Category Archives: Addiction Recovery

What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy? Can it Help People With Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

group practicing mindfulness medication in rehab

Summary: Mindfulness based cognitive therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. It’s an effective, evidence-based technique that can help people with mental health disorders, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, or co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. Key Points: Mindfulness based cognitive therapy […]

Can Using Cannabis During Adolescence Increase Risk of Developing Mental Health Disorders by Adulthood?

cannabis and test tubes to illustrate factual studies of effects on adolescents

Summary: Yes, new research shows using cannabis during adolescence can increase risk of developing mental health disorders by adulthood. Key Points: Recreational cannabis use is illegal for all adolescents in the U.S. Some states allow medical cannabis use for adolescents under strict guidelines Previous research indicates a minor association between adolescent cannabis use and sleep […]

What is Addiction Treatment Really Like?

man contemplating treatment in hawaii

Summary: Addiction treatment is really like a lifelong journey from a state of physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual distress and dysfunction to a state of ongoing healing, growth, personal awareness, and overall wellbeing. Key Points: A helpful way to understand what addiction treatment is really like is to reframe it as a recovery journey. […]

How Can I Stay Sober When I Go Back to College This Fall?

young woman heading back to college

Summary: To stay sober when you go back to college this fall, you need to plan ahead and make a list of people and activities that promote sobriety and increase your chances of sustainable, long-term recovery. The operative phrase here is plan ahead: don’t wait for a crisis, but rather, create conditions that make a […]

Meet Our New Medical Director: Dr. Reza Danesh

dr danesh

We’re thrilled to welcome a new member to our stellar medical staff at Honu House: Dr. Reza Danesh, MD He’s not only a new member of our staff, but he’s also assumed the critical role of Medical Director. A physician with decades of experience in a wide range of practice, Dr. Danesh will provide oversight […]

Is Addiction a Family Disease?

parents fighting child listening to represent addiction as a family disease

Summary: Yes, when viewed through the lens of family systems theory, addiction is a family disease. When one family member has an addiction disorder, it can create a dysfunctional family system wherein each family member plays a role that contributes to the ongoing disease of addiction in that individual. Key Points: Family systems theory developed […]

How Do I Know If I’m Enabling Addiction?

helping a friend

Summary: To know if you’re enabling addiction, you can assess your relationship with the person with the addiction problem, analyze your behavior in the relationship, and decide if your behavior allows them to continue their behavior without addressing the addiction problem. Key Points: Enabling is a natural reaction when you’re in a relationship with a […]

Can Having PTSD Make You Age Faster?

woman stressed due to PTSD

Summary: Yes. New research from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA) shows that having PTSD can make you age faster, a result caused by increased risk of physical disease and changes in DNA structure and function. Key Points: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with chronic exposure to stress and stress hormones. Chronic exposure […]

How Can I Tell If Someone is an Alcoholic Who Needs Treatment or Just a Heavy Drinker?

wife and husband argue over drinking

Summary: You can tell if someone is an alcoholic who needs treatment or just a heavy drinker by determining whether their drinking has a direct and negative impact on their ability to engage in typical daily activities in a healthy and productive manner. Key Points: Words matter when talking about alcohol addiction, but behavior matters […]

Can Yoga and Tai Chi Help Insomnia?

Summary: Yes, yoga and tai chi can help insomnia. New studies indicate that compared standard treatment, yoga, tai chi, light aerobic exercise help insomnia most. Key Points: Insomnia and the result – sleep deprivation – is directly related to significant negative consequences for physical, emotional, and mental health. Experts indicate insomnia is a significant problem […]

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