Critical Commentators Do you ever listen to sports radio after your favorite team has finished a game? If the team won, the commentators will likely be upbeat and full of praise. But if they lost—and if they have been losing for a while now—the tone will be completely different. The hosts of the show will...Read More

Recent ChangesDuring this lengthy period when many of us have been staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, our usual sources of exercise have been harder to come by. We’ve had to stay home from the gym. Our friendly pick-up games haven’t happened. Pools have been closed. Heck, many of us haven’t even been...Read More

Recovery and Mental HealthFor many people, depression and anxiety are contributing factors to—and/or co-occurring disorders with—a substance use disorder. Depending on the severity of your anxiety or depression, your doctor may prescribe medication. In addition, it can be a good idea to boost your mental health via lifestyle changes. Caring for your body and mind...Read More

Screen TimeThere is a good chance you have been spending this time of social distancing with your eyes on a screen. You might be binging on streaming services to the point that they occasionally ask you to confirm you are still watching (which, of course, you are). Or you might be staring at your phone...Read More

An OverviewIt’s more than the occasional headache, a lingering ache from a recent sports injury, or a bit of persistent discomfort. It’s chronic pain—and experts estimate that just over 20% of people struggle with it. That number, which means 1 in every 5 people suffers from chronic pain, is alarming in and of itself. But...Read More

Before the COVID-19 crisis forced many of us to slow down, our lives were extremely busy. There was always another meeting to attend, or an activity to drive the kids to, or lawn work that needed ongoing attention. We talked a lot about how busy we were—complained about it, really. And yet, we didn’t seem...Read More

Many people who have gone through detox and rehab experience feelings of intense euphoria in the early days of their recovery journey. This is wholly understandable. After all, a person who is newly out from under the influence of drugs or alcohol use has plenty of reasons to celebrate. When we reach significant milestones, it...Read More

What a Wonderful WorldMaybe you know the old song “What a Wonderful World.” It opens like this:I see trees of green, red roses tooI see them bloom, for me and youAnd I think to myselfWhat a wonderful worldThe singer goes on to describe a number of beautiful things—the sky of blue, the clouds of white,...Read More

Wise Words “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” So said Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, inventor, and coiner of pithy phrases. Ol’ Ben is on to something here when it comes to substance use disorders. If you’re making excuses for why you aren’t getting help for your problem, odds...Read More

Anxiety is an unavoidable part of our lives. But for most people, anxiety is felt in specific and limited situations. We feel a little anxious when we are going to meet someone new, for example. Or maybe we get the anxious jitters before a speech, a test, or visit to the doctor. Nervous energy and...Read More