The impacts of drug and alcohol addiction are far-reaching, affecting not only the person suffering from addiction but their friends, family, and even society as a whole. People suffering from addiction are more likely to encounter legal problems than the general public because they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Finding yourself involved…
Summertime: the days are long, skies are blue, and fun is in the air. Summer is a time of socialization full of parties, barbecues, concerts, vacations, and hanging out at the lake, pool, or ocean. For most people, alcohol is a central part of summertime activities. For those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse,…
Mental illness encompasses a broad range of health conditions that affect a person’s emotions, mood, thinking, and behavior to the degree that it negatively impacts their daily functioning. It can be acute, coming on quickly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, where symptoms are long-lasting and persistent. There is clear evidence to support…
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This effort aims to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Throughout the month, organizations work together to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental illness and their families. This initiative…
When an individual struggles with substance use disorder, getting professional help is the most successful way to heal and recover. Fortunately, there are several different treatment programs available to cater to the unique needs of each individual in recovery. For instance, an intensive outpatient program or (IOP) for drug and alcohol addiction is one program…
Deciding to get help for an addiction is a big step. Many individuals start with inpatient care and then transition to an outpatient program. This allows you to get the treatment you need at each step in your recovery journey. Selecting the right level of care can be overwhelming. By having a firm grasp on…
One of the main things people rely on as they begin their recovery journey is the support of others. Face-to-face contact can be vital in helping you stay on track and not fall back into addictive behaviors. The onset of the novel coronavirus that began in earnest in the U.S. in March 2020 has understandably…
One of the most important things you can do for yourself while working toward recovery is setting healthy boundaries during treatment. There may be people in your orbit who don’t have your best interests at heart or can’t respect the fact that you’re committed to making real and lasting changes in your life. Setting boundaries…
Addiction changes the structure of the brain. While getting treatment for your addiction at a treatment center like Spokane Falls Recovery is the most important step toward getting over your problem, you will also have to deal with addiction-related brain damage. Luckily, the longer you avoid substance use, the greater the chances you will have…
Does the use of marijuana or alcohol actually lead to more high-risk problems down the road? It’s a misconception that “experimenting” with these seemingly less harmful drugs is okay. There is no level of drug abuse that is safe. Understanding what entry-level drugs to avoid, however, can help you to make better decisions. Along the…