choice house blog

Recovery is a lifelong journey that, at times, can be difficult to endure. Some of these challenges might have you spending unnecessary time, effort, and worrying over things that have happened or not yet happened. There is nothing to gain by living in the past. What you have now is sobriety; therefore, learning to embrace…

After years of using substances, your emotions can become numbed and imbalanced. Consistent substance use also involves avoiding emotions. Alcohol and drugs used to cope with feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, and depression further perpetuate your emotional numbness. Recovery, however, is all about reconnecting with your emotions and finding balance. As such, you will have…

Making meaningful connections with others influences the health and longevity of recovery. However, men do not always form the skills needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships to the degree that women do. Studies show that as many as 50 percent of men report having less than two people in their life with whom they…

Treatment is the first step to getting onto the road to recovery, and this takes dedication, work, and endurance. Along the way, you will develop meaningful relationships with healthcare professionals to help you through this process. Building a relationship and putting trust in your healthcare professionals will make for a much more comfortable and secure…

Environmental influences are something most people understand on a fundamental level. Many variables within your surroundings shape your personality, attitude, and emotional response to certain situations. Such influences also have a connection with your substance use. Research shows that environmental factors can contribute to developing an addiction. Taking time to learn what role your environment…

“Real men don’t cry.” “Tough it out.” “Man up.” We’ve all heard these phrases before. While they’ve become commonplace, these expressions reinforce outdated expectations of what men should and shouldn’t do. When it comes to mental health, this has led to the misconception that men don’t have, and aren’t even supposed to have, the same…

Outdoor adventure therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment because it blends adventure and experiential and traditional therapy all in one place. Since it includes many different therapeutic variables, it also creates many opportunities for personal growth and success. Outdoor adventure therapy can also help prepare you for scenarios and situations that…

The road to recovery is a personal and fulfilling journey that varies based on the individual. While you share similar experiences with other friends, family, and peers, you also likely have your own set of needs and goals. Ultimately, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor should it be. Your unique background and aspirations are…

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…