A simple life is a happy life. When we have too much going on in our lives, we can easily get overwhelmed. However, if we can learn to embrace a life of simplicity, we will find our stress and anxiety melt away. Removing unnecessary things or distractions can aid us in creating a happier life…
Anxiety can be overwhelming in early sobriety. Many people in recovery are faced with increased anxiety and other mental health concerns after detox when their brains are beginning to heal. Many of us relied on psychoactive medications and other drugs as a way of self-medicating our anxiety problems, and are unfamiliar with healthy coping strategies…
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a range of drugs that mimic the effects of other illicit drugs like LSD, cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. NPS are constantly changing in chemical structure as a way to circumvent national drug laws. These changes, however, also increase the unpredictability of the drug’s effects and potential to cause major adverse…
Thinking about or committing suicide are very real dangers that strike those suffering from the disease of addiction and alcoholism more than the general population. People often assume that early death from addiction will be the result of overdose or health complications directly resulting from substance abuse, but don’t consider the increased risk of suicide…
Music can have amazing effects on our mood and mental health. When we listen to music, it has a direct impact on our mind and body, and can mean the difference between a good and a bad day. Whether you like rock, rap, metal, country, or any other genre, you can start improving your mental…
Pets can be our best friends, and coming home to a happy animal after a long day can be a source of comfort and stress relief. Interacting with animals can do wonders for our attitude and help us get through tough times. Researchers have found that owning a pet can actually make us feel better…
Painting can be an effective way to eliminate stress and improve your overall mood. Art therapy, which includes painting and other forms of creative artistic expression, is a therapeutic practice utilizing art and creativity as a way of managing emotions and other mental issues. Making use of art therapy can be a great and fun…
We can’t be happy all the time. We can, however, allow ourselves to maintain a positive outlook by making an effort to let go of negativity. It’s easy to get caught up in bad feelings, especially in early sobriety when our emotions tend to be heightened. When we break the cycle of pessimism and stay…
Grounding can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety in early recovery. Grounding is a coping strategy that allows us to bring ourselves back into the present moment and pull ourselves out of the spiral of anxiety. When we begin to feel overwhelmed by stress or nearing panic, we can utilize a variety…
Feelings of depression are very likely during withdrawal and the early stages of sobriety. It is important to speak with a professional about feelings of depression to determine the best course to take to manage the symptoms, as depression can easily lead one toward relapse. Symptoms of depression can occur at any point, but are…