Holistic treatment of substance use disorder and addiction-related mental health conditions requires personalized treatment at each stage of recovery. While addressing social factors and the client’s overall physical health is essential, a deep understanding of each stage of the recovery process is also paramount for both patients and providers. Together,…
The subject of alcohol tends to elicit strong reactions. Most of us have deliberated about how much to drink, what, when, and why. We might associate alcohol with friends and fun times, or with guilt, loss, and shame. Often, our feelings are mixed. But how do you know when drinking…
Breakups are universally challenging experiences that stir up deep emotions and trigger a complex process of healing and self-discovery. In this article, we explore the profound impact of breakups, why they hurt so much, and how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that follows. Expert insight from Thriveworks sheds light on…
It is entirely natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Most people recover from these initial reactions and feelings within a few weeks. However, if you have ongoing problems, there could be something else going on, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This practical guide will help…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States (though it is now legal on the state level in the majority of states) – with 48.2 million people, or 18% of Americans, reportedly using it at least…
Your abuser does not get to define the rest of your life. You can know this intellectually, but it’s a whole different beast to know it in your body. People who experience sexual assault might internalize their fear and trauma so they continue to feel unsafe in their skin. They…
In my experience, online dating in NYC was mostly a matter of meeting at the right bar. The bar couldn’t be your local. You wanted to keep your local to yourself in case the date went sour. But the bar couldn’t be far away either because you didn’t want to…
This time of year is exciting and special for many, as families come together to celebrate the holidays. However, it isn’t exciting for all. In fact, it can be a very difficult time for people in addiction recovery. Here are a few common issues for those in recovery during the…
A serious injury can happen at any moment, and the impact on your life can be more than just physical. For example, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, and most of us, at some point, get in or drive a car to go to work,…
While talking to a young woman in recovery (with over 100 days), the topic of change arose. She said that she was unhappy with who she was. I probed further, asking what worried her about her life. She went on to tell me about all of the things she’d done…
PTSD and anxiety: Does one cause the other? This question popped up recently when I was speaking with someone who has severe panic attacks, which are “debilitating” and require inpatient care. As this individual was sharing about their experiences, they told me that when they think about how much time…
I have been sober for over four years. I am in amazement as I type that, but I also reflect on the terribly long and hard road it took me to get to where I am today. I used to be known as a “chronic relapser.” In other words, I…
