By providing relief through medications, people have a higher chance of overcoming their addiction and becoming more […]
Reading Time: 4 MinutesOzempic, an FDA-approved medication used to treat diabetes, has been trending among celebrities and influencers on social media over the past year as the “miracle weight loss drug.” Recent research suggests that this drug may target the same receptors in the brain as it does in the pancreas, acting on the brain’s reward dopamine center, […]
Reading Time: 4 MinutesIn addiction and mental health treatment, we often hear the term “talk therapy” or psychotherapy, which often means cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a mental health or substance abuse disorder and received therapy, you may be familiar with these terms. Both […]
