Women & Addiction

Men are from Mars women are from Venus, right? Well, when it comes to addiction recovery that shoe fits. According to Brenda Iliff, “2.7 million women in the United States abuse drugs or alcohol.” Many women don’t get treatment because they don’t want to lose their kids or be separated from their family, or they may view their use as being a social habit. If you have ever felt like this then don’t worry, you’re not alone! According to Iliff, “women start using for different reasons, get addicted differently, progress faster, recovery differently and relapse for different issues.” There also is more of a stigma and more shame when it comes to women and substance abuse. Women even metabolize alcohol and drugs differently than men. There’s hope, Iliff says that recovery is natural for women. Women are wired for connection and relationships, so women may find support groups like 12 steps or other peer support groups helpful because they give women an opportunity to build and recover within the context of relationships. Check out the link for information on the difference between men and women when it comes to recovery! Copy and past this link to read the full article:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/remarkable-recovery/201203/addiction-and-gender-recovery-women

Sara Saunders BA, SAC-IT

Anxiety & Substance Use Disorders

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety in their life at some point. However, individuals with substance use disorders (alcohol or other drugs) are 2-3 times more likely to also suffer from anxiety disorders. But which comes first? Often, alcohol and other drugs are used to “self-medicate” for anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety disorders can be a result of the use of alcohol or other drugs. The attached article from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, addresses this relationship in addition to the most effective treatment options for these two co-occurring disorders. Copy and past this link to read the full article to see how this practice can be used:

https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/substance-abuse

By: Jean Moral, SAC-IT

Finding a Mindfulness Practice

Implementing a mindfulness practice can sound like another item to throw onto your already packed to do list, but The Mindful Pause is really just that though, a pause, in your day.  

Here’s how it works according to Dr. Niemiec (2016):

1.) Pause and feel your in-breath and out-breath for 10-15 seconds.

2.) Conclude with a question: Which of my character strengths will I bring forward right now?

This super short, and easy to use practice is perfect for transition moments in your day, or when you just need to refocus and tap into a more helpful emotion.

Read more here:  

By: Caitlyn Hummel, SAC-IT

The Power of Vulnerability

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share a video with you about vulnerability because several of my clients have found this to be very insightful. Brene Brown has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame. In this video Brene discusses how to embrace vulnerabilities and imperfections so we can allow ourselves to engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness.

Here is her TED talk about vulnerability.

Lisa Eimers, LPC, SAC-IT