Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but its roots extend far beyond modern wellness trends. PositivePsychology.com notes that “mindfulness is a practice involved in various religious and secular traditions—from Hinduism and Buddhism to yoga and, more recently, non-religious meditation. People have been practicing mindfulness for thousands of years, whether on its own or...Read More

When you’re trying to manage your health successfully, knowing “life hacks” such as how to set meaningful goals or using habit stacking to improve your recovery routine really makes a difference. While the concept of H.A.L.T might have been introduced to you during treatment, it’s always helpful to have a refresher on this technique so...Read More

Some people find that they’re less reliant on mental health medication when they exercise regularly. There are many reasons for this:  Consistent movement releases “feel good” brain chemicals such as dopamine, endocannabinoids, endorphins, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These hormones and neurotransmitters play a large part in our overall stress regulation and nervous system function.  The American...Read More

In California, marijuana derived from the Cannabis sativa plant is legal for both medical and recreational use. Another cannabis product, hemp, is widely used to manufacture non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) products such as capsules, creams, edibles, oils, and tinctures. Generally, they shouldn’t be produced with the same marijuana compound that creates a “high.” However, despite the...Read More

Watching someone you care about struggle with addiction is incredibly painful. It’s often hard to understand why they can’t just stop using, especially when they’ve promised to do so, or when they seem to ignore the negative consequences. Unfortunately, there are many myths about addiction, but decades of research indicate that it’s a complex, multi-stage...Read More

The majority of addiction rehabilitation facilities encourage the philosophy of abstinence over moderation. Why is this? Numerous reasons, including the most important one: addiction isn’t a choice. Research indicates that most people with certain risk factors experience predictable neurological changes with each use, which only creates a stronger dependence. So let’s take a closer look...Read More

One of the most prevailing myths about addiction is that someone who develops alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) simply doesn’t have any self-control, and that’s the reason for their disease. This thought continues to perpetuate the stigma, so it’s critical to explain how many catalysts cause addiction—and why finding individual solutions...Read More

Maybe you identify with this anonymous quote: “I don’t understand why people have to ‘get ready’ for bed. I’m always ready for bed.” Whether you struggle with insomnia and related sleeplessness because of transitioning into recovery, life or family changes, or stressful events, take heart. It’s possible to establish a sleep hygiene routine that helps...Read More

Many rehabilitation programs include some type of 12-Step program to help people recognize aspects of recovery, stay accountable to the effort, and receive support from dedicated people who understand the joys and challenges of choosing to be sober. However, some individuals want a little more than what these programs offer. The SMART Recovery organization, established...Read More

Relying on a series of healthy habits that support your sobriety might sound a little rigid at first. After all, there’s a lot to discover when you allow for spontaneity. However, behavioral scientists reinforce that following a routine and developing meaningful rituals within it puts you more in control of wellness.     Why Routine Is Good...Read More