Latest Articles

Did you know that men's mental health is an unspoken problem in today's society? You got it right. This silence masks a great deal of emotional issues and mental disorders behind the stoic face of masculinity. Enough of this; let’s face this head-on. Read on to find resources for men’s mental health and see how Healing

The road to recovery from addiction is not a path that one walks alone. It requires strength, courage, and resilience. More specifically, it demands emotional resilience.  In this recovery journey, you are not just battling substance abuse; you're also wrestling with your emotions. Keep reading to shed light on building emotional resilience in addiction recovery, a

Parenting can be quite a challenging journey, especially when you're working towards maintaining sobriety. Navigating the balance between treating your addiction and parenting in recovery can feel overwhelming. But listen, here's the thing: overcoming addiction and strengthening the bond with your child is not just possible; it can truly change your life. So, keep reading to discover how

Gratitude has an incredible power that can genuinely transform your recovery journey.  By acknowledging the good in your life, you can discover strength and hope even amidst the challenges of addiction recovery.  At Healing Pines Recovery, we deeply understand this power and weave gratitude practices into our addiction treatment programs exclusively designed for men in Colorado.  Continue reading

The landscape of addiction is complex, influenced by factors ranging from biological differences to societal pressures. Understanding the statistics behind men's addiction is crucial in shaping effective prevention and intervention strategies. Prevalence of Drug Abuse by Gender 22% of men have used drugs in the past year, compared to 17% of women 4% of men abuse

Addiction treatment approaches include detoxification, psychotherapy, counseling, and support groups. However, mindfulness, which holds a lot of prospects for recovery, is often ignored by many people living with addiction today. To some, the word "mindfulness" brings thoughts of ancient Eastern practices that have no implications for addiction recovery. A research trial found that mindfulness was

Recovery from substance misuse is a long and challenging journey, and how long the process takes varies from person to person. The chances of relapsing along the way are high if specific measures aren't in place. The National Institute on Drug Abuse disclosed that about 60% of individuals in recovery relapse after the first 12

The National Institute on Drug Abuse mentions that more than 20 million Americans exhibit symptoms diagnosable as substance addiction, but only one in ten people get the required treatment. When a family member or friend battles with substance abuse, you'll go to the ends of the earth to help them get well. Talking to them

Substance addiction is a complex disorder that takes away a person's freedom and choice of living. An individual dependent on drugs and alcohol often lives in isolation, distancing themselves from people who love them and the activities they once enjoyed. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stipulates that over 43 million Americans above

Evidence shows that the rate of alcoholism is constantly rising in the United States of America and globally. Deaths related to alcohol-use are estimated to be between 5.3 – 6.0% globally. Alcoholism is also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or alcohol misuse. It refers to the inability to stop or reduce your drinking despite

Getting help for addiction is the best action to take if you have a substance addiction. Substance addiction affects the whole being, starting from the cognitive processes to the physical aspect. Refusing treatment lowers the chances of getting better. In addition, it increases the risk of exposure to other illnesses and could cause death. According

Finally finishing a recovery program doesn't signify the end of an addiction journey, relapses can sometimes be stumbling blocks. According to NIH, between 40 and 60% of people in addiction recovery relapse within a year of completing treatment. These individuals may not relapse intentionally, but societal pressure and certain circumstances may have pushed them into

Addiction is a public health challenge. In 2022, 20.4 million people in the US were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Recovery from addiction can be challenging. Consequently, apart from going through the treatment plan recommended by an expert, utilizing support groups during recovery is essential. Addiction recovery support groups are important for maintaining sobriety;

Grabbing a glass of wine when you're feeling exhausted is easy. You may need to calm your nerves before a life-changing presentation, and then you grab one - and another. You already took three glasses in that space, and you feel it's fine. How much is too much? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and drug use disorder is a health issue that's become a pandemic. However, many people don't suffer from substance use disorder alone. They struggle with mental health issues simultaneously. This is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7.7 million have a mental disorder and an addiction. Dual

People often go to the doctor for legitimate reasons and are given medications to manage symptoms of a particular condition. These medications are called prescription drugs. These drugs are legally provided to individuals based on a doctor's or a licensed healthcare provider's written orders. The government regulates them to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, some

Are you struggling to understand how you can overcome relapse? Not everyone relapses, but many people do. Some even think of it as a natural part of the recovery process. For that reason, a big part of recovery is accepting that there may be risks of relapse. Even more importantly, you must understand that relapse

Every addiction recovery journey is unique, but individuals trying to abstain from drug or alcohol use typically experience withdrawal symptoms. But what about post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)? Individuals can experience a variety of PAWS symptoms weeks after abstaining from substance use. The length and severity of these symptoms vary. While these symptoms may cause mild

You may or may not already have strong connections with other guys – perhaps a brother, father, or close friend group. We sometimes negate the importance of men's connections with each other in life and recovery. However, making connections is part of the addiction treatment and recovery journey. Some men may be hesitant about entering

Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may not realize that there is a root cause to their struggle. For example, trauma often directly influences the development of SUD and other mental health conditions later in life. That often includes childhood trauma. Childhood traumas impact people mentally and emotionally, sometimes leading to the development of co-occurring disorders

Are you struggling to begin repairing relationships post-treatment? Men struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) may notice problems within their professional and personal relationships. Addiction impacts friends, family, and other loved ones. This impact may require you to repair some damage done to your relationships upon leaving treatment.Repairing relationships may seem easier said than done,

Excessive substance use has many harmful effects on men physically, emotionally, and mentally. The longer a man uses alcohol and drugs, the greater risk to his mental health and the greater risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals struggling with SUD experience a number of chronic conditions due to long-term substance use. Though some chronic

For individuals struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), long-term recovery should always be their primary goal. Unfortunately, many men with SUD do not receive the necessary treatment. If untreated, SUD can lead to further complications in personal relationships, troubles at work, and the development of other chronic physical or mental health conditions. The idea of

There are several reasons why a doctor may prescribe medications for a patient. It may be after an injury or surgery or to treat a mental health condition. Despite being prescribed with good intentions, prescription drugs can be highly addictive and lead to dependency. Sedatives, stimulants, and painkillers may put a person at risk of

It is extremely important to look out for the major signs of depression in the early stages of recovery. A lot of men may be struggling with depression upon entering treatment. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms to develop during detox or early treatment. In either case, expressing concerns about symptoms you may exhibit

Have you tried therapy before but felt it was not helping you? Did you find it hard to connect with your therapist and, in turn, could not fully open up? Learning to be vulnerable with your therapist is vital if you hope to reap the benefits of therapy. Struggling to open up with a stranger, regardless

Depending on where you live, this time of year can be difficult for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the days become shorter and the nights grow longer, people feel isolated and experience symptoms of depression. Developing SAD is common, especially for individuals who love spending time outdoors and in the sun. SAD can

You may be in a treatment program right now, trying to think up creative ways to help your addiction recovery long-term. If so, you are not alone. Many men spend time in treatment trying to figure out the best ways to maintain sobriety post-treatment. There are many pillars to recovery, but sometimes the more mundane

Addiction takes a lot from us. That sometimes includes our families, friends, jobs, and almost every part of our lives. Recovery is the only way for us to begin regaining control over our lives, but it's not easy to do. Losing control feels effortless, and before you know it, you'll wonder how you got to

Are you currently in a situation where you are struggling to balance addiction and family? Do you find yourself trying to hide the addiction from your family? Perhaps you want treatment but are afraid of how your family will react. Maybe even worse, you are already in a situation where a spouse or child no

Struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) can be challenging to recover from, and seeking treatment can be scary. These feelings can be intensified if you also struggle with mental health disorders. It is common that these two types of disorders go hand in hand, referred to as a dual diagnosis. Learning how to manage multiple

Developing peer support and a community can greatly benefit your addiction recovery journey. This is especially true for the early stages of recovery. When you start your journey to stop using substances, it can feel like a lonely time where no one understands you. Being a part of a group of peers can help you

Learning to build connections, be vulnerable, and communicate are all important aspects of recovery. For some people, these things can be very difficult to do. This is especially true for men due to the many stigmas about them and being vulnerable with their emotions. Having a community in recovery is very important; without such a

When beginning addiction recovery treatment, there are many options out there for you to explore. One of these options includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This type of talk therapy focuses on helping you regulate your emotions and be in the moment. DBT differs from classic talk therapies as it can help those who struggle with

Trauma can play a major role in your life. It can affect not only your recovery but your daily life as well. While you may not be dealing with a traumatic event any longer, there are still triggers that can bring back overwhelming feelings and emotions. Triggers can be any external event or circumstance that

When working through your recovery journey, there are many feelings that you will experience. At times these emotions can feel overwhelming and out of control. A common feeling that a lot of people experience is anger. While your anger can be targeted at yourself, your actions, or the treatment center, you may sometimes take it

Setting goals is a great way to move forward in your recovery journey. Goals can help motivate you to reach certain milestones. However, it can be hard to stay consistent with goals when setting goals. Some of the hardest things about recovery can be keeping up with tasks and being motivated to do them. Learning how

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

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

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,

You bravely took the first step. It's time for the next: Get help for alcohol use disorder today. Call 720-738-6918 for confidential, compassionate help now. 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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