Veterans have a higher risk of abusing substances than members of the general population. Sadly, this risk is exacerbated during holidays like Thanksgiving, which involves the heightened tensions of family visits and a high likelihood of the presence of alcohol. While it is true that relapse can become more likely during the Thanksgiving holiday, help…
We tend to associate the holiday season with positive things: time away from work, time with family, homecooked meals, and a little bit of a break from our everyday obligations. But for many, time outside of our daily routines, more time with family, and the added expense of the holidays can mean added tension, anxiety,…
The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone who has an addiction or disease like alcoholism or drug addiction. This time of year can be hard because there’s usually so much encouragement to drink, celebrate, and be merry. The good news is we don’t have to drink or use other substances to enjoy the…
Every May, we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), a declaration that encourages United States citizens to observe the month of May by honoring the current and former members of the U.S Armed Forces, including those who died serving their country. Introduced in 1999 by Senator John McCain, both the Senate and House of Representatives…
As we all know, making New Year resolutions is a common practice. A new year is seen by many as a new beginning and a chance to improve on the previous year. Those in recovery know all too well that change, a new start, and letting go of old behaviors is important. Sonja Lyumbomirski a…
With Christmas and New Year’s almost here, it is important for people in recovery to have a plan of action to help maintain sobriety during the holiday season. Holiday stress, expectations, and endless holiday parties and gatherings make this time of year difficult for individuals who are trying to abstain from drugs and alcohol. The…
People often experience the holidays in different ways. For some, it can be a time of joy, happiness, and celebrating with family and friends. For others, however, the holiday season can be a difficult time filled with sadness and loneliness. Expects site a variety of reason for the condition that has been referred to as…
Martin Seligman, PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, is known as the father of the Positive Psychology Movement. In 1965, Seligman began conducting experiments on his theory of learned helplessness. What he theorized from his research, is that people who “learn” that there is no connection between action and outcome in a particular area, learn helplessness…
There is an estimated 23.4 million Veterans in the United States. With a 52.7 % increase in outpatient Veterans treated for Substance Use Disorder between 1995 and 2016, addiction is a major concern for Veterans and their families. The demanding nature of military life and experience with combat can be made more complex by substance…
For many, New Year’s Eve is a day filled with friends, family, fun and parties. For people in early sobriety from drug and alcohol abuse, New Year’s is generally the last day of a stressful season filled with uncomfortable situations and the need to be vigilant at all times since temptations are, seemingly, never-ending. The secret…