By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” -Nelson Mandela Many people are afraid to ask for help—especially when in crisis.Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” – August Wilson Facing your inner demons takes great courage.Continue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Muhammad Ali Self-Esteem begins to form in early childhood. It is shaped by our thoughts, relationships, and life experiences. Understanding self-esteem and theContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”-Bruce Lee Exercise is an excellent tool for individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. It provides for practicing healthy coping mechanisms and an increased confidenceContinue Reading
by Jennifer McDougall “There is no cell culture for depression. You can’t see it on a bone scan or an x-ray. Not everyone with depression will show the same behavioral symptoms.” ― Chris Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure Suicide has become one of the nation’s biggest causes of death amongst teens,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Those who struggle with constant mood swings often feel as though they cannot control what is happening to them. They may be happy one moment and in absolute despair the next. Extreme mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder in which they should seek professional medicalContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Keeping your emotions in check can be difficult for those who have a mental illness, but it is generally something we should all learn how to manage. Balancing emotions is the key to keeping yourself in check when dealing with other people and the highs and lowsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Heartbreak is one of the most profound pains we experience, especially when it takes us by surprise. For those in recovery, the pain of a breakup or loss can feel overwhelming, and without the crutch of drugs or alcohol, it can be even harder to cope. AtContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Loneliness is often times what causes people to run to drugs and alcohol for relief away from their misery. They might not admit it right away, but eventually they truth seeps out. They are hurt for one reason or another and have chosen to distance themselves fromContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “You can be happy if you are willing to let go of your past and leave yourself unencumbered so you can fly freely.” ― Chris Prentiss, Zen and the Art of Happiness One of the best ways to overcome the depressive state you’re currently in is toContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Self-sabotage is a complex phenomenon that manifests in various mental, emotional, or physical forms. It’s a term that encapsulates the idea that certain destructive actions are directed at oneself. This behavior often stems from a place of self-infliction, though it might not always be apparent to theContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In our lives, we often encounter various forms of physical, emotional, and mental pain. It’s an overwhelming experience that can push many towards seeking relief in less-than-ideal ways. Unfortunately, turning to drugs and alcohol is a common, yet misguided, attempt to “ease the tension.” These substances typicallyContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Pain is the most common reason behind addiction. It comes in many forms; physical, mental, and emotional pain. It stems from the brain and flows into your central nervous system. An extreme amount of pain and discomfort can potentially send you right over the edge, but itContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Many of us have vitamin deficiencies that we are completely unaware of but need to recognize. One of the most common vitamin deficiencies is Vitamin D. Have you ever noticed how much better you feel on vacation- when you are out in the sun for a whileContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Depression is an invisible anchor that pulls down millions globally, irrespective of age. This daunting adversary often brings along its companions: anxiety disorders and the lure of substance use. Many individuals caught in the clutches of depression’s gloom turn to drugs and alcohol, seeking a fleeting escapeContinue Reading
There may not be one single secret to happiness, but it appears that science has closed in on one of its key contributing factors. A recently published study that appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed new light on the true causes of lasting well-being.Continue Reading
Depression is one of the most frequent co-occurring issues in individuals suffering from drug or alcohol dependency. It is prevalent for people struggling with depression to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief. Depressed individuals often suffer from so much pain, hopelessness, and low self-esteem that drugs and alcohol serveContinue Reading
What Does a Ketamine High Feel Like? At lower doses, ketamine acts a weak stimulant. When dosage increases, ketamine hits users as an intense psychedelic. As a dissociative drug, ketamine causes users to feel painlessness by impeding messages between the brain and body. Perception becomes distorted, and users often experienceContinue Reading