choice house blog
Helping Men Build Emotional Tolerance
Men process their thoughts and feelings differently than women. When men feel stressed, depressed, or anxious, they often default to acts of anger or aggression. Further, when you experience intense feelings of anger or aggression, you might believe that you are incapable of handling your emotions any differently. You might even feel controlled by such…
National Recovery Month: How Peer Support Can Be Effective For Getting Men Into Treatment
September is National Recovery Month, and although we should be doing it year-round, it’s time to start really paying attention to men’s mental health needs. We’ve seen time and again how trying to be the strong and silent type does more harm than good, encouraging men to hide their emotions and shy away from seeking…
6 Unique Challenges Men Face in Recovery
No one enters rehab thinking it will be easy. In fact, those struggling with addiction know that getting sober will be one of the hardest things they ever do, which makes it all the more admirable when someone finds the courage to turn their life around. Even though recovery is no walk in the park,…
Can a Clean Environment Improve Mental Health?
Recovery utilizes various therapeutic approaches that improve stress management and cultivate success. While there are well-known treatments—such as therapy, mindfulness, and yoga—that assist in overcoming stress and anxiety, the simple act of cleaning is a powerful practice that is often overlooked. Taking time to dust shelves, disinfect counters, vacuum, and organize is just as beneficial…
How Am I Psychologically Damaging My Loved One’s Recovery?
When your loved one is managing recovery from addiction, you want the best for them. However, sometimes what feels like helping actually makes things more difficult. Some of your actions and behaviors could inadvertently harm your loved one. Therefore, understanding their addiction as a disease and altering your reactions can make all the difference. It…
Why Should Men Practice Self-Care?
Self-care is not only for those in recovery, nor does it consist of periodic activities incorporated into a routine. Self-care at its core is a mindset; it means putting yourself first to become the best version of yourself. Such practices that promote mental and physical health are more than just something to check off your…
Should I Move to My Hometown After Treatment?
While the idea of living in your hometown might sound comforting, the reality may be that your hometown is what led you to develop your addiction. Or perhaps the idea of moving back after treatment triggers anxiety and doubt. The truth is transitioning back into life after treatment will have its challenges. Alternatively, it can…
How to Improve your Concentration in Recovery?
Addiction to substances affects more than just your physical health; it significantly impacts mental health in a number of ways. In recovery, you may experience memory loss leading to frustration, anger, or stress. Understanding that addiction is harmful to your brain and body is key to positive change. You might find that conducting activities while…
How to Determine the Difference Between Helping and Enabling?
If you are caring for a loved one recovering from addiction, your intentions are pure. However, your actions may inadvertently enable your loved one, hindering their recovery. Enabling occurs when family members condition themselves into thinking they can control the addiction or minimize the risks. Such behavior often results in a dysfunctional dynamic where your…