Different issues during recovery
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually linked to heart attacks and strokes. But there’s another area where it quietly has a big influence: our brains, especially how they recover after illness or injury. The more I learn about hypertension, the clearer it becomes that how we manage our blood pressure can make a huge … Read more
Changes in the brain caused by addiction aren’t always obvious at first, but they can really shape how a person thinks and acts. These changes can show up as switches in mood, motivation, and even memory. Addiction goes way beyond cravings or struggles with willpower. It’s linked to real, measurable differences in the brain’s wiring … Read more
Trying to quit a habit or addiction is rarely easy, and the phrase “going cold turkey” pops up all the time when people talk about stopping something all at once. Movies, friends, and even some internet forums make it sound like quitting cold turkey is either the boldest or the scariest route—a kind of all-or-nothing … Read more
Parenting approaches can have a big impact when you’re supporting a child or teen through recovery, whether it’s from trauma, addiction, anxiety, or other tough patches. The two styles that get talked about a lot are gentle parenting and permissive parenting. The tricky part is, these two sound pretty similar on the surface but work … Read more
Canada’s new wave of alcohol restrictions signals a major switch-up for anyone on the path of recovery. The country’s latest moves on limiting where and when alcohol is available spark plenty of questions, especially for folks who are trying to get sober or are already working their way through recovery. With changes rolling out at … Read more
Opioids are a topic that comes up more and more, especially for teens. Whether you hear about them in the news, from friends, or in school health classes, they can sound a bit confusing or overwhelming. Knowing the facts is really important for making smart choices and looking out for yourself and your friends. I’m … Read more
Vaping is often marketed as a safer option compared to smoking, but for a lot of people, it brings on uncomfortable, even alarming sensations that feel downright toxic. That heavy chest, scratchy throat, or odd taste can make vaping feel less like a harmless habit and more like inhaling something your body just doesn’t want. … Read more
If you’ve ever felt like therapy isn’t really working in the way you hoped, you’re definitely not alone. It can be tough to keep showing up to appointments and working through difficult emotions, only to feel stuck or discouraged. I’ve experienced these frustrations myself and learned that when therapy doesn’t lead to the changes you … Read more
Doctors have been at the center of the conversation about addiction treatment for decades. The wide variety of approaches shows not just the complexity of substance disorders, but also the challenges that come with figuring out what works best for each patient. While some treatments have established success rates, others carry risks that aren’t always … Read more
Brain clots don’t always get the spotlight when talking about addiction, but they’re a real risk that’s often overlooked. When people hear about the health problems tied to addiction, they usually think of liver disease or heart issues, not necessarily the brain. But once you know how addiction can cause trouble with blood flow in … Read more