It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, which was created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and takes place each year during the first week of October. The goal: to educate, raise awareness, and stop stigma surrounding mental illness. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.9 million people in the U.S. experience both a mental disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. Either disorder — substance use or mental illness — can develop first. Due to a mix of hormones, cultural pressures, and a higher risk for physical and emotional abuse, women are particularly susceptible to depression, anxiety, panic [...]

Summer is here and it’s time to make some sober memories! Here are a few fun activities that can help you do just that – and they’ll also double-duty to help strengthen your recovery. Try something new. With its longer days, summer is the ideal season to gain a new skill – either by taking a class or teaching yourself. Take a yoga class, experiment with some new healthy recipes or test your hand at drawing or painting. The sky’s the limit! Make time to read. Not only is reading a great relaxation strategy (especially reading on the beach!), but [...]

There’s no better time to start taking steps to love your new sober self than on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of uncertainty or guilt over past deeds, today is the perfect day to begin forgiving yourself and to start moving ahead as you learn to make better, brighter choices in life. Devote a few minutes today to showing yourself a little appreciation – you deserve it! A few small gestures can help you build your confidence and learn to love the new sober you! Do something that feels good. Nurturing your body is one of the best [...]

We don’t have to tell you that recovery is a long journey with ups and downs and lots of stumbling blocks along the way. Knowing what to expect can help you stay the sober path and better handle any challenges that come your way. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlined some common stumbling blocks for people in recovery – along with some tips to overcome them. Take a look: Your appearance. During recovery, your outward appearance tends to improve quicker than your ability to stay sober. SAMHSA calls this the “looking good” trap and says, if [...]

Using essential oils, made from parts of certain plants like leaves, herbs, barks and rinds, may help you unwind, destress and stay focused as you endure the hard work of recovery. In fact, more and more people are turning to aromatherapy as a way to relax and center themselves. Of course, there’s a wide range of use for essential oils – from easing headaches and stomach woes to boosting immunity – but here we take a look at a few essential oils study-proven for their stress- and anxiety-busting benefits. Before using essential oils, talk with your healthcare provider and addiction counselor. [...]