choice house blog

The stigmas surrounding mental health disorders are damaging and can often hinder one’s motivation to seek help. However, these stigmas often stem from a lack of understanding about various mental health issues, including the language sometimes used when talking about these issues. Stigmatizing language can be deliberately harmful or more subtle, in which people using…

Today, efforts to raise awareness for mental health issues are stronger than ever. These conversations are beginning to change the narrative of how people view and deal with mental health issues. These efforts work to provide motivation for finding appropriate care, diagnosis, and treatments. While the goal is to provide more comfort, security, and courage…

You’re only as strong as the company you keep. As such, a big part of successful recovery relies on a strong support network. Building a strong network includes being active in participating in meetings and other healthy social settings. However, while in early recovery, you may experience thoughts that can create fear and doubt about…

The first step toward seeking therapy is through understanding why you are avoiding it. While research shows that men are less likely to seek help than women, it also shows that men often delay getting help until there is a crisis. Men also tend to be concerned about privacy and sometimes require greater reassurance that…

Encountering sleep disorders in early recovery is common. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the likelihood of insomnia is five times greater in early recovery than in the rest of the general population. However, insomnia is not the only sleep disorder associated with addiction and recovery; circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, and sleep apnea…

Long-term substance use creates changes in the body and alters the brain, meaning that it also affects a person’s mental health. Since the brain is responsible for all voluntary and involuntary actions, substance use can change how people think, act, and feel. If you have a loved one currently using substances and dealing with behavioral…

Mindfulness is a practice that allows you to look inward and open up to vulnerability. Practicing mindfulness allows the opportunity for better self-awareness and growth in confidence. The best part is, anybody can achieve the benefits. However, the narrative of most stereotypes that men are “not good” at showing emotions or “too strong-willed” negatively influences…

Recovery is a lifelong and deeply personal journey. Your experiences influence successful growth in recovery, and therefore it should move at your pace because it is your story to tell. The process of seeking support, acceptance, spiritual support, and mental growth all builds toward helping you re-establish your identity. Often, when rebuilding relationships, you might wonder…

Anxiety, stress, depression, feeling stuck, or frustrated with trauma can create challenges that invade many aspects of life, including your recovery. While numerous forms of therapy treat PTSD, trauma, and anxiety, EMDR therapy stands out as one of the more effective. If you are experiencing unpleasant feelings or symptoms of PTSD, EMDR, in addition to…