Nearly everyone is familiar with the term “nervous breakdown.” It’s a term commonly used by people to describe challenging situations in life with which they cannot cope. In contrast, a…
If the idea of receiving treatment on your own time and in the comfort of your own home appeals to you, you are not alone. According to the American Psychological…
Many people with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), find strength and long-term wellness through pharmacological therapy or individual and…
Counselors and psychologists play a significant role in treating mental health disorders. While both healthcare practitioners are dedicated to helping people stay healthy mentally and emotionally, they tend to differ…
May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It is a month dedicated to helping people realize that our psychological health is an important…
Mental health disorders affect millions of Americans each year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five adults live with a mental illness. If you…
Today, almost everyone has faced collective trauma. Many people continue to face this collective or mass trauma. From the COVID-19 pandemic and economic concerns to civil and racial unrest and…
Forgiving others can be a difficult thing to do. When another person causes us harm in some way, it’s natural to want to hold them accountable. This ‘holding them accountable’…
Cross addiction, although a somewhat new term, is not really new in the addiction industry. In fact, substance abuse counselors have worked with many people who have cross addictions for…
Substance abuse continues to grow in the United States. Whether it’s an addiction to alcohol or another substance, substance use disorders (SUD) are on the rise–and it’s impacting more children…
Sober coach is a relatively new term. So just what is a sober coach and more importantly, do they help you stay sober? With more than 21 million adults in…
Food addiction, also known as binge eating disorder or eating addiction, is a behavioral disorder in which people compulsively eat. This is also sometimes referred to as compulsive eating disorder or…
Forgiveness can be a tricky concept for many. Over the course of our lives, we are often asked to forgive others for harm they have caused (even when they aren’t…
Benzodiazepines or benzos as they are more commonly called are a type of medication that aids in the relief of anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. This sedative must be prescribed…
Codependency is a term often used in discussions about relationships, but what does it truly mean? At its core, codependency is a dysfunctional relationship dynamic where one person, often referred…
Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery go hand in hand. Since the 1930s, A.A. has been the main route to recovery for those suffering from problems with alcohol. In addition, many individuals…
There are stigmas associated with numerous things today including addiction. Stigmas can lead to discrimination and unfair treatment of certain individuals or specific groups. When it comes to people with…
Today, there are millions of people living with alcohol and substance use disorders. In fact, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are more than 20…
There are many questions you face in early sobriety. From where you should live and work to how to find new friends and ways to socialize, questions about how to…
There’s simply no doubt that the COVID pandemic has made not only getting sober but staying sober harder than usual. From being isolated at home to being bored and unable…
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop Kindness can seem hard to come by these days. With all the pressures and stressors so many are…
Making friends can be hard. Most of us have memories of walking into kindergarten or first grade with butterflies in our stomachs unsure of what this new journey called school…
Anxiety, depression, suicide, and ohter mental health issues are on the rise today. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about one in five adults in…
Twelve-step programs and the concept of God may go hand-in-hand for some but it’s a common misconception that you need to be religious or believe in God to be a…
Intergenerational trauma, also known as multi- or transgenerational trauma, is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) dictionary as “a phenomenon in which the descendants of a person who has…
When it comes to recovery and detox, many people want it to be fast and painless. This is particularly true for the detox phase of recovery. There are some rapid…
Codependency refers to a relationship that is dysfunctional and more or less one-sided. In the most simplistic terms, one person is the giver in the relationship and one person is…
Trauma-informed care has been gaining much attention recently. The need for healthcare professionals to understand trauma and how they can adapt their care procedures to be sensitive to patients’ past…
Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, cannabis, herb, grass, bud, and more, is a psychoactive drug sourced from the cannabis plant. The marijuana plant is native to Central Asia and…
Millions of Americans are living with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD). In fact, according to data from The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), almost 15 million…
Addiction treatment is one of the most common ways someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) gets help to begin their recovery process from alcohol…
If you have a family member or loved one who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, you may want to know how to have an intervention to help them. And…
The human brain is a three-pound mass of grey and white matter that controls all of our activity. From riding a bike and cooking a meal to drawing and solving…
Recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs can be tough. Not only is taking the first step and getting help sometimes very difficult to do but staying sober over time…
Millions of Americans are living with untreated addiction issues. According to data from the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap (CTAG), more than 23 million adults in the United States have…
The holidays are fast approaching and for some that means joy and for others sadness. Expectations surrounding what the holidays are supposed to look like can lead many to feel…
It’s that time of year again! Time for celebrating with family and loved ones, remembering what you’re grateful for, exchanging gifts, overindulging in food, and making resolutions for the year…
The holidays conjure up different feelings and expectations for everyone. For some, it may bring joy, relaxation, and bliss. For others, the feelings may be more like anxiety, stress, and…
The opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc across our great nation. Every year, thousands of individuals die from opioid overdose—many times accidentally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
COVID-19 has now become a household word. More than a year has gone by since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic on March 20, 2020. Much has happened…
Ketamine, also known by the street names of Special K, K, Horse tranq, Super K, Jet K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K, and more, is a dissociative drug used legally as…
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports there are 7.7 million American adults with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance abuse issues. Additionally, of the 20.3 million adults in…
California Sober is a somewhat newly coined term made well known by the pop singer, Demi Lovato. In her song, California Sober, Lovato talks about her ‘semi-sobriety’ also known as…
Kratom refers to an extract from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree which is native to Southeast Asia. The compounds found in these leaves can have mind-altering or psychotropic…
Are you stressed out? Do you feel overwhelmed? Chances are you do. About 60% of American adults report being ‘stressed’, according to a 2020 Gallup poll. What’s even more concerning…
First responders suffer more from mental health issues than the general public. This group of individuals is exposed to more significant trauma on a regular basis. Research shows it’s resulting…
Everyone experiences sad feelings from time to time. From feeling down and lethargic to not wanting to spend time with family and friends, being down in the dumps happens in…
October is National Bullying Prevention Month with October 13 being Stop Bullying Day also known as Unity Day. These national campaigns that aim to spread awareness and prevention first became…
Fentanyl is a synthetic, highly addictive opioid. It is both a legal prescription drug and an illicit drug made in underground labs. Both prescription fentanyl and illicit fentanyl can be…
Domestic violence also referred to as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), is defined by the National Center Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) as the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery,…
Every year, millions of Americans live with mental health disorders. In fact, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), in the United States one in every five adults…
Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive, individualized treatment. While there are many approaches to addiction recovery, the best therapy for addiction is rooted in evidence-based practices. These therapies are backed…
Gratitude is a term often heard in recovery. Developing an attitude of gratitude comes easily for some, and for others, it takes some practice and habit-building. However, no matter how…
Teenagers and young adults are the future of our nation. Today’s teens and young adults face new and unprecedented challenges as well as stressors. Turning to both legal and illegal…
World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on September 10 in an effort to promote awareness about suicide. This international day of awareness has been celebrated each year since…
Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible. Today, there are about 23 million Americans in long-term recovery according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). September…
Sadness, loss, pain, and grief—they are parts of life. Everyone experiences these at some point in their lives to one degree or another. Grief can occur for various reasons and…
Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated on August 26 of each year since 1972. This nationally recognized day is set aside to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment in…
The number of senior citizens in the United States is soaring. And so too, is this group’s rate of both alcohol use disorders (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). According…
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day and the need for awareness of death from overdose has never been more important. As the number of both overdoses and death from…
Addiction to drugs—both illicit and legal—continues to grow across the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), since 2000 there have been upwards of 700,000…
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. No matter your age, gender, education, family background, or socio-economic status you can become dependent on alcohol or other substances. Jamie Lee Curtis is a perfect illustration…
Fellowship in recovery is vital. The importance of fellowship in sobriety is promoted in addiction treatment centers and support groups for addiction recovery too. Anyone who has been in recovery…
Anyone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) knows that addiction can quickly take over your life. Getting your substance of choice becomes the primary concern…
If you are in recovery or have been around others in recovery the term, ‘dry drunk’ is something you’ve most likely heard. “He’s been in recovery for 10 years but…
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that in 2015 a staggering 95.4% of individuals who met the criteria for needing treatment for drug or alcohol abuse…
There are millions of people across the globe who have a mental health disorder including some type of substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of these millions,…
First responders don’t simply respond to emergencies—they put their lives on the line—each and every day. If we look to our recent past, we can see the toll the energy,…
Forgiveness. It can be a loaded word. For some, it comes easily but for others, it can be very difficult to forgive. However, according to years of ancient wisdom as…
The human mind is amazing. It works in complex ways with the body to keep us alive, help us to heal, and enable us to continue on through challenges and…
June 21 was officially made the International Day of Yoga in 2015 by The United Nations. Yoga has grown in popularity over the last few decades and is good for…
Studies have demonstrated that men are more at risk than women for certain health conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. It’s common for people to be…
June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning ( LGBTQ+) community. What began as a Memorium of the Stonewall…
Father’s Day has been celebrated across the United States for many years. Celebrated on the third Sunday in June, this day that is set aside to recognize and honor fathers…
There are millions of people across the nation who are living in recovery. In fact, according to recent data, about one in ten adults in the United States reported having…
Living a healthy lifestyle is vital for good physical and mental health. How we feel on the inside and the outside are key for how much we enjoy life and…
Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an emotional response to a serious and horrific event. Accidents, natural disasters, violence, and rape are just some examples of…
Women are drinking more alcohol and experiencing serious health issues from alcohol consumption at unprecedented—and alarming—rates. And while excessive drinking can cause problems for anyone, statistics show that women who…
Meditation is defined as focusing one’s mind or thinking deeply about something for a period of time. Meditating can take a few different forms and is performed for various reasons.…
The month of May marks several dates honoring first responders. For all the sacrifices they make, the dedication they exhibit, and their acts of selflessness, first responders deserve more than…
Stress is something that is a normal part of life. At times, stress can help us rise to the occasion and succeed. Other times, stress can derail us from successfully…
Addiction is not a self-contained disease. Even when individuals with a substance abuse disorder (SUD) isolate themselves, thinking they aren’t hurting anyone (perhaps other than themselves), the negative behaviors and…
An estimated one in five American adults—51.5 million—live with a mental illness. Mental illness can range from mild to severe, impacting people in various ways. For some, their mental illness…
Long-term, sustainable recovery from alcohol or drugs is not only possible, thousands of people experience it every day. Staying sober or free from alcohol and drugs for the long haul…
The statistics involving children who live with parents and caregivers with addiction issues are alarming. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an…
When we look at the activities that we celebrate in the United States, it all seems to revolve around drinking. Alcohol appears to have a place at every event, from…
Alcohol and its consumption have been a part of our society for many years now. When it comes to drinking alcohol, there are many who ask, “Am I an alcoholic?’.…
Addiction to alcohol or drugs impacts millions of Americans every day. And while many find addiction treatment facilities, receive treatment, and go on to live substance-free, happy lives, there are…
Overcoming an addiction is a complicated process since there is no known cure and no one size fits all solution. In fact, it may be more accurate to think of recovery as…
When a loved one enters an addiction treatment center or rehab for an alcohol or substance use disorder, family and loved ones are often relieved. Loved ones are grateful that…
During my first week out of treatment, I had never been so scared. But, beneath my fear, I had a resolve to stay sober like I’d never had before. As…
In the United States, drug use has risen across all generations, genders, and demographics. Drug misuse has reached unprecedented levels, whether it’s heroin, prescription painkillers, marijuana, or synthetics. Our collective…
Many people—for one reason or another—have trouble sleeping at some time in their life. For some, emotional or mental stress may make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Even…
“Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” -Erma Bombeck Stress and worry go hand in hand. Something you perceive as…
Each year millions of American women become pregnant. Pregnancy can be a different experience for each woman who experiences it. For some, it is a dream come true, for others…
The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) varies from one country to another. Therefore, what is considered ‘underage drinking’ is also different. No matter what the MLDA is in each country,…
Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, with millions of people drinking it on a daily basis all across the globe. The consumption of alcohol…
Today, there are so many choices of alcoholic beverages. From red wine and hard seltzers to craft beers and flavored liquors, there is a type of alcoholic drink to please…
Substance use disorders (SUDs) can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, education, and socioeconomic background. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), substance use disorder is a complex brain disease…
Stress, worry, anxiety, fear, and depression. These are all uncomfortable feelings many people experience at one time or another during the course of life. However, COVID-19 has made many who…
Futures embraces the complexity of addiction, co-occurring mental health, and primary mental health conditions to empower recovery and improve outcomes through evidence-based practice, coordinated care, and mission-driven culture.
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