Mental Health Blog
A space dedicated to sharing information about anxiety and depression, including proven strategies & expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health.
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When people think about taking a break from substances, they often expect one of two things:either they’ll feel amazing right away or completely fall apart. What actually happens is usually somewhere in the middle. Whether you’re stepping back from alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, or other substances, your brain goes through a period of adjustment. Understanding what’s […]
February 1st is a decision point, not a finish line. Here's how to use what you've learned to make intentional choices about drinking going forward.
Every January, many people take part in Dry January, a month-long commitment to avoid alcohol. But what if we expanded the idea to all substances, including recreational drugs or other mood-altering substances? A substance-free month can be a powerful reset for the body, mind, and social life. Today’s reflection: Which activities or hobbies might you […]
Most people know alcohol has calories. Fewer people realize that alcohol affects nutrition in ways that go far beyond the calorie count on a beer label. Alcohol changes how your body absorbs nutrients. It depletes specific vitamins and minerals. It affects blood sugar. It alters appetite and eating patterns. These effects compound over time in […]
When people take a break from drinking whether it’s for Dry January or just curiosity they’re often surprised by one thing: They miss it. And also… they don’t. Both can be true at the same time. Missing parts of drinking doesn’t mean you made a mistake by stopping. It doesn’t mean you “have a problem.” […]
Taking a break from alcohol or other substances during Dry January isn’t just about physical health, it’s an opportunity to explore how these substances fit into your life, how they affect your mood, and how therapy can support change. Reflection: What would you want to talk about in therapy if you were exploring your relationship […]
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually, often so slowly that people don’t realize it’s happening until they’re deep in it. If Dry January has made you think about your relationship with alcohol—even just a little—this is worth understanding: what increases the risk of developing AUD, what decreases it, and how to […]
If alcohol was your go-to stress reliever, Dry January has left a gap. Here's what actually works for managing stress—no drink required.
Three weeks into Dry January, you’ve probably noticed some physical changes. Better sleep. More energy. Maybe clearer skin or a few pounds lost. But alcohol affects your body in ways that go beyond the obvious. Understanding these effects—both what you’re recovering from and what continues to improve—can help you make more informed decisions about drinking […]
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