People in recovery are often told they should get on a regular exercise program. Doctors and therapists often include this in their advice, and for good reason. Getting up and heading out to run, walk, workout at a gym, or simply do a few exercises – all these can improve mood, give you more e...

Men’s Health Month is observed in June of every year. It’s an important time to remember the health challenges men face. And why those problems lead men to live 5 years less than women on average. Why are men less healthy? Higher rates of serious illness and shorter life span can be dire...

Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) have an intense focus on or addiction to certain substances including alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs. Addiction is a complex, severe, and treatable disease that is characterized by uncontrollable, compulsive substance seeking behavior that causes c...

Having positive mental health will allow you to realize your full potential and find ways to cope with your life stress. You’ll be more productive at work and can make a better contribution to your community. It’s okay to seek professional help. Connecting with the right people, both pro...

We hear the words ADD and ADHD a lot. You or your child may have been diagnosed with one. Still others are sometimes told “you’re ADD/ADHD” either in jest or as a subtle suggestion. Let’s look at what these labels mean, how you may be able to recognize the characteristics, an...

It’s often hard to stay positive and healthy during the middle of winter. These are typically cold, dark days with few holidays to brighten things.  Plus, many of us consumed too much rich food and heavy drink during November and December and are now feeling the effects. It’s easy to fe...

This time of year when we’re surrounded by wonderful holidays should be the best part of life. But as anybody can tell you, the holidays are often the most stressful few weeks of the year.  Having to buy gifts on a tight budget, seeing family and friends, and dealing with overeating, more alc...

Actor Dax Shepard and his actress wife Kristen Bell recently talked about relapses, substance use disorders, and addiction recovery. In hopes of helping other people who may be going through similar situations, the couple decided to be publicly candid about the actor’s recent relapse to substance ...

October is adorned with efforts that seek to promote awareness. Among those efforts are: Mental Illness Awareness Week, which starts on Sunday (October 4), National Depression Screening Day is observed during the same week (on Thursday, October 8), and World Mental Health Day (Saturday, October 1...

Through September, the US observes National Recovery Month. This means that organizations, individuals, and initiatives across the country seek to raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders and to educate our communities on the benefits and availability of treatment services for ...

Our nervous system is likely one of the most complex and organized networks that we have access to throughout our lives as human beings. However, for us to learn how to improve the ways we might be able to regulate our nervous system and, consequently, have better control of how we manage our organi...

Caffeine is the most popular habit-forming psychoactive substance in the world. While people who consume caffeine can still maintain a healthy diet, the fact that the substance is present in many beverages and food items can make avoiding it difficult. The US Food and Drug Administration sugges...