Many individuals who seek treatment for substance abuse or addiction also struggle with one or more mental health conditions. There is often a question among the medical and mental health community about whether one condition (addiction or mental health) leads to or causes the other. While there is little research evidence that indicates one condition…
When people talk about addiction, they sometimes refer to addictions in terms of levels of severity. In other words, this person may have a mild addiction, or this person may have a severe addiction. Understanding your addiction’s severity is a critical element in helping guide you to an appropriate addiction treatment program. However, how is…
Each year millions of people around the world begin the new year by making new year’s resolutions. For many, the holiday season and the arrival of the new year signal an opportunity to purge old habits and start fresh by developing new, healthier habits. This year especially, many are looking forward to putting closure to…
The benefits of exercise on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are well known. Whether you are reading a peer-reviewed journal article or looking at your Facebook feed, it quickly becomes clear how beneficial exercise is for everyone. Some people wonder what, if any, connection exists between exercise and addiction recovery. After all, it is…
Even though it is 2020, the concerns and fears around stigma related to addiction remain alive and well throughout the United States. The concept of stigma describes the powerful negative thoughts that affect how an individual is viewed when they struggle with a substance abuse disorder or addiction. Stigma has the potential to adversely affect…
If you live with or know someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may feel hopeless and helpless to do anything for them. You possibly feel as though nothing you say or do changes the situation or helps them in any way. It is also possible that you struggle with what to say…
Struggling with substance addiction can make functioning in your day to day life feel nearly impossible. There is the struggle to maintain your relationships, your job, your ability to function, but above all, to make sure you have a supply of your substance of choice. The need to keep yourself “supplied” can lead to an…
Deciding to go to rehab for your addiction is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. Removing yourself from your home, your circle of friends and what you know to be “normal” can be scary and emotionally distressing. The program you choose should be a safe place for you where you feel…
Making the decision to seek help with your addiction and attend a residential treatment program such as the Hills is challenging. There are fears associated with leaving home and being away from friends, family, and loved ones. There are also concerns about what people will think about the fact that you went to rehab. Will…
COVID-19 is a massive curveball thrown at anyone currently struggling with substance abuse either on the path to recovery or considering sobriety. Due to the significant health crises, we are experiencing here in the United States (and worldwide) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many states have mandated stay at home orders and social distancing…