You’ve quit drugs. You’ve struggled and made it. The first few days, weeks, even months haven’t been easy. Between facing the past, surviving the present, and taking on an unknown future, sobriety can be overwhelming. Amidst all the chaos, you have to figure out who you are without drugs and alcohol. Who is this “new […]
The Wacky and Wonderful Relapse Prevention Plan
The worksheet below is a rough copy of our Wacky and Wonderful Recovery Pamphlet, “Relapse Prevention Plan.” (This link will take you to a clean version you can purchase right away.) The handout includes 2 pages of check-lists meant to quickly help people in recovery maneuver past triggers and cravings. Page 1 focuses on identifying warning symptoms […]
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Attention problems: what is ADHD and what isn’t?
An article by Kim Rosenthal, MD. So you’re sitting in a meeting, distracted by the sound of your colleague’s shoe tap-tapping at the ground. It’s too much. Sensory overload. You’re ready to jump up and go for a run, or a fast walk at least, anything to get out of this room and away from […]
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Thoughts about surviving mental illness
The challenge with mental illness is that it can’t be willed away. Dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or a personality disorder isn’t about pulling your socks up or changing your attitude. There’s no easy fix. By the time most of my patients reach my door, they’ve fought the fight of a lifetime trying to […]
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Freud: what’s the defense mechanism of the day?
In the language of Freud, defense mechanisms are the unconscious things we do to deal with difficult emotion or stress. They are kind of like absent-minded coping skills, and we all use them. They’re natural and normal. They help us deal with life struggles. But, just like coping skills, defense mechanisms come in different flavors. […]
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How to sleep better without medications
Want to get some shut-eye at night, wake up refreshed in the mornings, and feel awake during the day? Good sleep habits to the rescue! Sleep habits, or as doctors call them, “sleep hygiene tips,” can help you rest at night so you feel awake during the day. Sleep hygiene is a non-medication how-to […]
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For introverts and people on the spectrum: how to make friends out of strangers
So you’ve met someone you don’t know and it’s time to have a conversation, hopefully create a friendship, and your first tendency is to… run. Sound familiar? If talking to strangers feels like a bucketful of icy, cold water thrown in your direction, you’ve found the right spot. This post is written for all shy, […]
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Stuff to know about marijuana
Let me start by saying I don’t have a definitive opinion about marijuana. I don’t support it. I don’t not support it. I have had patients in the past smoke it legally and effectively. Others ran into problems. Everyone is unique, and I’m not here to judge. But I am here to educate, […]
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What do I do with all this anger?
“Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” — Ambrose Bierce Maybe your anger is a little out of control? Or maybe it’s big-time explosive and desperately needs reigning in? Or is it just that people around you are hinting you need anger management classes? No matter […]
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A family member is badgering you: what do you do?
Problem: your aunt breaths fire at you whenever you see her. She’s belittling, insulting, hurtful, and all other synonyms for “offensive” you can come up with, and her nastiness burns you. What do you do? Is this worth a big fight, an exchange of words, a gentle palaver, or should you just leave it alone? […]
