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Sound Familiar? How many times have you heard someone tell you that you have an addictive personality? The person warns you to exercise caution in whatever activity you’re about to engage in: a new video game, a new exercise, a

During this difficult pandemic, many state governments now mandate that children stay at home with their families or guardians. For countless children, weeks stuck inside prove boring but essentially harmless. For children who live in an environment with substance abuse

What to do if You or a Loved One is Addicted to Xanax Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) is the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States. That’s a testament to the drug’s effectiveness, of course. Unfortunately, this effectiveness

If you or a loved one has struggled with a substance use disorder, you know that recovery requires a wealth of resources and energy. In the face of what may seem like overwhelming odds, self-help books about addiction may seem

The Thanksgiving holiday can be tricky for those in addiction recovery. For some, Thanksgiving poses no threat to their sobriety. For others, the holiday may create anxiety, discomfort, or fear because of its connection to alcohol or drug use. Thanksgiving

The notion of success often ties to fame. Movie stars, musicians, singers–when they attain success, we tend to look up to, admire, and envy them. And when they fail? We notice–and we can either turn their dirty laundry into gossip

One of the greatest challenges faced by the loved ones of someone suffering from addiction is knowing how to help. But no matter how much we desire to rescue friends or family from the burning houses of their addictions, we

Many artists and creative people believe that drugs and alcohol enhance their art or creative production. This is a myth. In reality, substance abuse chokes creativity and weakens the mind and body. It physically degrades every ability a person has,

Before we enter recovery for substance use disorder, we may hear the terms individual therapy and group therapy tossed around. For many, these terms are vague and conjure mental images of Sigmund Freud scribbling notes as a hysterical woman lies on

During addiction recovery, many experience depression, lethargy, and mental fogginess. Some may even experience insomnia, digestive abnormalities, and a slew of other symptoms while transitioning to a sober lifestyle. Fortunately, advancements in medical research suggest potentially therapeutic steps we can

It can be easy to think about substance abuse as though it is always a single thing. A person drinks too much or they have too many prescriptions for dangerous painkillers or they take a specific drug they buy on

Chronic misuse of alcohol may have far greater health effects than many people realize. When alcohol is heavily and regularly consumed over time, the body becomes impaired in many ways. These disruptions to natural bodily processes can cause a waterfall

Music: A Universal Language Music is a universal language that any and all can enjoy. The diverse selection of genres offers unique experiences for listeners, including some health benefits you may have not known about. Music has the power to

Addiction recovery professionals and those who have lived the experience first-hand can both attest to the potential complications of dating in recovery. A feeling of loneliness and seclusion, especially at the beginning of recovery, can compel people to fill that

Our current times are filled with immense uncertainty and tension. The COVID-19 health crisis and political uproar have caused even more stress in an already disturbed environment. It is not abnormal to be experiencing a bit of fear and hopelessness

It’s Almost Summer! Summertime is just around the corner. As much as many of us look forward to summer months, traditional summer events can be a trigger for those trying to maintain sobriety. Outdoor barbeques, beach hangouts, and late-night soirees

What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice of awareness that allows us to connect deeper with self and with others. It can help reduce stress and teach us to be more patient, compassionate, and empathetic–qualities that come in handy as

If you have ever had a persistent cough or have experienced ongoing pain, it is likely that you have taken codeine. While it is a prescription drug and therefore limited in its distribution, codeine is frequently used as a pain

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

Children and adults who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often treated with Ritalin. The stimulant—also known as methylphenidate—is prescribed to improve an individual’s ability to stay focused on a given task for a longer period of

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

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

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 –

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.).

Finding the Right Fit An important part of developing a solid, individualized recovery plan is to determine which resources are the best fit. For many people, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are places where they find most of

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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