Holidays in Recovery
The holidays should be a time for gathering, celebrating, expressing gratitude, and reflecting. Still, they often bring stress and worry, especially to those struggling with underlying issues such as substance abuse. The first year of sobriety, especially during the holiday season, can be a sea of ups and downs. Emotions can range from gratefulness and […]
Veterans Day and PTSD: Mental Health Spotlight
Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, is a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the military to protect our country and our people. This historic, patriotic day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the end of World War I. These heroic […]
Red Ribbon Week for Drug-Free America
Red Ribbon Campaign The Red Ribbon Campaign, founded by the National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth, advocates for youth education in communities and encourages youth participation in drug-free activities. The Red Ribbon Campaign is a weeklong campaign in October that began in 1985 and helps parents, teachers, and community […]
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a month dedicated to uniting communities around the world to educate and raise awareness of bullying and preventable measures. According to statistics one in five children admit to being bullied and bullying is not only isolated as a childhood problem but also affects adolescents and adults as well. Bullying […]
Addiction, Mental Health and Unemployment
The COVD-19 pandemic has gravely impacted our mental health and addiction due to unemployment in more ways than one. The majority of individuals are anxious about the unknown, and millions of hard-working Americans are experiencing a financial crisis after losing their jobs. We are not only mandated to stay home, but we are mandated to […]
Being an Advocate for the Minority Community
Minority mental health matters “July was first declared as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, July has been a time to acknowledge and explore issues concerning mental health, substance use disorders, and minority communities, and to destigmatize mental illness and enhance public awareness of mental illness among affected minority groups across the […]
Men’s Health Month: Masculinity and Mental Health
According to research, men are less likely to seek mental health services compared to their female counterparts. One of the factors that contribute to this underuse of seeking professional help is masculinity norms. June is Men’s Health Month; a month dedicated to raising awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of […]
LGBTQ Pride Month
Stigma, Addiction, and Mental Health within the LGBTQ Community “Like racism and all forms of prejudice, bigotry against LGBTQ people is a deadly carcinogen. We are pitted against each other in order to keep us from seeing each other as allies. Genuine bonds of solidarity can be forged between people who respect each other’s differences […]
Feelings of Hope During COVID-19
Feeling of Hope: What We Will Never Take For Granted Again “When this is over, may we never again take for granted: A handshake with a stranger Full shelves at the store Conversations with the neighbors A crowded theatre Friday night out The taste of communion A routine checkup The school rush each morning Coffee […]
Why You Should Never Detox From Drugs By Yourself
When you have a drug or alcohol problem, detoxing yourself is a dangerous choice. The problem with detoxing at home is that the withdrawals you go through need professional medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms from detox are delusions, seizures, insomnia, vomiting, appetite changes, sleeping problem, anxiety, and poor concentration. Often medications or medical treatment is needed […]
