Autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, changing leaves and the anticipation of the holiday season. However, for some people, shorter days and reduced sunlight also bring unwelcome changes in their mood, energy and motivation. If you consistently feel sad, flat or unmotivated as fall turns into winter, you may have...
Managing your health is a responsibility that may become increasingly complicated as you get older. You might take medications to control the symptoms of several conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain and insomnia. While each prescription serves a legitimate medical purpose, combining them sometimes creates unexpected...
Most people are aware that prolonged substance abuse often brings physical consequences such as brain, heart and liver damage. However, it’s a lesser-known fact that drugs and alcohol can also significantly affect your digestive system, interfering with everything from appetite and nutrient absorption to normal bowel function. Digestive symptoms such...
October is Emotional Wellness Month, an opportunity to consider how your feelings influence your physical health, relationships, decisions and quality of life. If you’ve habitually used drugs or alcohol to suppress discomfort, manage stress or escape your problems, learning healthier ways to recognize and regulate your emotions is a...
If you have stopped drinking before, quitting again may not seem like a risky proposition. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal can be highly unpredictable, which is also what makes it so dangerous. Repeated episodes of heavy drinking followed by withdrawal can make your nervous system increasingly sensitive and worsen your symptoms....
Self-care is a phrase most people associate with relaxation or self-indulgence – taking a vacation, scheduling a professional massage session or treating themselves to a lavish meal at an upscale restaurant. While those activities can be beneficial, the other side of the coin is that self-care isn’t always comfortable...
Every September, National Recovery Month celebrates the millions of people building healthier lives after substance use and recognizes the families, clinicians, peers and communities who support them along the way. It is also an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about what active recovery looks like. Recovery is not a single milestone...
September is Pain Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to increase our understanding and recognition of the millions of people living with persistent discomfort. Chronic pain interferes with sleep, work, mobility, relationships and activities that once brought joy. Prescription opioids can provide valuable relief when used appropriately under a doctor’s supervision,...
