Our nation’s Veterans, active military members, and their loved ones protect us and the land we live on. This is no small feat. The weight of responsibility that comes with being a protector is often overwhelming and has the potential to lead to a number of long-term negative effects.  Recently, our nation has seen increased rates of suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders (SUDs), depression, and anxiety in populations that have served or currently serve in the military. This is why the Tactical Recovery Program (TRP) was created: to combat the psychologica ..read more

Depression. It can feel like a 50-pound dumbbell on your chest every minute of every day. It might look like Alzheimer’s, forgetting appointments or chores or even cherished memories. Perhaps it manifests in a sudden onslaught of narcissistic feelings, extreme guilt, debilitating self-pity, or overwhelming pessimism with every minute that passes. Described as a raging thunderous brainstorm, an insidious monster, or a hostile parasite, depression appears in many forms for men.  If you suspect that you or a loved one dealing with substance abuse is depressed, know that St. Joseph Institute ..read more

The term stigma is used to refer to unfairly negative attitudes or beliefs that result in prejudice and discrimination. With regard to mental health disorders, stigma involves the idea that such illnesses are shameful, embarrassing, and weak. This can cause people who are suffering from mental illness to feel judged or discriminated against by those who do not understand their experiences.  Stigma is well recognized as a barrier to mental health care. Instead of reaching out to seek the care they need, people with mental health concerns may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism ..read more

If we zoom as far out as possible from our loved one’s substance use disorder (SUD), we see that its effects ripple into larger social systems.  We see that the person struggling with addiction is taking the brunt of the most obvious consequences: poor bodily and mental health, financial troubles, professional issues, discrimination, involvement in dangerous situations, etc.  We then see that the people closest to the individual suffer immensely as they watch, enable, or cut off their loved one due to the SUD.  We then see a prolonged battle that can involve hospitals, law enfor ..read more

When people throw around the term addictive personality, they’re often referring to what they see as a tendency to abuse substances or fixate on certain risky activities or adrenaline-seeking behaviors. The phase can be used jokingly, as an insult, or as a well-intentioned diagnosis.  Since the 1990s, this idea of an addictive personality has embedded itself in mainstream culture and conversations around substance use disorders (SUDs), mental health issues, and compulsive behavior. The media, friends and family, and even the recovery and sobriety space have been guilty of perpetuating thi ..read more

If we zoom as far out as possible from our loved one’s substance use disorder (SUD), we see that its effects ripple into larger social systems.  We see that the person struggling with addiction is taking the brunt of the most obvious consequences: poor bodily and mental health, financial troubles, professional issues, discrimination, involvement in dangerous situations, etc.  We then see that the people closest to the individual suffer immensely as they watch, enable, or cut off their loved one due to the SUD.  We then see a prolonged battle that can involve hospitals, law enfor ..read more

What are Affirmations, and How Do They Work? Affirmations are concise, positive phrases about your life that you repeat regularly. The idea is that with repetition, your brain starts to believe and accept the affirmations as true–causing you to feel that they’re true. Designed to uplift you over time, affirmations are one of many techniques to rewire your brain.  Consistency is key with affirmations. Repetition helps you reframe how you perceive a concept, idea, or situation. Let’s say that you don’t believe that you can be forgiven or that you’re worthy of blessings after living a life t ..read more

A lasting recovery is about more than just abstaining from the use of addictive substances. Once you’re no longer under the influence of drugs and alcohol, it becomes about finding new sources of meaning and purpose. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some ideas to consider as you contemplate what you want your future to look like.  Build Positive Relationships With People You Care About Positive relationships with family and friends are a cornerstone of a meaningful and purposeful life, especially during the early stages of recovery from a substance use disorder. These con ..read more

Addiction stigma is an often overlooked yet pervasive barrier to healing. For people in recovery, fighting this stigma is not only a matter of breaking free from the burden of drug and alcohol abuse but also from the suffocating grip of shame, judgment, and isolation.  What Are Some Examples of Addiction Stigma? The term stigma is used to refer to negative attitudes, beliefs, or stereotypes directed toward individuals or groups based on certain characteristics or attributes perceived as socially undesirable or deviating from previously established societal norms. Addiction stigma can take ..read more

According to best-selling author and motivational speaker Hal Elrod, “Personal growth is about progress, not perfection.” As you’re setting your goals for your recovery, the team at St. Joseph Institute’s Pennsylvania residential addiction treatment center urges you to focus on the journey rather than the destination.  Understanding the Difference Between Process Goals and Outcome Goals Unlike outcome goals which focus on a specific result, process goals emphasize the daily actions, habits, and behaviors that lead to success. This fosters a mindset of continuous improvement, as each small ..read more