Feelings of disappointment, dissatisfaction, and emptiness are not pleasant, but invite us to look for new sources and experiences of hope and growth. Whether it’s simply feeling down, or a challenge with addiction or another mental health issue, awareness is…

Getting unstuck and moving forward involves recognizing that there's no shame in seeking help or looking for more in life. We can find ourselves feeling "stuck" because of either tragic, negative experiences or in the midst of situations or conditions…

Addiction becomes a medical condition that affects the brain. Neuroscience demonstrates how our brains can be profoundly affected by repeated behaviors and mental health challenges. Our backgrounds, childhood, genetics, and other factors affect us. Severe substance use disorders -- addictions…

Understanding what may be wrong is important for addressing a problem. Talking with a trained medical professional such as a doctor or therapist can be helpful in bringing clarity, particularly if substances are involved. However, don't let the specifics of…

Whatever our challenge, getting help sooner matters. Starting our growth or recovery process now moves us closer to greater connection, health, and hope. Addressing addiction and mental health challenges earlier can prevent more severe symptoms and consequences. Continuing in our…

Depression is complex condition of the brain that affects millions of people. Recognizing its signs can be the beginning of seeking medicinal and non-medicinal forms of support that unlock greater stability, support, and healing.

We can be the most important ingredient in our own recovery. Getting treatment or counseling is often an essential part of the process, but does not necessarily guarantee that long-term change or growth will happen. Our own willingness to engage…

Your next step in overcoming a life or mental health challenge, or addiction, very much depends on your current situation. There are a range of resources that provide important aspects of treatment and support, including clinical care, safe environments, community,…

Trying new things can feel uncomfortable or scary, but it is the way forward. Fear can hold us back, and try to emphasize the distance to the end goal. Or, the range of options may seem overwhelming. But in every…

It is crucial that individuals and families do their homework around recovery resources -- particularly treatment centers. While it's easier to switch from a counselor or support group that doesn't fit to a new one, decisions around treatment centers often…

Some treatment and counseling resources are not cheap. However, there are options available for support and, often, treatment, in the vast majority of communities regardless of our financial resources. Higher-end addiction centers usually rely on private insurance or private, out-of-pocket…

According to science, deep the experience of connection and meaningful relationships are not only a central part of long-term recovery, but of experiencing satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Connection involves feelings of being deeply known, understood and unconditionally accepted. The…

Counseling and therapy can be wonderful tools that help us explore how we want to experience more in life. In fact, one in four Americans have sought professional counseling. Most styles of counseling focus on re-understanding one's past or present…

Recovery is not just about saying “no” to something. It’s also about finding and experiencing a healthier, more fulfilling life. It’s hard to say “no” to something unless we have something else to say “yes” to. Research on habits indicates…

Family is an important source of connection - and sadly, sometimes disconnection -- in our lives. Relationships with family members can help support lasting, positive changes in our lives when that system is healthy. Therefore, recovery may need to involve…

Taking time to stop, seek help, and find healing may not feel easy or appealing, but it can be the best decision of your life. Society, friends or family, even our own thoughts may tell us that it's better to…

Our processes in recovery toward greater fullness and purpose in life usually require multiple resources and forms of support as our growth and context changes. What happens after treatment is just as essential as the initial program, given the nature…

Returning to substance use or other unhealthy behavior can have significant consequences. But shame and fear only magnify the costs of a lapse, and make it possible to spiral into a longer relapse. Life, and growth, are about moving forward.…

Community is essential in recovery because it supports connection, whether it's via treatment, a support group, healthy and trusted friends or family, or a counselor or therapist. Many of us can feel alone in our struggle, or have felt that…

The language we use impacts how we view ourselves, and can affect our recovery. People in recovery can have very different viewpoints on how to describe themselves and their struggle. Traditional language focuses on identifying as “addicts,” due to the…

Every step that we take forward toward hope and health has a positive impact, whether it feels like success in the moment or not. Life, and the journey of recovery, is not perfect. But taking a step forward is evidence…

It takes bravery to bring up mental health topics like addiction with loved ones, and love and wisdom to bring it up well. Ask questions to understand, instead of making assumptions about someone's behavior or current state. Treat the individual…

Boundaries are crucial for any healthy relationship. As we much as we may care for someone and want to support their well-being, it's important to realize what is healthy for us to be responsible for, and what is not. We…

Addiction and mental health challenges affect family and community, and can amplify and cause pain and trauma in those around addicts. Community and care for supporters is just as important as for the individual struggling with the mental health challenge.…

Letting go of what we think our loved one's process should look like -- and embracing our own process of growth -- can have great positive impact on our experiences and their recovery. Each person's journey through recovery is unique,…