Trauma is a wholly transformative experience. In other words, traumatic experiences can fundamentally change a person’s life, with new stresses, anxieties, perspectives, and behaviors all stemming from their experience. Coping with the effects of trauma is difficult. Trauma can take many forms, and coping with the effects of trauma is anything but simple.
Self-care is a necessary component of effective addiction recovery. Embracing new strategies that empower each person to focus on their physical and mental health, manage their energy, and create a balanced lifestyle can be truly transformative changes. However, aftercare is just as important as it helps individuals recuperate from stressful events and focus on their sobriety, even following intense challenges. While aftercare and self-care are interconnected, they are still distinct. Distinguishing between self-care and aftercare can help individuals in recovery foster a balance for the most effective addiction recovery efforts.
Each individual will have their journey in addiction recovery. Likewise, each path to overcoming the use of drugs, alcohol, or co-occurring mental health disorders will be unique. Being able to individualize recovery strategies to fit personal needs is essential. One of the most common and effective recovery options is group therapy. While it is common to have reservations about engaging in group therapy, there are countless benefits that it can have on an individual’s recovery process. Exploring these benefits can encourage individuals to take advantage of this instrumental treatment resource.
The changing of the seasons has many effects on one’s daily life. From changing one’s available hobbies or activities to the amount of daylight one has, the seasons can dictate much of one’s daily routine. However, there are some who may feel the effects of the changing seasons more than others, manifesting as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can be a challenging time, with it having intense effects on one’s mood, mental health, and sobriety. Learning to identify SAD is crucial in creating a plan to address and overcome its effects.
Being arrested and convicted of a DUI is a truly life-changing experience, and knowing what life is like after a DUI and what step to take next can be difficult. Not only does a DUI come packaged with intense financial costs, but it also affects one’s personal life in others ways. DUIs can carry many stigmas from family members, friends, and peers. However, while such a mistake is undoubtedly costly, there are ways to recollect one’s life following a DUI charge, and knowing how to navigate its costs and continue pursuing one’s personal goals is instrumental in rebuilding one’s life in sobriety.
Addiction affects each individual differently, and no two journeys through recovery will be the same. Not only can one’s experiences with substance use disorder (SUD) differ due to the various substances one is exposed to, but even those engaging with the same substance can have vastly different experiences. As a result, there are many forms of addiction.
Depression is a complex mental health disorder. Despite its ubiquity, with 21 million adults experiencing at least one episode of major depressive disorder in 2020 alone, each individual will have their own experiences with depression. Knowing its many sources and potential adverse effects is crucial for creating an effective plan for coping with depression, both for oneself with the help of trained professionals.
The workplace can be an intense source of stress. An individual may face professional stresses, unfair expectations, or difficult peers in the workplace that all affect one’s mental health and use of addictive substances. Setting boundaries with coworkers at work is crucial for managing one’s mental health and sobriety and for separating this stressful part of one’s life from one’s interests, hobbies, and personal life. For those challenging and maintaining their sobriety, setting effective boundaries with workplace peers can mitigate some of these stresses while continuing to prioritize one’s sober efforts and focus.
The word trauma is used a lot, but what does it mean regarding mental health, self-medicating, and addiction? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, trauma is an emotional response to an event like an accident, assault, or natural disaster. However, it also includes experiencing combat, violence, abuse, or seeing something like that happen to another person. Emotional abuse, such as bullying, can also cause trauma. Sometimes individuals use substances to cope with symptoms related to their trauma. Over time, this could lead to substance use disorder (SUD).
One of the most challenging steps in the recovery process is coming to terms with your need for treatment. But once you are ready for treatment, you are faced with another challenge of choosing a treatment program. You may consider Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) because of its popularity. But does Alcoholics Anonymous actually work? Finding out the effectiveness of AA can help you determine if attending this program is right for you.