Category Archives: Mental Health

What’s The Difference Between Being “Sober” Versus Being in “Recovery”? There is an important distinction between being “sober” and being in “recovery”. The differences are clear to those who have experienced both phases in their healing process from alcoholism. When an alcoholic is “sober” from alcohol without attending a mutual-help program, therapy, medication management, and/or treatment then they are in a[…]

Understanding Addiction and Its Emotional Roots Addiction often arises from emotions like fear, anxiety, or hopelessness. These emotions fuel a “wanting mind” — a state where we believe our happiness can only come from something we don’t currently have. This creates a cycle of longing and frustration, leading to suffering when our desires remain unfulfilled[…]

Cravings: When the Brain Remembers Drug Use Cravings are strong urges that arise from memories stored in the brain. These memories are activated through the brain’s natural chemical response to substance use. Research reveals that triggers—such as seeing a pipe or a powdery substance—stimulate the sensory parts of the brain and create reactions similar to[…]

Thousands of years ago, people consumed sugar in its natural forms, such as fruits and vegetables, without significant health concerns. Today, refined sugars and processed carbs dominate modern diets, contributing to widespread health issues. Alarmingly, refined sugar and white flour account for about one-third of daily calorie intake, presenting challenges for bodies unequipped to process[…]

Happiness is something we all strive for. Particularly in Western societies like America, the pursuit of happiness is seen as a fundamental right. However, this constant drive to seek happiness often results in unintentional side effects, such as excessive consumption and comparison. These trends have a significant impact on adolescents, pushing them toward behaviors that[…]

Changing habits—whether it’s quitting smoking, improving your diet, or becoming more organized—can often feel overwhelming. While short-term success is achievable for many, reverting to old patterns is common. Why does this happen? Lasting change requires a deeper understanding of behavioral psychology and a structured plan. This guide breaks down the 5 steps to changing any[…]

Choosing to overcome addiction and live a sober life is both challenging and rewarding. Sobriety may feel overwhelming at first, but it leads to a healthier, happier life free from the control of substances. It offers the chance to rebuild relationships, improve self-esteem, and work toward a better future. Here are ten reasons to stay[…]

Gaslighting is a harmful form of psychological manipulation where someone tries to make you question your own reality. It’s a deliberate tactic often used to control, deceive, or hide the manipulator’s true intentions. While disagreements or forgotten conversations may seem like gaslighting, true gaslighting is a repeated and intentional pattern of behavior. This article will[…]

Addiction is a long-term, complicated condition that impacts the brain, causing someone to continue using drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a chronic problem that can significantly affect how people think and make decisions. To fully understand addiction, it’s important to look at it[…]

Codependency is based on false, dysfunctional beliefs that are learned from our parents and environment. Recovery entails changing those beliefs, the most damaging of which is that we’re not worthy of love and respect – that we’re somehow inadequate, inferior, or just not enough. This is internalized shame. Last year, I published a blog, “Codependency[…]