Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.
During my twenty-five year career in substance abuse treatment, I’ve frequently heard family members (and clients) insist that "Alcohol isn't his/her/my problem - drugs are!" and "Alcoholism isn't his/her/my problem - addiction is!" as if the same principles of recovery from chemical dependency don't apply to any dysfunctional situation where alcohol either isn't present or isn't present enough to be identified as the primary drug-of-choice.
Read more
Now and then, you may find yourself caught up in the complexities of daily life and forget to take care of yourself. International Self-Care Day serves as a reminder to prioritize your mental and physical well-being and the positive impact that self-care has on those around you. In this blog, you’ll learn the significance of…
Read more
Depression affects millions of people worldwide and is much more than just feeling sad. This article will provide essential facts about depression, helping you understand its types, causes, symptoms, and depression treatment options. By learning these facts, you can better support those affected by this common mental health condition. If you or a loved one…
Read more
By: Keith Berger, Coordinator of Family Integrated Services Awareness… Acceptance… Action! Imagine yourself in a dark, foul-smelling room. Every time you take a step, you trip over shadowy objects littering the floor. Tired and frustrated from the stumbles and falls, you clear out a corner and try to make the best of the situation by…
Read more
By: Keith Berger, Coordinator of Family Integrated Services Someone I care about suffers from alcoholism, addiction and mental health challenges and I have been affected. Even though I have personally never used alcohol or other mood-and-mind altering chemicals compulsively (and I choose not to indulge in any substances for a couple of decades now), I…
Read more
By: Keith Berger, Coordinator of Family Integrated Services Breathe. It’s the first thing we do when we get here and begin our human experience. One deep breath - inhale, exhale - and we’re off and crawling… then walking… then running. It can be argued that everything begins with breath. Breathe. Studies show that the average…
Read more
Paramedics do so much more than save lives. They make a lasting difference in their communities and the healthcare systems they’re involved with. Whether delivering babies, treating burns, or keeping patients calm while in transit—paramedics love what they do, and it shows. Join us in honoring these brave and selfless heroes on July 8, International…
Read more
National Therapeutic Recreation Week is here again, and there’s no better time to begin your mental and physical wellness journey. For individuals with mental health issues, National Therapeutic Week raises awareness about the various therapeutic programs available to address their mental health. It also provides an opportunity to explore creativity. One example of such an…
Read more
Did you know that staying indoors for extended periods of time can have a detrimental effect on your mental wellness? The lack of sunlight has been shown to cause depression in some people and decrease the production of feel-good hormones in the brain. On the contrary, sunlight exposure has been shown to increase serotonin levels, boost…
Read more
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July While in Recovery The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence and enjoy quality time with family and friends. However, the holiday’s association with consuming alcoholic beverages can make it challenging for individuals in recovery. Additionally, it’s a difficult time for individuals…
Read more
