a group of people run after learning what happens to your lungs when you stop smoking

What Happens to Your Lungs When You Stop Smoking?

Many people who struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol also smoke. Not only that, they tend to keep smoking after they get sober. Studies have found that AA members smoke more heavily and at a much higher rate than the general population. Other studies have found that smoking correlates with a much higher risk… Continue Reading What Happens to Your Lungs When You Stop Smoking?

a woman holds her head and thinks about 6 signs of stimulant psychosis

6 Signs of Stimulant Psychosis

Stimulant psychosis is a mental disturbance caused by an overdose of stimulants, typically meth, cocaine, or methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin. It can even be caused by caffeine, but not in the concentrations found in coffee. Stimulant psychosis is usually temporary. About 80 percent of people with stimulant psychosis recover within 30 days. About five… Continue Reading 6 Signs of Stimulant Psychosis

a woman meditates and wonders can deep breathing help you fight cravings

Can Deep Breathing Help You Fight Cravings?

Fighting cravings is one of the hardest parts of fighting any addiction. It’s a pull that defies logic or reason and feels inescapable. Learning to tolerate cravings is one of the most important skills to learn during recovery. One thing that might help is simply taking some deep breaths. Smokers who have quit often find… Continue Reading Can Deep Breathing Help You Fight Cravings?

a young woman listens to her therapist explain whats the difference between cbt and dbt

What’s the Difference between CBT and DBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT are both common models of psychotherapy used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Each has its uses and they may be used together or separately. In fact, DBT is a specific form of DBT, so in a sense, they… Continue Reading What’s the Difference between CBT and DBT?

a doctor talks to her patient about why medical professionals are vulnerable to addiction

Why Medical Professionals Are Vulnerable to Addiction

Some occupations have higher rates of addiction than others. Among the most vulnerable are lawyers, food service workers, manual laborers, and medical professionals. It’s strange to think medical professionals, including doctors, surgeons, EMT workers, and nurses, would be more likely to struggle with addiction. Many of them see first-hand the damage addiction can do to… Continue Reading Why Medical Professionals Are Vulnerable to Addiction

a man plays with his child and wonders will you pass addiction on to your children

Will You Pass Addiction on to Your Children?

Perhaps the biggest predictors of addiction is whether you have a close relative, especially a parent, who has struggled with addiction. Nearly all parents want their children to grow up to be happy, healthy people. If you have struggled with addiction, you might wonder if your children are fated to the same struggle. There is,… Continue Reading Will You Pass Addiction on to Your Children?

brain image represents how neurofeedback can help you beat addiction

How Neurofeedback Can Help You Beat Addiction

The idea behind neurofeedback is simple and powerful: When you can actually see what your brain is doing you have much more control over your mental states. Learning new skills requires immediate feedback. When you learn to write your name it’s much easier when you can see where the pencil is going and make corrections.… Continue Reading How Neurofeedback Can Help You Beat Addiction

a woman swims and thinks about how swimming can help you stay sober

How Swimming Can Help You Stay Sober

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself in recovery. Exercise strengthens willpower and executive function. It improves your mood by increasing serotonin, endorphins, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which actually grows brain cells in certain parts of your brain. Exercise also makes you healthier and repairs some of the… Continue Reading How Swimming Can Help You Stay Sober