Mental health and addiction recovery are so important for overall quality of life for many people, yet can seem like a quagmire when it comes to the options available to help you get there. As a practical and realistic person, I think it is helpful to sometimes pull things down to the basics and start …
Have you ever heard of the geographical cure? It is the idea that moving one’s physical location will have a significant impact on whatever symptoms the person is experiencing, to the point that it will cure them. This term stems out of Addiction recovery lingo (which, as you may or may not know, has its …
What is codependency? Historically, someone who struggled with codependency was caretaking a loved one with severe illness and/or Addiction. They focus all time, energy, and resources on that loved one and leave little to no energy for themselves. Today, this understanding of codependency can be expanded to anyone who struggles with a dependence or over-reliance …
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 …
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 …
At the start of the pandemic, 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 know whether this will come true or not, only time will tell on that one. Something that has increased …
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 »
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 …
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 …
Exploring substance use or behaviours that have become unmanageable can be scary and overwhelming. At Sana Psychological, the approach to treating Addiction is to explore all aspects of the person, not just the issues that are plaguing you. At an initial appointment you can anticipate a conversation about your physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, cultural, and …
