What do Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and substance use disorder (SUD) have in common? At first glance, probably not much. Yet researchers continue to uncover surprising connections between how the brain processes reward, craving, and behavior across these different
It’s hard to think about your future or focus on personal growth when you’re worried about getting through today. That’s one reason Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs continues to resonate with so many people in recovery. According to Verywell Mind’s
You may be watching the father you love try to rebuild his life after substance use has caused damage, and you aren’t sure what to feel anymore. Throughout history, tons of fathers have stepped into parenthood without ever seeing healthy
If the thought of following a religion makes your skin crawl, then a religious recovery center may sound like your own personal hell: Uncomfortable prayers, pressure to believe in God, and people telling you that faith is the only way
When substances no longer dominate your daily routine, your nervous system might settle down, your relationships can feel lighter, and you may notice curiosity creeping back into your brain after years of survival mode. You could even begin noticing space
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to exist everywhere, even if you don’t really get it. In fact, research suggests that while most people have at least heard of AI, their understanding of it varies widely by age, education level, and
Recovery can open the door to a whole new kind of closeness—with people and with yourself. When you’re living substance-free, you can start to feel things more fully again—love, laughter, awkwardness, vulnerability—and all those feelings can actually be a good
You know those days when everything hits at once—your emotions spiral, your thoughts race, and you’d do just about anything to calm down? That’s when emotional regulation really gets tested. Everyone feels big emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, frustration—but for people in
You might feel skeptical about faith-based substance use treatments like the kind that St. Gregory Recovery Center offers in Iowa, and that’s completely okay. Many people wonder if faith has a place in something as practical as treatment for substance
Ever wondered why your heart races or your muscles tense during a scary movie? That’s stress, your body’s natural response to anything your brain may interpret as a threat. Stress can be external, like losing a job or arguing with
Wanting to live substance-free is the dream for many people who visit Iowa for recovery services, but deciding and sticking to that wish is the most powerful and personal step you or your loved one can take. It’s also the
You might think the only requirement for entering residential treatment in Iowa for substance use disorder (SUD) is reaching your lowest point. But you never need to wait to hit rock bottom to get help. Feeling broken, hopeless, or permanently
Perhaps you can’t see it right now, but you’ve come a long way and you deserve recognition. It takes resilience to begin a life without substances. Recovery is no small thing, and each day you continue forward after finishing residential
The triggers that can threaten your recovery aren’t always obvious. The biggest dangers can be subtle, like quiet feelings, old habits, or familiar places that stir something inside you before you even realize the effect they have. They can sneak
Dating someone who’s in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) can be a beautiful, rewarding experience, but it also comes with a degree of responsibility and accountability. If your partner is in their first year of recovery, it’s a particularly
Social pressures and other common triggers are abundant during the summer months of warmth and relaxation. Many outdoor gatherings in the summertime commonly have alcohol present, which can be a trigger for those in active recovery. Luckily, many of the
Your cravings may have returned, especially if you’re under extreme stress or dealing with co-occurring physical or mental health challenges. You may have failed to overcome them. You may feel like relapse is an enormous, unforgivable setback, but it’s a
Spring is swiftly approaching and with it: spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the new: you know the drill. It may seem like a major chore, transitioning from the winter to the spring—but what if spring cleaning connected
It might be hard to see the benefits of our chronic online engagement, but rapidly evolving technology and high-speed connection can support people entering residential treatment in Bayard for substance use disorder (SUD). Now more than ever, recovery apps can
Finding healthy vacation destinations can make a big difference if you want to live a substance-free lifestyle. Some towns and counties in the U.S. are dry. A dry area restricts or totally bans alcohol sales, erasing the temptation that bars
Your tummy and brain are in constant conversation, a never-ending gut-brain chatter that scientists often call the gut-brain axis. These conversations impact your body’s overall function, including your moods, mental health, and recovery experience. Research shows that your gut’s microbiome,
St. Gregory Recovery Center can’t stress enough the importance of life skills. Developing them is crucial for all those who are fighting substance use disorder (SUD), whether with recovery meetings, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The
America’s Independence Day can be a joyous time for many and a cause for celebration. Typically, beers and barbeque characterize the holiday festivities–but here at St. Gregory, we’re committed to relapse prevention for all of our clients and community members
Prosocial activities include any action that benefits other beings, both human and animal, directly or indirectly. If you’re participating in a prosocial activity, you’re supporting, providing for, consoling, working for, or cooperating with others in some way to help an
Toxicity in a relationship is present when the relationship makes one or both people feel regularly misunderstood, undervalued, or unwanted.
More than half of everyone who enters treatment for a substance abuse disorder (SUD) relapses within just twelve months. Relapse is a common occurrence, and it doesn’t make or break the possibility of successful long-term recovery. If you feel like
Podcasts are almost always entertaining, often uplifting, many times educational, and, honestly, great for your mental health. They’re an awesome way to stay connected to others, stimulate your mind, and learn—all while driving, cleaning, exercising, or simply relaxing. We’ve chosen
It’s a beautiful time of year, as October comes to a colorful end and November brings shorter days and the welcome break of Thanksgiving. Whether you look forward to the holiday or not will depend on many things: your work
From a mental health perspective, a toxic relationship is any type of sustained interaction with someone that leaves you feeling poorly understood, taken for granted, attacked, unsupported, or looked down upon. Because so much negativity is produced by toxic relationships,
Every September, National Recovery Month celebrates everyone who is in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders. This month is a time for the discovery and promotion of innovative scientific advances in addiction treatment approaches—along with the
Drawing Closer to God in Recovery If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol and want to recover as soon as possible, you have likely tried many things without much success. Addicts take different steps to reach their goal but