We all experience trauma in some form during our lives. Bullying, car accidents, or a sports injury are all considered varying types of traumas. Some trauma affects our physical body exclusively, some our psyche, and some traumas affect both. Some types of trauma are single instances, and others recur over years – even decades. Each […]
Many mental health conditions can both cause and be caused by substance abuse. Substance use can also exacerbate any ongoing mental health problems. In fact, alcohol or drug addiction is a mental health condition itself – and having multiple mental health issues at once makes each that much more difficult to treat. Terminology Having a
There are magic moments where a word or phrase perfectly defines our feelings, gives voice to our thoughts, or embodies our soul’s journey. Finding these words or combination of words can be extremely affirming. Knowing that someone else has been in a similar place validates our own experience. Starting From the Beginning When first setting
Cleaner Living Sobriety brings with it a cleaner way of living. When someone is under the influence of substances, their decisions are shrouded by that substance. Their focus is on the next fix, the next high, the next drink – what their mind and body are craving – not on what their body actually needs.
Key Things to Consider Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the decision to enter an addiction recovery program is a huge undertaking. The multitude of emotions and questions at play can make it difficult to objectively assess which program will best fit your needs. To help you navigate the world
The Benefits of Social Media Whether it’s catching up with people from school days or laughing at the latest cat meme, social networking has become a staple in our daily lives. The internet has its downfalls, but the ability to reach large numbers of one’s friends, family, and acquaintances in one keystroke regardless of where
There is a quote by voice actor JoJo Jensen that states, “Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.” While this is an amusing image, the truth in it is very real. Our emotional state falters when we are deprived of sleep. The Importance of Sleep Regardless of what causes insomnia, the need to combat
For many of us, our most terrible fear is loneliness. When you feel like the only person who has ever walked the path you are on, experienced what you are experiencing, or felt the pain you are in, you experience a deep, harrowing loneliness. You’re Not Alone So, when you hear a song that expresses
It’s Difficult–For Everyone Watching someone you care about struggle with substance abuse is extremely difficult. When they have gotten help and started down the path to recovery, everyone hopes it will be a forever solution. A loved one’s sobriety, however, can feel like a double-edged sword for the family and friends. On one hand, you
Dependence and Detox When the body has become dependent on a substance, it is necessary to detoxify before any steps toward recovery can be made. Most often, the body has become so accustomed to the substance that taking it away – even in a safe, medical setting – can cause extreme side effects. These side
The Holidays The holiday season is full of family, friends, and good food. It can also be full of stressful situations and relapse triggers. Family drama, relationship stresses, and finances can all make anyone want to hide away until the season is over. As most substance use is done as an escape from these feelings,
The ocean can be a very soothing, peaceful thing to watch. The gentle waves seem to roll onto the beaches effortlessly, singing a song of tranquility. However, when you are out in the waters it is a much different sensation. Those seemingly calm, rolling waves now toss you up and down. What looked from the
Everyone knows the stereotype of the drunk woman. A number of big-time actors have portrayed perpetually-buzzed female characters, often in the role of comic relief, voicing the unfiltered thoughts no other characters will and getting laughs for it. A number of songs praise getting “day drunk,” insinuating that it will make everything easier or more
Trading Addictions Trading one addiction for another is a common occurrence for people in recovery. People often substitute food, gambling, or shopping for substance abuse. By themselves and done in a controlled manner, these things aren’t negative. However, when they become compulsive behaviors, they turn into replacement addictions. Behavior that morphs into a substitute addiction
Many substances can be habit-forming. From alcohol and tobacco to prescription and illegal drugs, when does a habit become an addiction? This varies depending on the substance itself, the person using it, and how it is administered. Factors such as age, size, and overall health play a part in how easily one can succumb to
Substance Use Affects Everything Drugs, alcohol, and substance use disorders wreak havoc on every aspect of your life. Body, mind, and spirit are all affected, and all need to find healing and peace again after being released from the bonds of addiction. You may likely feel emotionally off-balance or not quite “yourself” after starting recovery
Almost everyone has complaints about their job, and almost every job comes with risk factors. Some are dangerous by nature (construction, chemicals, firefighting, etc.) and others simply take a toll on your mind and emotions (teaching, social work, medicine, etc.). A Different Kind of Risk Have you ever thought that your job may pose a
One aspect of substance use that is often missed by many is the effect it has on a person’s nutrition. Many times, this is overlooked as a cause in the rush to treat the subsequent body system disorders it has caused. Especially among the elderly, the resulting health issues from continued alcohol abuse become obvious
Many aspects of rehabilitation and recovery are very complex: the way the body changes while substances are being abused and the struggle to return it to normal function; how social spheres affect sobriety; and how the person recovering feels about themselves and their personal journey. Breaking It Down Sometimes, however, the most complex problems can
A Welcoming Spirit While Iowa’s St. Gregory Recovery Center is a faith-based rehabilitation haven, that should never deter non-Christians from receiving the benefits of our recovery programs. Christ’s welcoming spirit toward believers and non-believers alike is what drives our desire to help all who come through these doors to find a sober future. You do
“It’s better to give than to receive,” they say, and it is true. However, giving while receiving has its benefits too! Volunteering and giving back while in recovery and receiving treatment for a substance use disorder is extremely beneficial for your continued growth. Studies show that volunteering and all of its psychological benefits can lower
Summertime in Iowa The summer months in Iowa can be a wonderful time of traveling, festivals, outdoor sports, barbecues, and unstructured fun. For someone in recovery, however, many of these activities bring triggers or memories of a less-than-sober lifestyle. Staying sober through the summer won’t be easy. However, with perseverance, a plan, and a good
Battling substance abuse and working toward recovery is difficult. Whether you are planning your transition or have already left the safety of Iowa’s St. Gregory Recovery Center, it is important to remember the perseverance it has taken to get this far in the recovery process. You have already accomplished a monumental feat, so remind yourself
Common But Counterproductive It’s common to assume that sometimes a person struggling with substance use disorder has to hit a stumbling block so monumental they have no choice but to realize it’s the substance use that’s the problem, and thus want to get help. They idea that it’s necessary to “hit rock bottom” is counterproductive,
An Overview When we think of substance abuse and overdoses, elderly persons are not the first age group that come to mind. However, they are at a significantly higher risk because of specific issues suffered due to their advanced age. Aside from these risk factors, there are other aspects to consider regarding opiate use by
Money problems and substance abuse can go hand-in-hand and become a vicious cycle. When you have financial issues, you can become depressed and look to self-medicate. If you have a substance use problem, it can cause financial issues as you spend more on substances and neglect other bills. To find ways out of a financial
People expect substance use disorders in cities, but assume the “quiet country life” of rural areas is exempt from such problems. It isn’t. Addiction doesn’t discriminate by age, race, gender, or location. The substances abused vary in popularity between urban and rural areas, but the effects and dangers are the same. Two of the most
A peaceful place in the country with a white picket fence. This is a dream for many people in America, but is it everything they’re imagining? Over 97 percent of the land area in our country is rural and this rural land is home to 60 million people (nearly 20 percent of the population). Every
Relationship Health Relationships come in many forms and can be some of the most helpful aspects of a strong support system, but only if they’re healthy relationships. When a relationship between people is a strong, loving bond where each person values and supports the other, it can be a huge blessing when one person is
Recovery is like a bridge, spanning from the life of substance use and addiction to the land of clean and sober living. The waters it crosses are treacherous and turbulent, beating against that bridge with every step you take. Without strong supports, the bridge of recovery could give way and plunge you into temptations, dragging
Everyone wants to help their loved ones, especially if they’re struggling and suffering. It could be your sibling, significant other, parent, child, cousin, or decades-long friend—the relationship itself doesn’t matter because the desire to help is the same. This love you have for someone can blind you and skew your intentions, however. You may think
There’s no place like home. Sometimes this can be helpful, and sometimes not so much. Inside the safe and supportive walls of St. Gregory Recovery Center, it’s easy to conform to a sober life. You may think it will continue to be that simple at home, but don’t be deceived. The world outside is a
Since World War II, it is estimated by the World Health Organization that the rate of suicide globally has risen 60 percent. In 2010, suicides claimed more lives than murder, war, and natural disasters combined. While there are many reasons people commit or attempt suicide, suicide is the leading cause of death in people with
Iowa is a beautiful place, but let’s face it: winter here can be brutal. Ice, snow, and 30-below windchills are not for the faint of heart! It can be tempting to just hibernate until spring. However, for people in recovery from substance use, that can have its own challenges (hello, boredom = hello, cravings). Despite
Family Therapy for Substance Abuse Recovery When someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, everyone around them feels the pain. Parents, children, spouses, siblings, and grandparents alike will struggle with the effects of their loved one’s addiction. Attending therapy sessions specifically designed for those coping with an addict in their family can open the
Admitting you need help is not high on the list of things anyone wants to do. Ever. From the time we’re children, it has been a constant desire to “prove” one’s abilities independent of others’ influence and assistance. From walking to choosing clothes to cooking a meal for someone else, there are things that we
Camouflage is something well-known to our military and veterans. They are constantly trying to remain concealed for their own protection, whether in training or active war zones. Eventually, camouflage becomes a way of life. They are trained to not let anything “personal” get in the way of being prepared and alert so they don’t inadvertently
While most people assume substance abuse and addiction are problems only young people deal with, that is not actually the case. Substance use disorders and dependencies can develop and be harmful at any age. Adults of advanced age have unique issues and risk factors to consider. As the number of aches and pains grows, the
The teenage and college years are considered by many to be a time of experimentation, learning, and fun before one enters the “real” world. While this is a more carefree time in one’s life bolstered by increased freedom and autonomy, the consequences of choices made can affect you for years – possibly even the rest
Only those struggling with a substance use disorder can make the changes necessary to recover from their addiction. However, at what point they decide recovery is something they want to pursue is different for each person. Some need to hit “rock bottom” or be hit with a hard dose of reality before they realize how
The “winter blahs” can hit any time the days start getting noticeably shorter and our weather turns cold. If your feelings of recluse this time of year are severe, however, you may be suffering from a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This can pose a challenge in your recovery journey, so
Sharing is caring, they say. Our parents and teachers implore us to share with those around us, especially with those we see are in need. When our friends need help, we want to lend a hand. These are great qualities, but is everything meant to be shared? Prescription medications, especially the stimulants for sleep disorders
More than 28 million people in America are children of alcoholics. Nearly 11 million of these are under the age of eighteen. When you have grown up with a parent who was or still is suffering from a substance use disorder, there can be a lot of grievances you feel. There could have been many
From tailgating before “the big game” to upcoming holiday parties, there are countless settings that can challenge the new-found sobriety of those in recovery from alcohol abuse. While the alcohol flowing at parties and tailgating events may be enjoyable for many, it can be very difficult to be around for those in recovery.
Meditation is a practice for quieting the mind and bolstering self-control. When you shut off the outside world and pay closer attention to your own thoughts and reactions, you can grow exponentially in these areas. Adding mindfulness to your meditation can take it to the next level.
Keeping a diary or journal is something many people in recovery for substance use are asked to do. Whether you’ve done this previously for leisure or not, doing so in rehabilitation settings can feel a bit daunting. You may ask yourself, “Where do I start?” Hopefully, I can help give you some ideas and writing