It is said that man’s best friend is a dog. Can a dog also be man’s best therapist? Anyone who loves animals knows how nice it is to come home to a dog who’s glad to see you, particularly after…
Can Animals Be Therapists?
What Is Family Constellation Therapy?
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” The opening lines of English metaphysical poet John Donne’s (1572-1673) Meditation XVII suggest the interconnectedness of humanity. The lines…
“Random Acts of Kindness”: It’s Good for Others And for You
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines kindness as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” A recent article on the benefits of kindness defined kindness as doing something nice for someone without being asked and without expecting anything in…
Managing Sobriety This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving conjures up images of happy families traveling to spend the holiday together. Grandma or mom is presiding over the kitchen, fixing a glorious meal that rivals any meal seen on a magazine cover. Grandpa or dad is watching the…
Suicide Survivor Day: Increasing Awareness of Suicide’s Impact on Those Left Behind
Suicide Survivor Day: Increasing Awareness of Suicide’s Impact on Those Left Behind Losing a loved one to suicide is one of the hardest losses to bear. In addition to missing someone you loved, many survivors are left with intense feelings…
The Role of Guilt and Shame in Addiction
It happened again. You said you wouldn’t drink too much at the family gathering, but you did. As you start to sober up, you see the hurt and disappointment in your spouse’s eyes. You hate hurting people you love, but…
Nature: An Important Tool in Addiction Recovery and Improved Mental Health
It would be hard to find a person who didn’t enjoy being outside or who had never been awestruck at some aspect of the natural world. Perhaps it is watching the total eclipse of the sun and being amazed as…
Learning to Say “No” to Alcohol: Practical Tips for Turning Down a Drink in a Social Setting
If you are not drinking alcohol for any reason, be it weight loss, a decision not to drink, or a medical issue, a challenge you will face is the prevalence of alcohol in our society, both the number of places…
Your Loved One Entered a Treatment Facility for a Problem With Drugs or Alcohol: Now What?
It finally happened. You loved one who has been struggling with a drug or alcohol problem has entered a treatment facility. It could be a partner, a son or daughter, or a sibling. What happens now? First of all, know…
The Role of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
Good nutrition is a vital part of recovery from substance use disorder. Substance abuse frequently leads to poor nutrition because people struggling with an addiction either aren’t taking in enough calories throughout the day or are making poor food choices. …
