choice house blog

A lot of men grew up hearing that they need to be strong and stoic, with pressure to look or act a certain way reinforced by cultural stereotypes of “manliness.” Exuding power, toughness and dominance was the name of the game, and for most of us, this meant bottling up our emotions, conforming to strict…

One of the most common questions that we get asked as treatment providers is, “What level of care is right for me?” Unfortunately, there is no right answer, as recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Overcoming addiction and mental health challenges is a deeply personal thing that has to come from within, and what works well…

Mental health tends to be a taboo topic among men. Given a choice, most would rather not talk about it. Unfortunately, this is often more true for African American men, who experience mental health problems at about the same rate as others but continue to be underrecognized and undertreated in the recovery sphere. While the…

Substance abuse has increased dramatically since COVID-19 emerged. As more people report feeling stressed, anxious and uncertain about the future, many have turned to drugs or alcohol to find some form of relief and started self-medicating just to get through the day. Consequently, fatal overdoses are also on the rise, surging to over 81,000 deaths…

Some people are under the impression that addiction is a subjective thing. And yes, while certain beliefs, norms and attitudes do play a role in one’s drug or alcohol use, the damaging effects of addiction show that it is both real and tangible. In fact, substance abuse disorders are characterized as a disease with distinct…

For centuries, humans have known the healing power of Mother Earth. Priests and doctors alike have looked to spring or mineral water for its therapeutic effects, while monks have sought out the peace and solitude of nature for prayer and meditation. Like those before them, they knew that something special happens when we spend time…

Developing an addiction to alcohol and other substances can be devastating to all genders. While any gender can succumb to the weight of addiction, studies show that men typically pursue different drugs. Addiction also affects men differently, which can influence their responses to drugs and the likelihood of becoming addicted. Therefore, drug use could be…

Gender stereotypes and stigmas exist for both men and women. For example, assertive women might be viewed as less likable or less hirable. Similarly, men are often penalized for straying from masculine stereotypes. Men often face backlash when they don’t adhere to the societal ideals of masculinity. If you show vulnerability, act nicer, display empathy,…

Most people do not equate mental health checkups with physical health checkups. The mind and body are connected and function best when you look after your overall well-being. Still, you might neglect your mental health needs and your physical health needs because you are not comfortable seeing your family physician. While routine physical examinations can…