What NOT to Say to a Recovering Alcoholic Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014When a friend or loved one with a drinking problem enters into recovery, naturally we want to do everything in our power to support her path to wellness. But at the same time, we recognize the situation is fluid and we know that the person we care about is facing a long road back to… Details
What SHOULD You Say to a Recovering Alcoholic? Alcohol AbuseBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014Alcoholics in recovery are in a vulnerable state and need the love, support and understanding of everyone who cares about them. Family ties and the bonds of friendship are powerful healing tools, and any person going through a life crisis related to substance abuse can be helped tremendously by the loving efforts of the people… Details
How Does an AA Sponsor Help? RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 15, 2014So you’re trying out the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) route to sobriety. That’s wonderful, but if might feel a little overwhelming. It may seem like you’re learning a whole new language and culture—so many slogans, acronyms, books to read, meetings to attend, 12 steps to learn and a sponsor to guide you through it all. What’s… Details
Breaking the Cycle of Triggers, Relapse and Addiction Relapse PreventionBy Promises AustinJanuary 10, 2014The process of recovery from addiction presents many challenges, but one of the most significant is overcoming the psychological grasp of “triggers” or “cues” to use drugs. Relapse is a daily reality in treatment centers, and one of the main reasons it’s so common is that triggers and cues to use exert a very real… Details
What Are Bath Salts? Other AddictionsBy Promises AustinJanuary 9, 2014For many adults, the term bath salts describes something you add to your bath water to soften your skin. Now, however, the term is taking on an entirely new meaning. Bath salts is the name given to a relatively new and dangerous type of synthetic drug that’s not anywhere near as innocent as its namesake. … Details
Don’t Let Family Dynamics Threaten Your Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinJanuary 9, 2014Getting sober can be a life’s work—it may seem like a monumental effort, sometimes overwhelming. Right when you think you’ve got a foothold, something always goes wrong—something outside of you, beyond your control, that sucks you in and demands that you face and deal with situations and people that push you to your absolute limit.… Details
Can Binge Drinking Harm Your Sleep? Binge DrinkingBy Promises AustinJanuary 8, 2014Binge drinking is a dangerous, damaging pattern of short-term alcohol consumption that occurs frequently among people above and below the legal age for alcohol intake. Individuals who follow this pattern of consumption significantly increase their risks for a whole host of serious health problems. According to the results of two recent studies conducted on both… Details
Are You at Risk for an Anxiety Disorder? AnxietyBy Promises AustinJanuary 7, 2014Anxiety disorders impact millions of people at some point during their lifetimes. From excessive worry to extreme avoidance of certain types of social situations, anxiety is distressing and can even be debilitating. It negatively impacts relationships, damages or derails careers, and often causes self-confidence to plummet. It can make what should be a happy life… Details
DSM 5: New Criteria for Multiple Personality Disorder Mental HealthBy Promises AustinJanuary 4, 2014Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is the official name for a severe mental health condition popularly known as multiple personality disorder. People with this condition transition between two or more clearly differentiated personalities and lack the ability to recall the things that occur when another personality takes control. DID is officially defined in the Diagnostic and… Details
When Your Teen Is in Drug Rehab – Tips for Parents Teen IssuesBy Promises AustinJanuary 3, 2014Placing a teen in alcohol or drug rehab is one of the most difficult things a parent will do. While you’re probably relieved that your child is finally getting help, you may also be worried about what the future holds. As a parent, there are actions you can take right now to give your teenager… Details
