Latest Articles

In recovery, some are still learning how to manage overwhelming emotions. These emotions can be amplified when you experience traumatic events, including loss. Losing a loved one can affect your mental health and recovery. Coping with the loss of a loved one is challenging, especially in recovery. Feelings of depression, anger, and guilt can all build
Read More

Mental health disorders can be hard to tackle, but they can add to the stress when struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder. When struggling with these two things is known as a dual diagnosis. Nearly half of people with a mental disorder will also have a substance use disorder at some point, and
Read More

For those struggling with alcohol addiction, a common form of therapy is attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA utilizes a 12-Step program and group sessions to face alcohol addiction. This has been a proven method to help those struggling with alcohol and can be a great tool for recovery. AA was founded in 1935 by Bob Smith,
Read More

Working a 12-Step program can be incredibly beneficial to your recovery journey. It offers a lot of room for you to grow as a person. The Twelve Steps provide a foundation on that you can base so much of your life. For simplicity, we will focus on the original Twelve Steps developed for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Read More

Setting boundaries with loved ones is a vital part of recovery. Doing this can be a lot easier said than done, though. It can be a very anxiety-filled discussion when talking to family members about substance use disorder (SUD, treatment, and potential trauma events surrounding one's recovery. While everyone would like to think that all family
Read More

While on your recovery journey, there can be times when you need a moment to yourself. This can be especially common for those who are more introverted than others. It can sometimes make you feel like your battery is drained, and to recharge, you just need to step away from everyone. While there are pros to
Read More

When you struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), it can be hard to talk to anyone about it, especially your family. Feelings of guilt and shame surround the topic, making it difficult to start that conversation. However, it is a necessary conversation to have. Explain What Substance Use Disorder Is The best way to start the conversation
Read More

Holidays bring days to be enjoyed and spent with loved ones making memories, but this time of year can be overwhelming for some. When working through recovery, being in environments that are triggering can be dangerous. Something we can forget is that holiday events are not mandatory, and you are not obligated to stay or attend.
Read More

For some people, addiction can start when prescribed medications, and they either misuse them or build a dependency. For example, a common medication that can be highly addictive is Xanax. Xanax treats anxiety disorders, anxiety-caused depression, and some panic disorders. The use of Xanax is often misused to achieve the feeling of euphoria. Whether this is
Read More

Methamphetamine — also referred to as meth — is a dangerous substance that has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is a highly addictive stimulant and will almost always lead the person using it to develop substance use disorder (SUD). Methamphetamine can have some very damaging effects on not only the body
Read More

A common misconception is that substance abuse and addiction are the same things. While they may present similar behaviors, they have fundamental differences. Below we will discuss the contrast and similarities between these two relationships with substances. What Is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse is the act of abusing or misusing a substance. This does not mean an
Read More

Substance addiction can be a difficult battle, and each person varies on what specific substance they are struggling with. Cocaine is a prevalent drug used that is misused as it is a powerfully addictive stimulant. During active addiction, we rarely think of the risks that using can cause. Many dangers come along with abusing cocaine. These
Read More

When someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, it may leave you not knowing what to do or how to help them. Alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are very common and have many treatment options. According to a 2019 study, nearly 15 million people over 12 have alcohol use disorder. Trying to help
Read More

When considering what type of treatment to seek for substance use disorder (SUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD), medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be a great option. While this treatment is most effective for those with an OUD, it can still help others in recovery. The first question you may have is: what is MAT? MAT uses
Read More

For those that struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), detox is commonly the first step on the recovery journey. While there are many ways to go about this, there can also be many dangers, which is why it should be done in a professional setting. Detoxing from any substance without around-the-clock support and guidance
Read More

Depression is a mental health disorder that can leave a person feeling alone and not in control of their own life. With depression, simple tasks like getting out of bed each day can feel impossible. You may have tried to quell your symptoms on your own with the use of substances. Self-medicating distressing mental health symptoms
Read More

Supporting a loved one or loved one through recovery can be overwhelming. You might find yourself questioning if you're doing it right, how to support them better, or what more you can do. You can support your loved one in many ways without hindering their progress. Just remember to communicate effectively and listen to their
Read More

The primary goal of addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is to remain sober. While this might seem like an easy task, it can feel impossible. While in treatment, it is vital to learn your triggers and warning signs of relapse. Triggers are individualized to each person, so learning your own is crucial to long-term
Read More

The decision to recover from substances is also a decision to change. As a result, our vision of our future shifts once we leave substance abuse in the past. After an era of addiction clouding your judgment, how can you reestablish yourself and discover what comes next? Learn how Healing Pines Recovery gives you the
Read More

Alcohol can quickly become a crutch; over time, you may find yourself in the midst of addiction. Understanding when alcohol consumption has become problematic and even dangerous can be difficult. Discover the truth behind alcohol addiction and how you or your loved one can treat it at Healing Pines Recovery. Alcohol Addiction: A Cycle Alcohol use disorder
Read More

It's time to put your health, mind, and life first. Choosing recovery is a big step, and deciding to focus all of your energy on yourself can certainly feel like a selfish act. Whether it's taking time away from school or work or even family and friends, recovery can inherently bring on feelings of guilt.
Read More

The goal of residential or inpatient treatment is always to get you on a healthy recovery plan and then reintegrate you back into society. For some, this can be a simple task, and for others, it causes a lot of anxiety. When returning from treatment, one of the first things that come to mind is
Read More

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things a person can do in their life. However, throwing a history of substance use into the equation can be even more challenging. As a father, you have a unique bond with your child, one that differs from their mother's. While one is not more important than
Read More

Throughout your recovery journey, it can be hard at the time to love yourself, especially during the beginning stages of recovery when it feels like your life is spiraling out of control. Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction can cause deep seeded feelings of guilt and shame, making you feel unworthy of self-love. An important thing
Read More

Realizing you have substance use disorder (SUD) can be a shocking and intimidating discovery that can leave you questioning yourself on what to do moving forward or what to expect out of substance use treatment. First, you have to understand what SUD is and the dangers that come with substance use. Each person is different when
Read More

Freeing yourself of substances through addiction treatment is a life-changing experience. The overall goal that you are striving to achieve is long-term success in sobriety. In treatment, there is constant guidance available to you, but once you leave, how do you continue to stay on track? Unfortunately, long-term sobriety is not always an easy task. While
Read More

When considering treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), it is important to consider which options resonate best with you. While strategies like group therapy can aid those in recovery, there are still many different approaches available. At Healing Pines Recovery, we offer both conventional and holistic programs that promote healing and well-being. One of the holistic
Read More

When it comes to treating addiction, there are many things to consider, like where your addiction stems from. In many cases, addiction is the outcome of untreated trauma. Addiction can be an unhealthy learned coping method and survival skill that seemingly help to manage the overwhelming feelings of trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
Read More

Finding the right treatment center for your unique needs can be a challenging task. With so many options out there, how do you know which is the best one for you? At Healing Pines Recovery in Elizabeth, Colorado, we offer many treatment options to explore. Being located in Colorado allows us to provide programs that
Read More

The age-old saying that many young men grew up hearing is that boys do not cry. You may even have been told that crying is a sign of weakness. Today, it is known that these statements are not true and that being vulnerable takes a lot of strength; however, if you are a man who
Read More

When considering what type of treatment would best suit you through your recovery journey, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is often forgotten. Unlike cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), DBT mainly focuses on your struggle with substance use disorders and multiple psychosocial disorders, including suicidal ideations. At Healing Pines Recovery, we offer the guidance and support that you need
Read More

When seeking treatment for opioid use disorders or substance use disorders, it can be overwhelming to find the best treatment option for you. At Healing Pines Recovery we have medication-assisted treatment (MAT) available that specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders. While MAT is most effective in treating opioid use disorders, it can also
Read More

When beginning your journey into recovery, therapy and other forms of treatment may be incredibly beneficial to implement. Determining which forms of treatment to implement can be overwhelming, as there are a lot of options to consider. Remember that you do not have to choose one single form of treatment or therapy. This is where
Read More

When facing a loved one with an addiction, it can be hard to recognize the signs and symptoms from an outside perspective. Substance use disorder is often a difficult topic of discussion; at times, you may feel like there is no way to support your partner. It is important to understand that addiction is not
Read More

When working through your recovery journey, many different practices can help in your treatment. When looking at all options, it can seem so overwhelming with the other stressful aspects of recovery. Luckily, there is a simple activity that has an incredible amount of benefits and is easy to implement. That activity is walking. It may
Read More

When working through recovery, there are many ways to boost your mental health and practices to implement that will help further assist you in your recovery journey. Holistic treatment plans offer a different approach to recovery. An article posted by the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs has shown that holistic approaches to recovery can provide a
Read More

When it comes to recovery, many things can affect the process and potential for success. One of the positive things that you can do to keep a healthy recovery path is to maintain physical wellness. Physical wellness can consist of exercise, keeping a healthy diet, and managing your sleep schedule. When working through treatment, you
Read More

Substance use disorder (SUD) is experienced differently by each person who goes through it, each person has their own path and patterns. What is patently true though, is that different genders experience things differently. Society puts different expectations on men and women, makings their life experiences different from each other, including their experiences with substances. Even
Read More

Veterans sacrifice their health to serve their country. The level of trauma involved in combat increases the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Male veterans are more than twice as likely to develop SUD with multiple co-occurring conditions. Trauma causes isolation, which makes adjusting to life difficult. Veterans often feel out of step with people
Read More

Psychologists in addiction treatment centers often present mindfulness to you as a tool. It will help guide you through the ups and downs of recovery. What is mindfulness though? Why is it necessary? How does it help substance use disorder (SUD)? It is important to address the importance of mindfulness in recovery. Understanding Mindfulness and Dissociation Mindfulness
Read More

When you develop a substance use disorder (SUD), it can overtake every part of your life. Your self-esteem may plummet, making self-care more difficult. Intoxication becomes uncontrollable, and your work performance might decrease in quality. Perhaps your identity starts centering around harmful terms like "addict," "drunk," or "junkie." Relationships strain and fracture with enough pressure;
Read More

Addiction is a chronic and complex disease. There is a misinterpretation that addiction is a choice. This is dangerous because addiction requires treatment the same way other serious conditions do. Accepting help is one of the first steps toward breaking the pattern of addiction and moving toward a healthier lifestyle. Accepting help for addiction means embracing
Read More

If you or someone you love is in search of a substance use disorder center in Colorado, Healing Pines Recovery is ready to be that home away from home. Our unique state-of-the-art facility and treatment modalities allow us to give you top-notch care. Before you book a tour with us, we want to give you
Read More

One symptom of a substance use disorder (SUD) that may often be overlooked is the feeling of isolation. You may be so deep into your addiction that you do not even realize how isolated you have become from others. One day you might look up and realize you have pushed your family and friends away.
Read More

Sense memories can activate trauma responses in the body when triggered. The symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues all contribute to the stressors that can set off trauma responses in individuals recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). According to research published in Clinical Psychology, "The comorbid presentation of PTSD and
Read More

Substance use disorder (SUD) can affect anyone at any stage of life regardless of age, gender, status, or income. It is a very serious mental health disorder that can cause significant damage to an individual's body, mind, and spirit if left untreated. It is very courageous to reach out for help if an individual is
Read More

When individuals begin treatment for substance use and any co-occurring disorders, they will participate in one-on-one sessions with a licensed addiction therapist, treatment center activities, and small group therapy sessions. While individual therapy will allow clients to discuss some of the more intimate struggles with substance use, small groups work to give clients a sense
Read More

Taking just one evening walk through a beautiful forest, down a peaceful country lane, or even in your own backyard can give you a preview of the healing properties of nature. Getting back in tune with nature and the beauties of this world can help remind you what you should preserve your life for. Substance use
Read More

Substance use can quickly become all-encompassing, negatively affecting your physical and mental well-being as well as your sleep cycle. Sleep disturbances and inconsistent amounts of sleep can contribute to many problems in the body's systems, such as digestion, brain function, and behaviors. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and a
Read More

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic mental illness where you may find yourself unable to stop using drugs or alcohol despite the negative effects this use can have on your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Receiving professional treatment for SUD could save your life. Recovery centers like Healing Pines Recovery will provide you with high-quality,
Read More

Reflections on Meditation, Connectivity, and Two-StepWhen I was a young man, I used to go to western dance bars in Houston and watch the couples doing Two-Step. Cowboys and cowgirls dressed in their Wrangler jeans and carefully pressed western shirts—checker box patterns, decorative piping, and mother-of-pearl buttons ruled. As an indicator of who was who,
Read More

Trauma and AddictionAt Healing Pines, our main focus is on addiction and recovery. However, we also recognize that there is a lot more to addiction and recovery than just focusing on the substance abuse. One of our other main focuses is trauma and the role it plays both in active addiction, and also in learning
Read More

Addiction and The Family System When we typically think about addiction, we associate it with an individual struggling with substances.  The reality is that the disease of addiction affects much more than that.  Everyone in the family system is impacted by this disease.  Many times, family members experience similar feelings and symptoms as their loved one.
Read More