Mental Health

Am I Drinking Too Much? When Social Drinking Becomes Alcohol Use Disorder

Am I Drinking Too Much? When Social Drinking Becomes Alcohol Use Disorder

Mental Health /

Having drinks with friends, opening a bottle of wine with dinner, or going out for happy hour doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem with alcohol. But what happens when drinking becomes more frequent or harder to control? If you’ve started wondering whether you’re drinking too much, that question is worth exploring. Recognizing changes in

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How Long Does the Brain Take to Recover From Addiction?

How Long Does the Brain Take to Recover From Addiction?

Mental Health /

Recovery from addiction is about much more than stopping drugs or alcohol. It also gives your brain the opportunity to heal. While recovery looks different for everyone, research shows that the brain can begin repairing itself after substance use ends. Many people experience gradual improvements over time. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including

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Minority Mental Health Awareness

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Access to Mental Health Care Matters

Mental Health /

Every July, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us why it’s important to have equitable, compassionate mental health care for people from racial and ethnic minority communities. This month honors the legacy of author and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, who worked to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations about mental health. Minority

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International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day: Why Self-Care Matters for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

Mental Health /

Every July 24, International Self-Care Day reminds us to care for our health every day of the year. The date, 7/24, represents the idea that self-care is important 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you’re living with a mental health condition or substance use disorder, taking care of yourself may feel harder

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Self-Care Tips for Summer: Protecting Your Mental Health and Recovery

Self-Care Tips for Summer: Protecting Your Mental Health and Recovery

Mental Health /

Summer often brings longer days, vacations, outdoor activities, and opportunities to spend more time with friends and family.  While many people look forward to the season, changes in routine can also create unexpected challenges for those managing mental health conditions or working toward recovery from addiction. Social gatherings may revolve around alcohol, travel can interrupt

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PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding the Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

PTSD Awareness Month: Understanding the Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Mental Health /

Each June, PTSD Awareness Month shines a light on a condition that affects millions of Americans.  While many people associate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with military service, PTSD can develop after any traumatic experience, including abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one. PTSD can have a significant

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Mental Health Awareness Month in Worcester County

Mental Health Awareness Month in Worcester County: Why Local Awareness Matters

Mental Health /

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to encourage conversations about emotional wellbeing, mental illness, and the importance of seeking support.  While mental health awareness is important everywhere, it is especially relevant for communities throughout Worcester County and Central Massachusetts. In this area, many residents continue facing barriers to care, housing instability, addiction, and

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Women’s Equality Day: Addressing Unique Challenges in Addiction and Mental Health Recovery

Mental Health /

As we observe Women’s Equality Day, we rightly celebrate the achievements of women who have fought for and won the right to have their voices heard and their place in society recognized. Yet, the fight for true equality is ongoing, and it extends into the critical realm of addiction and mental health. While the conversation

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