Why Silence Is So Important in Meditation Mental HealthBy Promises AustinJuly 6, 2016With the constant noise and distractions in today’s society, it’s hard to find a quiet place and time to think. For many, the way to cope is to grab a drink, smoke a cigarette or a joint, pop some pills or gamble the night away. Few think about what all the noise is doing to… Details
What to Do When Your Loved One Relapses Relapse PreventionBy Promises AustinJuly 5, 2016Relapse is often a normal part of the recovery process because of the chronic nature of addiction. About 40% to 60% of people in recovery from substance abuse will relapse at some point. Watching a loved one slip back into destructive behaviors after getting sober is a gut-wrenching experience. Anger, sadness, exasperation, disappointment, resentment, fear… Details
What Al-Anon Can Teach Love Addicts Sex AddictionBy Promises AustinJune 27, 2016If you are a love addict, you revolve your life around other people. The most important thing to you is the sensation of being in love, but most of your relationships are turbulent and unfulfilling. You are usually drawn to people who are emotionally unavailable, and you have most likely had one or more relationships… Details
Can Nature Help You Overcome Addiction? Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinJune 27, 2016Most people who’ve spent time outdoors may notice their spirits lift after a hike in the woods or a brisk walk on a sunny day. But is nature powerful enough to help people recover from addiction and mental health issues? Science and ecopsychology experts would argue yes. Nature Soothes the Troubled Soul It’s no mistake… Details
Mistakes and Do-Overs in Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinJune 27, 2016“You can never make the same mistake twice because the second time you make it, it’s not a mistake, it’s a choice.” – Unknown Recall the first time you picked up your drug or engaged in your behavior of choice. Perhaps it was when you snuck a sip from a glass or swig from a… Details
Is Your Addicted Loved One At Risk for Suicide? Family ResourcesBy Promises AustinJune 23, 2016People with addictions are at high risk for suicide. That’s why early intervention with treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional components of substance abuse is critical for addicts. Suicide and Addiction: The Silent Killer According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the… Details
Using Love as a Drug Sex AddictionBy Promises AustinJune 13, 2016Love addiction isn’t as easy to recognize as addiction to substances or to gambling. When you are addicted to chemicals, you revolve your life around chasing the experience of getting high. Anything or anyone that gets in the way of that experience is quickly discarded. The whole purpose of your life is to get high… Details
Anxiety: A Lifestyle Problem for Addicts AnxietyBy Promises AustinJune 13, 2016“About four months into sobriety, I knew if I didn’t address my anxiety, I would go back to drinking. It was so severe, and I had no way to relieve it,” says Catherine Henricks, MS. Her situation is not uncommon. An astonishing 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from anxiety, and they are two… Details
When Does Flirting Cross the Line From Innocent to Addictive? Sex AddictionBy Promises AustinJune 6, 2016Flirting is a natural human behavior. We use it as a tool to connect with others, especially romantically. It can, however, be an innocent way to socialize. Not all flirting leads to a romantic or sexual encounter, and to occasionally get carried away with flirting, even when you have a committed partner, is not problematic.… Details
Naloxone: Why There’s No Excuse Not to Save Someone From Opioid Overdose Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinJune 6, 2016When someone you care about is addicted to prescription painkillers or heroin, it can feel like you’ve already lost them. Sadly, drug overdose deaths are more common than ever, taking the No. 1 spot in leading causes of accidental death in the U.S., surpassing even car crashes. As you watch your loved one spiral out… Details
