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Why Does Addiction Affect Everyone Differently?
Have you ever wondered why some people develop substance use disorders while others do not? You may also wonder why some people experience more severe addictions than others that regularly use alcohol or other drugs. In general, addiction affects everyone differently for several reasons. These

Understanding Increased Risks for Substance Use Among LGBTQ+ Populations
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach There are many risk factors to recognize when it comes to why individuals first choose to use substances and continue to do so repeatedly. While substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction remain an ongoing concern in

What Do Substance Cravings Feel Like?
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Drug cravings are not a new phenomenon for individuals in recovery from substance use and addiction. For individuals still actively using drugs and alcohol, drug cravings are often experienced when a substance begins to “wear off.”

Deciding Between Residential and Outpatient Programs
While deciding to seek treatment for your mental health or substance use disorder is excellent, you may feel stuck as you narrow down a treatment facility and program. With so many different facilities and programs to choose from, how do you know which will be

What Is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Substance use and addiction often make people feel ashamed, guilty and distraught over their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Many people avoid seeking treatment and recovery because they think they are not yet ready to face the distressing emotions and consequences that their substance use has

Am I Depressed?
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Over the last several years, the term “depressed” has been used much more frequently. Some people may use it to label emotional numbness, while others may describe a period of loss. However, it is important to

The 5 Stages of Grief
None of us are strangers to the feelings of grief. In general, grief is a normal response to loss. It most commonly occurs as a response to the death of a loved one or death in general. Grief is to be expected after experiencing a

Navigating Existential Distress in Recovery
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach What is the purpose of existence? What happens after death? We live in a world with an abundance of unknowns. Nearly everyone will begin to question these unknowns at some point in life. Humans are meaning-makers.

Accepting a Loss of Control
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Most theories on substance use disorder assume that a loss of control is central to the experience of addiction. Most treatment programs validate these theories, recognizing that individuals must admit a loss of power as well