Articles

Gender-Specific Treatment: Meeting the Unique Needs of Men
Traditional male roles in society may have an impact on men's behavior in treatment, their interest levels in seeking treatment, and strategies for engaging men in substance abuse treatment. Gender-specific programs offer benefits by customizing interventions to fit...

Overcome Shame
Men who avoid vulnerability, excessively criticize themselves, struggle to accept praise, and exhibit anger as a defense mechanism may be overwhelmed by hidden feelings of shame. Isolating themselves and misusing drugs or alcohol may be other ways their feelings of...

Staff Spotlight – Will Paz
Will Paz - Alumni Services Liaison, South Padre Island, TX What brought you to the field of addiction treatment? I am a man in recovery who is also a product of strong treatment and aftercare services. I had an amazing experience that has changed my life...

Complex PTSD and ADHD in Adults
An inaccurate mental health diagnosis can have several consequences, which can impact your well-being, treatment requirements, and overall quality of life. A misdiagnosis can be potentially time-consuming and costly, too. In this blog post, we’ll discuss two...

Overcoming Addiction Stigma: Encouraging Men to Seek Help
Addiction is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be challenging to overcome on your own, which is why seeking help is so important. But unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding addiction, particularly when it comes to...

Nutrition and Exercise in Addiction Recovery
When it comes to addiction recovery, many people focus solely on the mental and emotional aspects of the process. However, it's also important not to overlook the physical aspects of recovery. Nutrition and exercise can play a crucial role in addiction recovery,...

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD
A traumatic experience can have a direct effect on your ability to remain in recovery. At the same time, even someone living with trauma for years may understand the role it plays in their ability to stay sober and function daily. In this blog post, we'll cover two...

How Alcohol Affects Mental Health
If you have been experiencing changes to your mental health following periods of drinking, it’s important to understand how alcohol affects mental health and the impact it can have on your well-being. Drinking moderate amounts regularly or drinking excessively at any...

Is Nitrous Oxide Dangerous?
The rising use of nitrous oxide as a party drug while also being commonly administered by dental and medical professionals may lead some people to consider it harmless. If used for recreational purposes, it can pose serious threats to your health and well-being. Let’s...

Meth Effects on Your Body and Brain
Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that can have devastating effects on the body and brain when abused. The short-term and long-term meth effects on the body and brain are severe and can lead to life-threatening consequences. In this article, we'll explain the dangers...

Growing Through Steps 10, 11 & 12
By: Jerry Green | Recovery Services Manager I have heard Steps 10 and 11 referred to as the maintenance steps. For me, they are growth steps. As I begin to live in Steps 10, 11, and 12, my relationship with my Higher Power starts to strengthen. The daily rituals come...

Five Healthy Ways to Deal with Anger
Anger is a normal human emotion, but it can be destructive if it's not managed in a healthy way. If you struggle to control your anger, know you're not alone. There are some effective techniques you can use to help you calm down and constructively deal with anger....

Benzodiazepine Risks and Side Effects
Benzodiazepines might be prescribed by your doctor but they don't come without risks or side effects. Untreated benzodiazepine misuse can affect every aspect of a man’s life: career, physical health, mental health, relationships, and sex life. If you’re using a form...

Acting
Jerry Green | Recovery Services Manager Acting my way into a conscious awareness of the presence of my Creator seemed to me, at first, to be not only hypocritical but also just about the stupidest thing I had ever heard. But I had no choice. I was beaten down by...

What is Dry January?
Dry January is an annual challenge that takes place in the month of January when people choose to avoid alcohol after a long holiday season of drinking. It may be part of a New Year’s resolution or some other commitment to living a healthier life. While starting...

Is Marijuana Harmful to Your Health?
If you use marijuana, you may think it's generally safe or that frequent use is not harmful. Unfortunately, there are risks involved with cannabis consumption that most people may not be unaware of. In this article, we take a look at marijuana use and how it may...

Humility vs. Humiliation
Jerry Green | Recovery Services Manager I pray that each of us finds Humility but that none of us are humiliated. The difference, of course, is that humiliation is created by humans to raise their own egos. True Humility comes from understanding that without...

Give Yourself the Gift of a Sober Holiday
A first sober holiday can feel daunting to people in recovery. Spending time in settings where drinking was customary in the past can illicit feelings of resentment and fear. Also, being offered alcoholic beverages or feeling compelled to explain why you’re not...

Love = Action
Jerry Green, Recovery Services Manager The drunk sipping out of his bottle behind the store, the homeless woman on the street corner, the hungry children in a run-down apartment parking lot, the addict detoxing in the jail cell, the significant other at home worrying...

Principled Actions vs. Emotional Actions
By Jerry Green, Recovery Services Manager My thoughts are, at times, crazy. Crazy thoughts, without rhyme or reason. Sometimes they are literally horrible thoughts, mean thoughts, selfish thoughts. Today, I understand that. Today I know that is my disease,...