Blogs

Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.

The Insanity of a Family Disease

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.

How Drug After-Effects Worsen Addiction

Substance abuse is a significant problem in America, affecting millions of people. It can lead to many harmful consequences, such as relationship problems and death. Physical dependence also affects the brain’s development, which can make it harder for addicted people to get off drugs.

Harm Reduction to Lessen the Risks of Substance Use

Many individuals are unfamiliar with harm reduction measures, which have been around for a long time. It isn’t a moral or ethical argument; instead, it is a practical technique for safer drug use. Harm reduction stresses the practical use of effective measures to help people who use drugs reduce or minimize the harms associated with their substance use and other high-risk behaviors.

And That’s How It Happened

By: Emily B., The Rehab Center Alumna I was 23 and I had just relapsed after 6 months because my mom wouldn’t let me have a car and I couldn’t handle my…

Volunteer Opportunities

By: Lisa Blomgren, The Rehab Center Alumni Coordinator It was suggested to me early in recovery that I should get involved with some volunteer work. My first thought was “why would I…

Chronic Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can have many underlying causes. One of the most prevalent, though, is chronic mental illness. This can be a powerful enemy to overcome, but with the right resources, you can take your life back.

Can I Get My Job Back After Rehab?

It’s only natural to have some questions and concerns about how life is going to change while you’re getting addiction treatment. In fact, one of the biggest questions people have is “can I get my job back after rehab?” The quick answer is yes, most of the time.

Strategies for Living Well With ADHD

Approximately 4% to 5% of American adults live with ADHD — many of whom do not receive treatment. Even when symptoms are managed, ADHD can affect nearly every aspect of your life. That is why you should take steps to make everyday life easier. Here are some strategies to better live with ADHD so that you can live a happier, more fulfilling, and productive life.

What Happens if I Relapse?

If you relapse, it doesn’t mean that your drug addiction recovery efforts have been wasted. Find out what causes relapses, how to prevent them, and what to do if one occurs.

The Mental Health Benefits of Sunlight

There is no quick fix for certain psychological issues, but the mental health benefits of sunlight cannot be overstated. While getting out in the sun may not cure mental illness, it can certainly give you a fighting chance.