In early recovery, approximately the first two years, a person may be overwhelmed by the barrage of information, expectations and feelings associated with taking recovery “one day at a time!” Recovery and personal transformation is probably the most courageous project anyone could undertake and is such a powerful movement in their lives when engaged in…
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When we walk, our thoughts are usually focused on time and destination, or if we are typically restless, then we could have thousands of related or un-related thoughts drawing our attention elsewhere and soliciting our subscriptions. We are habitually unaware of the act of walking. More than ever before, observing people on cell phones, having…
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Our past experiences play an important role in shaping the person we are today. We are conditioned by early childhood experiences with caregivers and relationships with family and friends. Some of these past experiences can feed the restless mind in making messaging that keeps us tied to the past, particularly bound to negative experiences and…
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Karma, a Hindu term, meaning act or deed. It is also commonly referred to as what comes around after a choice to act, or a series of acts – sort of a cause and effect. Some have described it as fate, determining your destiny in this life or future existences, based upon your own choices…
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Anxiety and performance pressure have been cited as two of the primary reasons medical students turn to drugs and alcohol. Medical school can be challenging and stressful. The temptation to use substances such as opioids, stimulants, or alcohol to cope with pain or stay alert can be immense. However, self-medicating typically aggravates rather than helps…
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Sometimes you just need to be still and reflect. That can be difficult to do in a hectic world, especially as working professional who is also challenged with recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Taking time to focus inward can help you through your recovery, though. Spirituality and recovery have a connection that…
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First responders are called that because they are typically the first people on the scene or treating victims of a car accident, house fire, violent assault, or other traumatic events. Firefighters, police, and medical personnel are all typically among the first to respond when something devastating or tragic happens. The traumatic event not only affects…
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Most support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, have shifted to virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these challenging times, healthcare providers and counselors understand that you need the continued support of others who can relate to your situation and your stress factors. When you are the healthcare professional, though, you need that support as…
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The coronavirus outbreak is stressful. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 45% of adults “feel that worry and stress related to coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health, up from 32% in early March.” When you are an essential worker, that stress is compounded by the need to continue working…
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The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted a lot of normal activities in everyone’s daily life. As a professional in addiction treatment, you may need additional support to manage your recovery. While you are working through your addiction program, you also need to remain safe from the virus itself. The government has provided addiction resources during COVID-19…
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