Educational Resources

Are you feeling more tired than usual? Is it harder to find joy this holiday season? Do the festivities feel more overwhelming than uplifting? These experiences are real. Many people feel this way during winter and the holidays. Seasonal mood changes, often called the “holiday blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can lead to emotional stress, fatigue, irritability, and withdrawal from daily life. While these feelings are common, they don’t have to define your season. With compassionate care and intentional self-care, you can tackle seasonal sadness and still find peace and meaning during Christmas. Tackle seasonal sadness this Christmas season…

Recovery from any kind of addiction is a process, and it takes time to give results. This process is a straightforward journey for some people, whereas others may experience relapse/s during their journey. Some people consider relapse as a failure, which is not really true. This article will help you understand the concepts of addiction, recovery, and relapse. After going through the following article, you will know whether relapse is a part of the recovery process. In addition to that, this article also explains how a person can live clean and sober. AddictionIt is a neuropsychological disorder in which a…

Doctors sometimes prescribe opioids, often known as narcotics, to manage severe or chronic pain. They are used by those with persistent headaches and backaches, recovering from surgery, or dealing with excruciating pain from cancer, as well as for adults and kids who have suffered major injuries while playing sports or in falls, car accidents, or other situations.Opioids can be produced in a lab, such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, others), or from the poppy plant, such as morphine (Kadian, Ms. Contin, and others). How do Opioids Function? Opioids, a large class of painkillers, interact with opioid receptors in your cells to…

You likely know about the positive effects exercise has on your physical well-being. Even something as simple as a brisk walk each day can have your body looking and feeling strong. But did you know exercise is vital to your mental health as well? Read on to discover the benefits of exercise on the brain.  How Physical Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health There are lots of little things we can do to manage our mental health. Deep breathing, journaling, and grounding activities can help you center yourself and declutter your thoughts.  But exercise has a palpable, chemical effect on the…

Have you come to dread the holiday season? It might not be due to the holidays themself, but rather the pressures, demands, and expectations that will inevitably be heaped upon you at both work and home.  If so, you’re not alone. It’s a feeling many others share. And with COVID, there’s an extra reason for anxious feelings.  So, how do you make your holiday season less stressful and more joyful? Here’s what you need to know about managing holiday stress.  What Causes Holiday Stress? The holiday season is a whirlwind of activities. There’s a hustle and bustle that can cause…

Opioid abuse is an epidemic in our country. While narcotics like heroin and oxycodone have been around for decades, a newer opioid is on the rise. This drug is called fentanyl.  Due to its extreme potency, fentanyl has exacerbated the opioid crisis. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. As a result, it’s very easy to overdose on.  So how can you spot the signs of a fentanyl overdose? And what is the best treatment? Keep reading to find out.  What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It’s usually prescribed after surgeries to treat severe pain. You can spot the…

If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, you’re not alone. Currently, 1.6 million people abuse meth in the United States. Worldwide, meth is the most commonly abused hard drug. Fortunately, meth addiction recovery is possible with the right support. By taking the brave step to pursue recovery, meth addiction doesn’t need to rule your life anymore.  To learn about the steps to overcoming meth addiction, keep reading.  What is Meth?  Methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth,” is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It causes the brain to release a rush of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that regulates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Once…

Is Alcoholism Hereditary? Alcohol is commonplace in our society. Many people have a drink to unwind after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion. However, some people have a more complicated relationship—and more detrimental—relationship with alcohol.  Alcoholism, also called alcohol use disorder, is a disease that impacts 1 out of every 12 Americans. Science continues to explore the causes of alcohol dependence and the best treatments for it. If you or a loved one is impacted by alcoholism, you may be wondering, “is alcoholism hereditary or learned?”. Below, you’ll find out exactly what role genetics plays in this disease.  What is…

Alcoholism has been categorized as a medical disorder far longer than it has been widely accepted as a psychiatric disorder– since 1956. It is a bit bewildering that in 2020 many still ask is alcoholism a disease and do not see addiction as a disorder, but the classification is becoming more accepted in the public. It has been a slow crawl for substance-related and addictive disorders to be truly accepted as disorders. Some History on Alcoholism as a Disease Alcoholism was first referred to in the context of a disease by the American Medical Association in 1956, in the Journal…