In a previous blog post, I wrote about ‘The Dopamine Chase’ and how our brains can seek out increasing amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that tells our brain when something was rewarding and that we should do it again (and probably more of it). This can come from feelings, relationships, substances, food, and […]
Writing may become a long lost art form at some point as we become more comfortable typing our lives away. However, there is therapeutic value in picking up the good old pen and paper, particularly if we are writing about our thoughts and feelings. What is the value of writing? How come many people keep
The Art of the Journal Read More »
People like to think they have total control over themselves, including their brain. This is the reason that physical disability and mental and cognitive health issues can be so devastating; because they show us that we do not have total control over what is happening internally. In fact, as you start to learn more about
The Dopamine Chase Read More »
Wondering whether or not you may be struggling from codependency? Please read the statements below and answer whether these are true or false for you within the past 3 months. 1. I find myself more often than not irritated, frustrated, and reactive 2. My reactions are often strong and may not have an apparent reason
Codependency Self-Test Read More »
In my last post, I ended off by saying we would talk more about healthy fun as often people think that Addiction recovery is a drag and work. The truth is, it is effortful and draining, for sure, but there is also an energy and invigoration that comes from it unlike any other. Where people
*This blog post was edited in January 2024 after the original was published in May 2020. At the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, many people were predicting that divorce and birth rates were going to increase, or even skyrocket, as a result of social distancing and people being at home. It’s impossible to
PMO is on the Rise Read More »
Addiction involving video games is in its own pandemic while the global pandemic is occurring. Addictive risk and vulnerability are generally high, so layer in a greater ease to isolate and escape and you’ve got yourself an unhealthy situation. To quell the boredom of being at home and eat up time, many have turned to
Leveling Up or Leveling Out? Addiction, Gaming, and Relationships Read More »
Technically the clinic that I work at is still open and I could be seeing clients as Addiction and Mental Health care is deemed an essential service in my area, but I have opted to work remotely as I have an immune-compromised person in my household. This made for a very quick shift to remote
The Life of a Therapist During COVID-19 Read More »
In more than one of my therapy sessions over the past few weeks, clients have been reflecting on their increased engagement with unhealthy food, especially chips. They are quite confused by this and don’t seem to understand what is drawing their brain to that particular food item, especially as it’s usually one specific brand and
What’s With the Chips? Read More »
While the pandemic of COVID-19 is occurring, issues with addiction, mental health, and other health issues continue. In writing this post, to be honest I have many more questions than answers as we are all living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty. What is striking me is the immense risk that exists for those who
Addiction and Recovery in the Age of COVID-19 Read More »
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