Amid the nonstop blur of holiday shopping and celebration planning, it’s easy to forget the most precious gift you can give yourself—the gift of sobriety. When you’re struggling with a substance use disorder, choosing to seek residential addiction treatment and begin your recovery journey is a profound act of self-love. If drugs and alcohol have taken over your life, you don’t need a new TV, an upgraded iPhone, fancy perfume, or a pretty sweater. You need hope for a brighter tomorrow—and help from experienced addiction treatment professionals. You won’t find it advertised on Black Friday or Cy ..read more

Although we’ve seen significant progress towards improving the public’s understanding of substance use disorders in recent years, people in recovery often still struggle with stigma that affects their ability to move forward after seeking residential addiction treatment. At St. Joseph Institute, we urge our clients to keep in mind that addiction is considered a disability under federal law. As such, an estimated one in 10 Americans who are in recovery have legal protection from discrimination.  Understanding the ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law implemented on ..read more

Gaslighting is a manipulative psychological tactic where a person tries to make someone doubt their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. The term comes from a 1938 play titled “Gas Light,” written by British playwright Patrick Hamilton and later adapted into a 1944 version starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. In the play, a husband engages in a series of deceptive actions to make his wife doubt her perception of reality—including dimming the gas lights in their home and denying any change when she questions it. Gaslighting can occur in many different types of relationships, including ..read more

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often associated with military veterans, but this serious mental health condition can develop in any person who has experienced a traumatic event. Many people with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms, which can lead to the development of a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). If you’re worried about a friend or family member who seems to be struggling with their mental health, it’s important to understand that effective treatment options are available. With proper support, your loved one can learn to manage their PT ..read more

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults suffered from bipolar disorder in the past year. An estimated 82.9% of these individuals were considered to be seriously impaired, which is the highest impairment percentage of all mood disorder types. For some individuals with bipolar disorder, mood swings can lead to another challenging battle: substance use disorders (SUDs). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that between 30% and 50% of adults with bipolar disorder will develop an SUD at some time during their lives.&n ..read more

Watching a parent, child, friend, or other loved one struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction is like standing at the edge of a turbulent ocean. The ebb and flow of their battles mirrors the relentless push and pull of the tides—leaving you feeling overwhelmed by the ceaseless cycle. When your loved one refuses to acknowledge their addiction and seek help, it’s understandable to wonder what your next steps should be. Let’s take a look at how you can support your loved one while guiding them toward the path of recovery.  Overcoming Denial Addiction is a disease that alters the brain’s che ..read more

National Recovery Month is an annual observance held in the United States every September. First celebrated in 1989, its purpose is to increase understanding of substance use disorders, celebrate individuals who are in recovery, and promote the benefits of treatment. National Recovery Month aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues, while also highlighting the effectiveness of treatment and the positive impact of recovery. Throughout the month, various events, activities, and educational programs are organized by government agencies, community organizations, trea ..read more

Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. It frequently shares a close bond with other mental health disorders, leading to what professionals refer to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 37.9% of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental illness. This means that 7.7 million adults in the United States have a dual diagnosis. Mental health disorders can accompany addiction, and it’s possible for a person to suffer from multiple co-occurring disorders. Here, we take a closer look at five of the most common co-occurr ..read more

Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. It frequently shares a close bond with other mental health disorders, leading to what professionals refer to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 37.9% of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental illness. This means that 7.7 million adults in the United States have a dual diagnosis. Mental health disorders can accompany addiction, and it’s possible for a person to suffer from multiple co-occurring disorders. Here, we take a closer look at five of the most common co-occurr ..read more

If you’re used to relying on drugs or alcohol as a social lubricant, the thought of dating while sober might seem a bit overwhelming. There’s no need to resign yourself to spending the rest of your life alone, however. Sober dating might take some getting used to, but finding your special someone is actually much easier when your judgment isn’t impaired by addictive substances.  7 Tips for Sober Dating Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to start dating until you’ve been sober for a full year. The first months of recovery require serious self-reflection—and that’s best accomplished w ..read more