n recent years, researchers and treatment providers have been curious about the connection between early childhood experiences and negative health outcomes later in life. The original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study was carried out by Southern California Kaiser Permanente from 1995 to 1997, and showed a correlation between exposure to abuse or neglect in childhood … Read More
Sometimes people just starting on their path to recovery are hesitant to engage in 12 Step programs. This can be a significant barrier to healing for people seeking recovery, as research has shown that community connection is vital to sustained abstinence. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can support individuals as they begin their journey.
Substance use disorders are baffling, often times for the person with the disorder, as well as the people who love them. “Why can’t they just stop?” is a common question from friends and family members. People with substance use disorders also find themselves feeling lost and not understanding why they have put themselves in the … Read More
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I really want to read this book,” and another part of you thinks, “I just want to go to bed.” Or maybe you think, “I know I should go to a meeting tonight, but it’s been a long day, so I think I’ll just go home.” Richard Schwartz, the … Read More
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a set of symptoms that can occur when someone is exposed to an event that the person feels is life-threatening. But did you know that exposure to trauma can lead to Post Traumatic Growth? According to researchers Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, post traumatic growth can be seen in … Read More
Music is one of humanity’s oldest ways of communicating; songs can induce feelings of happiness and can help us feel less alone in times of heartache. According to the Mayo clinic, memories of music are not lost to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, suggesting that they are embedded in vital parts of our brain. Music has … Read More
So often we view our suffering as a signal that something is wrong; what if we shifted our perspective? What if suffering is a normal, healthy part of the human experience? That very idea is at the center of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a part of the 3rd wave of Cognitive Behavioral … Read More
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach? Before a big speaking event, has your stomach been in knots? Our reactions to certain stimuli can induce a visceral physical response and there’s a good reason. The connection between our emotions is strong enough that some scientists are calling the gut the “second brain.”
On occasion, we’ll hear someone in recovery introduce themselves as a “grateful alcoholic.” For some, this is a recognition that their struggles to overcome substance use have granted them a new view on life, which may not have otherwise been seen. Today, this unexpected gift of wisdom provides an opportunity to help ourselves and others … Read More
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Shy or outgoing? People-person or loner? Often, we assume that these are either or designations, but studies suggest that there is a middle ground between introversion and extroversion, sometimes referred to as ambiversion. Read on for more information about the introversion-extroversion spectrum, and how we can avoid conflict by … Read More
