People at an LGBT parade waver flags as they wonder why LGBT have a higher addiction risk

Why Do LGBT People Have a Higher Addiction Risk?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of addiction. Genetics is a big one. If you have a close relative who has struggled with addiction, you are more likely to struggle with addiction too. Mental illness is another major risk factor. Depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health… Continue Reading Why Do LGBT People Have a Higher Addiction Risk?

A scan of the brain reminds viewers of 3 ways depression changes your brain

3 Ways Depression Changes Your Brain

We typically think of depression as mainly a psychological problem with symptoms like sadness, irritability, pessimism, lack of motivation, and anxiety. These are certainly important aspects of depression, but if an episode of depression persists long enough, it may cause physical changes in the brain. Here are some of the effects depression has on the… Continue Reading 3 Ways Depression Changes Your Brain

A man stands in a group and asks how he can be grateful when he's suffering

How Can I Be Grateful When I’m Suffering?

Including a gratitude practice as part of our recovery can help us to connect with feelings of hopefulness and appreciation. When we focus on gratitude, we’re better able to think positively and optimistically. Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. How do we work our gratitude practice when we’re suffering? How can… Continue Reading How Can I Be Grateful When I’m Suffering?

A group of people meditate on yoga mats and talk about how therapeutic recreation helps with recovery

How Therapeutic Recreation Helps with Recovery

Treatment centers are adding recreational activities to their addiction recovery programs, and for very good reason. Physical activity is an important part of our overall wellness and provides tremendous benefits for our mental, emotional and physical health. When we incorporate recreation into our recovery, it can bolster our progress and help us in various different… Continue Reading How Therapeutic Recreation Helps with Recovery

A therapist talks to a small family about why family therapy makes addiction recovery easier

Why Family Therapy Makes Addiction Recovery Easier

While it may feel like addiction is one person’s problem, it is really a problem for everyone around her too. Not only do the consequences of addiction radiate outward to your friends and family, but dysfunctional relationships may also contribute to the development of addiction. Treatment for addiction can’t just focus on one thing. It… Continue Reading Why Family Therapy Makes Addiction Recovery Easier

As children play on the grass, it begs the question how does our addiction impact us as parents

How Does Our Addiction Impact Us as Parents?

Those of us living with addiction who are also parents face specific challenges. Our addiction affects not only us but the people around us, and our children are uniquely affected. Our role as their parents makes us responsible for our children’s well-being, but when we’re struggling with addiction at the same time, we are impacted… Continue Reading How Does Our Addiction Impact Us as Parents?