Sleep is essential to physical and mental health, yet it’s an overlooked element of addiction recovery. If you’ve struggled with substance use, it may surprise you when quality sleep doesn’t return after you complete medical detox. Long-term drug and alcohol use can significantly disrupt sleep architecture, making it difficult...
You’ve probably seen the same storyline play out a hundred times on television dramas, in memoirs or even in real life – someone spirals into addiction and stubbornly refuses help until a crisis forces them to. The concept of losing everything to substance abuse is called “rock bottom,” and many...
Beyond its damaging effects on your relationships, job and physical well-being, addiction also fundamentally changes your brain. Over time, chronic substance use can impair your memory, disrupt emotional regulation and damage your decision-making abilities. In the most severe cases, it can lead to permanent cognitive decline or even brain...
Opioid addiction takes a significant mental and physical toll. While FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize brain chemistry, recent research suggests that complementary therapies like yoga may accelerate holistic healing. What the Research Shows Yoga, an ancient mind-body discipline, can improve flexibility, relieve anxiety and strengthen your musculoskeletal...
Kratom used to live in the dark corners of the internet. Now it’s sitting on shelves next to energy shots and gummy candy, dressed up like it’s regulated, tested, and safe. It isn’t. Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide warning on kratom and a...
For millions of Americans living with chronic illness, every day is a balancing act – managing pain, remembering to take their medications and trying to maintain their quality of life. But when health conditions like diabetes, cancer, arthritis or fibromyalgia overlap with substance use, the path forward becomes even...
The start of a new year can bring a renewed sense of hope, especially for people in recovery. You may feel freshly inspired to improve your well-being or accomplish lofty goals. But while enthusiasm is a positive trait, overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions can sometimes set you up for...
The holiday season stirs up pain, stress and loneliness for many people, especially for those in addiction recovery. Whether it’s the memory of lost loved ones, unresolved family conflict or the pressure to spend more than you can afford, emotional triggers can feel overwhelming. Holiday Triggers That May Cause Emotional...
