Feeling trapped in darkness? Depression is treatable. Discover 9 science-backed strategies that actually work—from targeted therapies to simple daily habits that can shift your mental health landscape—and break free from what's holding you back.

Getting professional help for alcohol use disorder, drug use, and other addictions is possible even if you don’t have health insurance or a lot of mon...

As dusk settles on college campuses, a familiar scene unfolds. Throngs of students escape the confines of lecture halls, swapping textbooks for what m...

We’ve all experienced it—the clock ticking, the deadline looming, and instead of diving into the task at hand, we’re doing everything in our power to ...

While the idea of immediately cutting off alcohol may seem like a fast path to recovery, it can actually be very dangerous, especially for those with ...

If someone is overdosing, call 911, or your local emergency services number, immediately. If you are qualified, administer CPR. Use Naloxone (Narcan) ...

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of celebration, family gatherings, and festive cheer. But for many, it can be a period of deep loneline...

It’s beginning to look a lot like…the holidays. For those of us in or seeking addiction and mental health recovery, this time of year can bring up fon...

Quitting drinking can be a challenging journey, but it’s not something you have to do alone. A recovery coach can be a valuable partner in your effort...

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs primarily used for seizure disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and drug withdrawal symptoms in babies. Using them r...

Panic attacks can feel terrifying, overwhelming, and all-consuming. They arrive suddenly, often without warning, and can make it difficult to feel lik...

Imagine yourself at a bustling holiday market, enveloped by the joyful clamor of festive music and the aromatic scents of seasonal treats. Each step b...

Discussing complex topics with children, whether they pertain to violence, disasters, or other sensitive issues, is a daunting but necessary task. Eff...

My name is Matt Glowiak, and I am a mental health and addictions counselor, professor, author, presenter, and advocate of positive social change. Thou...

Andrew J. Schreier is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years of experience in substance use, mental health, gambling, and clinical s...

Caring for the Climate and One Another I’m Muskan Lamba (she/her), a mental health researcher, expert by experience, and facilitator, deeply curious a...

In recent discussions surrounding mental health and substance use treatment, the concept of neuroaffirming care has emerged as an essential paradigm s...

The holidays are just around the corner, and while some people love this time of year, many feel anxious, overwhelmed, and even dread it. For those ne...

Many see adderall as a “safe” drug because it can be medically prescribed and appears to lack negative side effects; however, adderall is one of the m...

Key Points Just a few decades ago, mindfulness meditation was considered an esoteric, “new age,” or downright weird activity. Now, you would need to b...

There is a strong relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders. Research indicates that up to 50% ...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these contributions are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Re...

Veteran’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our military veterans. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on ...

What may start as harmless shopping can turn dangerous when it becomes compulsive spending. If your shopping feels out of control and you’re spending ...

Adolescence and early adulthood are pivotal periods for navigating life’s challenges and developing a sense of identity, particularly when it comes to...

Addiction often follows a cycle with distinct stages. It’s repetitive in nature since the act of taking addictive drugs releases dopamine, which reinf...

Invalidation takes many forms, from obvious “I don’t believe you”s to more subtle reactions, like not listening or telling you how your experience sho...

Headlines about fentanyl being ‘a crisis’ increasingly pepper local and national news outlets.  At first thought, a drug may not seem like a crisis in...

If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.  Alcohol dependence can appear different...

Track marks are wounds formed after injecting something into the skin, a common sign of intravenous drug use. They often appear down the forearms and ...

Do either of these sound like a true addiction, something that has the power to disrupt lives? Cause death, even? “I’m addicted to these chocolates! I...

We were honored to have Marvin Ventrell, CEO of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) on our podcast this week. All three ...

Family therapy for addiction or mental health conditions may come as an unexpected aspect of treatment. If you’re not the one getting treatment, why a...

This week’s podcast episode features one of our Recovery.com cohosts, Cliff McDonald! Cliff is the Chief Growth Officer at Recovery.com and identifies...

Within the global health landscape, the prevalence of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and mental illnesses is quite significant. Data reveals that almo...

Faith and spirituality can serve as a lighthouse during difficult times, like the rewarding but challenging process of addiction recovery. You can wri...

In this week’s episode of The Recovery.com Podcast, our hosts were thrilled to speak with psychotherapist, distinguished professor, and advocate Dr. D...

Tune into our recent podcast episode with Laura Kunz, Vice President of Spirence and a woman in long-term recovery. Our hosts Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Ma...

Effective therapists possess empathy, compassion, and trustworthiness that make them seem like superhuman healers. Those who find a good therapist oft...

Many people seek ways to disconnect in an era dominated by screens and constant connectivity. A digital detox is a deliberate and temporary disconnect...

We were thrilled to speak with Athena Phillips in our recent podcast episode. Athena is an experienced therapist and educator who specializes in traum...

Have you ever driven home lost in thought, unaware of what you experienced during your drive? Not even sure if all the lights you passed were green? P...

Rural areas offer great benefits, like a slower pace of life, open fields, and close-knit communities. But what happens when they can’t provide the re...

We were thrilled to talk with Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal, a hospitalist from Kauai, Hawaii, about his 23+ years as a hospitalist and his unique experience...

In our recent podcast episode, Recovery.com was thrilled to talk with Dr. Ishant Rana, Clinical Director at Alpha Healing Center. We explored the weig...

Eating disorders are illnesses defined by disturbances in eating patterns1 and food intake. They also include a preoccupation with body image, calorie...

Although alcohol may be legal and normalized, it’s associated with various health risks and negative consequences. Physically, alcohol’s toxins contri...

We were delighted to speak with Amanda Uphoff, our Chief of Staff, in our recent Recovery.com Podcast episode. Amanda started with Recovery.com in 202...

Newer generations have had to hurdle many new challenges in their education—a global pandemic, a rise in school violence, and an unmet demand for ment...

The sober curious movement is reshaping how people view and consume alcohol. Many are questioning the role of alcohol in their lives, which encourages...

We were honored to talk with speech-language pathologist, educator, and TEDx speaker Dr. Dana Battaglia on our recent podcast episode. Hosted by our E...

Addiction recovery is a journey that extends beyond initial treatment, involving continuous commitment and proactive planning. Relapse prevention plan...

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human life. It affects us physically and mentally, impacting growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite,...

Learning how anxiety affects the body can help you understand mysterious symptoms and the impact untreated mental health conditions can have. Although...

College can be an exciting time, but it can also come with pressure to succeed. Students may think they need perfect grades, a buzzing social life, an...

Dealing with a loved one’s addiction has no set blueprint, but learning how to cope with your husband’s addiction can help you both heal. Addiction’s ...

A pre-employment drug test verifies if you are using illegal substances. These drug tests help employers understand if you are using any substances th...

Multiple causes and factors contribute to depression. It can vary between two siblings, and certainly between people all over the world. As clinicians...

Seeking help for addiction and mental health recovery is one of the most important steps you can take in your journey; however, beginning the process ...

Addiction and mental health conditions don’t only affect the individual—they affect the entire family unit. If you know someone in recovery, chances a...

Recovery is an ongoing journey, and intensive treatment arms you with essential tools. After treatment, continuing to use these tools and learn new on...

If someone is overdosing, immediately call 911 or local emergency services. Narcan, or naloxone, is used to reverse opioid overdose. Opioids, such as ...

As you prepare to enter treatment, you can use this packing list to ensure you have all the necessary items to help you begin your recovery journey. T...

Generational trauma affects a generation’s worldview, mental health, and overall well-being, starting with something that happened to the parents. The...

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a psychiatrist, researcher, educator, and author of The Body Keeps the Score. His book, published in 2014, explains how and...

Self-compassion focuses on treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, which can provide a plethora of benefits. Regularly practic...

Jay Shetty, now an author and purpose coach, lived as a monk for 3 years. He left a steady (but empty) corporate job to pursue a monk’s fulfilling, mi...

A gateway drug is a legal or more socially acceptable drug that, once used, could lead to illicit drug use and addiction. Notably, gateway drugs and t...

Energy therapies use holistic practices to heal the mind, body, and spirit through balancing internal energy flow. Many of these therapies have been a...

Psychodrama is a therapeutic method that uses dramatic techniques, such as role-playing, to help people understand and resolve their emotional conflic...

Sobriety is an ongoing commitment. You’ll face successes, setbacks, growth, and joy along your journey. They’re all part of the process and work to se...

Having empathy for people you love, and even those you don’t know, is important to form and maintain deep relationships. Learning healthy empathy and ...

Children, young adults, and adults can suffer mind control and complex trauma. Mind control can also be a broad phenomenon experienced by people group...

“Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning1.” Spending time outdoors is vital for persona...

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive and ongoing inner change after trauma or a highly distressing situation. PTG can occur simultaneously with p...

Stress and addiction can feed into and cause each other. “Stress” could be anything that taxes or exceeds your ability to healthily adapt1. For exampl...

What is biohacking? Biohacking allows scientists and nonscientists to use various techniques to alter and improve the genetic makeup of humans, plants...

Complex trauma, sometimes called complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD), is caused by prolonged exposure to traumatic events and has subseque...

Gaslighting is a manipulative psychological tactic used to control others. The person gaslighting aims to make you feel “crazy” by undermining you, ac...

Although drinking is commonly accepted in most cultures, alcohol can damage your brain more than you think. Alcohol affects brain function by interact...

Recognizing the signs of excessive alcohol consumption is crucial because it can significantly impact your health, relationships, and overall well-bei...

Codependency and addiction have a complex relationship. A codependent person may unwittingly enable their loved one to keep using substances without c...

Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can feel daunting, liberating, scary, or all of the above. It can also have positive or negative impact...

Narcissism can lead to addiction as a way to self-regulate and cope with shame or others’ apparent lack of admiration. Having a narcissistic personali...

Fawning as a trauma response is the 4th theorized response to trauma and complex PTSD (c-PTSD). As defined1, “Fawn types seek safety by merging with t...

A “dry drunk” is someone who’s sober but still experiencing some of the emotions and behaviors caused by alcohol use. The term also describes someone ...

Disclaimer: Healing from addiction can be an incredibly spiritual experience. There are a variety of resources available to help individuals on their ...

Designer drugs are synthetic drugs created to mimic traditional drugs. They sell through gray areas in drug legislations—and can adapt as quickly as l...

According to the biopsychosocial model of mental health, there are 3 different dimensions of health and illness. Clinicians believe biological, psycho...

Drug use in teens is an increasing problem in the U.S. It’s important to recognize the signs of drug use in order to intervene and help teens struggli...

The most addictive drug varies from person to person. Some genetic mutations make certain drugs more addictive than others. Or, you might find yoursel...

Without proper care, the withdrawal symptoms from certain substances could kill you. A symptom this extreme depends on what you’ve been taking, how mu...

Since 1994, June has been celebrated as Men’s Mental Health Month. Men are less likely to make their mental health struggles known. Millions of men st...

Gas station heroin, or tianeptine, acts like an opioid. It closely mimics heroin and often sells in gas stations and online stores, earning it the nam...

The short answer is—yes, insurance often covers rehab. But it depends on your exact plan, why you need treatment, and which program you choose. It’s i...

Your recovery is your responsibility—but it doesn’t have to be yours alone. Support groups offer a sober community to support and celebrate you throug...

Sober women have contributed to the recovery movement in America since it first began. Their early contributions helped make the recovery space more a...

Women face a different set of challenges than men during addiction recovery. Surrounding yourself with like-minded women can help you feel more suppor...

Women healing from addiction and mental health conditions face distinct risks and challenges. Your sex and gender can impact the way your body respond...

All too often, the pressures of nursing can lead to addiction. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. But that responsibility can be overwh...

Homelessness and addiction are related. Despite this relationship, the correlation is not a certainty. But many think they are, so myths and speculati...

Addiction isolates you from other people. In a rehab program with group therapy, you can learn how to reconnect. This treatment invites you to build s...

Gardening can be more than a relaxing pastime. It also has clear mental health benefits—and it even supports addiction recovery. Rehabs with horticult...

Individual therapy puts you at the center of treatment. And in a rehab with 1:1 therapy, you’ll connect with your own deepest goals and values. Those ...

Depression can be either a cause or symptom of addiction. Some people try to self-medicate their symptoms, which leads to addiction. Others get depres...

The short answer is: it depends. Many factors influence the length of your stay in residential rehab. You can plan around some of these in advance. Fo...

Men face a unique set of challenges that affect the types of mental health issues they have, their likelihood of seeking help, and their experience in...

Healing from trauma is complicated, and nonlinear. Symptoms can last for years after you get to safety—and they can change over time. What comforts yo...

Naturopathy is a type of medicine based on the idea that the body can heal itself. Instead of just treating your symptoms, naturopaths teach you healt...

The gentle practice of Reiki promotes inner peace and natural self-healing. And in addiction treatment, holistic rehabs use Reiki to support clients t...

Executives and business owners aren’t immune to addiction. Anyone can misuse substances—even high-level professionals. If a lot of people are dependin...

As an LGBTQ+ person, it can be hard to find supportive, affirming treatment for addiction. In some cases, it can actually be dangerous to disclose cer...

Everyone’s brain is unique. If you’re a neurodivergent person, you might be acutely aware of that. Fortunately, addiction recovery isn’t one-size-fits...

Women face a unique set of mental health concerns. And due to societal pressures, they may also encounter barriers to treatment. For example, some wom...

Worried about the cost of rehab? From insurance coverage to free programs, this guide breaks down what you'll pay for addiction treatment—and how to make recovery affordable even if you're uninsured.

Holistic treatment, sometimes called alternative treatment, uses a variety of techniques to approach healing. This philosophy considers each client as...

It’s common for CEOs to be portrayed as energetic, in control, and collected. But executives and people in high-level positions face demanding challen...

If your teen or young adult is struggling with substance abuse, you likely have a lot on your mind. From wondering how your teen got involved in drugs...

Depression can be difficult for anyone to discuss, as sufferers have to deal with not only their condition but also the stigma associated with it. Thi...

Older adults face a unique set of challenges when it comes to finding treatment for addiction or mental health disorders. If you’re in this age group,...

Burnout can affect anyone. Even if you love your work, it’s possible to get overwhelmed. And ignoring your exhaustion may just exacerbate your symptom...

They may star in Hollywood films or run Fortune 500 companies, but many of the world’s most successful people also have a secret: they struggle with a...

Substance use disorders can affect people from all walks of life. And despite certain cultural stereotypes, elite clients may be especially vulnerable...

Anyone can struggle with substance use. Whatever your age, gender, job, or relationship status, you deserve to get the care you need. However, it can ...

Cost is a major concern for people seeking addiction and mental health help. To support you in making an informed decision about treatment, we answer ...

At its best, rehab is a safe, protected environment. And some people feel most supported recovering alongside people of their own gender. This may be ...

Recovery is an extremely personal process. Each person’s needs are different, whether you’re healing from a broken leg or a substance use disorder. Wi...

As an LGBTQ+ person, it can be hard to find supportive, affirming healthcare. People in this community face unique barriers to treatment. You may stru...

Addiction can affect anyone, even high-level executives. According to a 2012 study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis...

There’s a new treatment option growing in popularity: single client addiction centers. These innovative, highly confidential—therefore ideally suited ...

Professional athletes battle with keeping up with the competition, and performance-enhancing drugs are one such way to do so. But what about when athl...

A 2016 study held by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Bar Association found that out of the participating 12,825 licensed attorneys...

The use of holistic therapies in rehab is a highly debated topic. While some experts claim that alternative therapies are the missing piece of effecti...