Debbie and Sarah have been recognized for their passion, dedication, and hard work in the Substance Use Disorder community. With over 20 years of experience at the Walker Center between them, we're proud to call them part of the team.
50 Things to Do Instead of Drinking
Once you give up drinking, it can seem like half the things you used to enjoy are off the table. But if half your social life revolves around alcohol, this is unhealthy and may have been a contributing factor that leads to addiction. Deciding to live without alcohol may seem challenging, but all you have to do is look for things you can substitute for drinking.
What are the 5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care?
“Trauma-Informed Care” is the new kid on the block when it comes to addiction treatment. But what exactly does it mean?
Trauma-informed care recognizes that it is not only physical trauma that can have long-lasting neurological, emotional, social, biological, and psychological effects. It also involves five guiding principles that are adhered to by people’s physical and emotional safety.
The Power of Meditation in Sobriety
Meditation, focusing and soothing the mind, has a vital role in sobriety. During the treatment process, you may suffer a rollercoaster of emotions. Practicing meditation can be an effective and reliable tool for handling these feelings during healing and long after you achieve sobriety. Meditation is done in different ways, but the important thing is finding the right style for you.
5 Mindfulness Hacks to Step Up Your Recovery
How to Help Your Partner with Their Drinking Problem
How to Get Your Teenager to Stop Drinking
Can PTSD Cause Addiction?
Men’s Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma
Substance Use Disorder Associate (SUDA) - Gooding, Idaho
Why Are Men Less Likely to Get Mental Health Help?
The Science Behind Depression & Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety or symptoms of depression may feel like a result of circumstances going on outside, but in reality, they are caused by what's going on inside. Two people may go through identical circumstances and respond differently depending on their background, current life circumstances, and chemical makeup. When a person is experiencing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, what exactly is going on inside their bodies?
The Link Between Serotonin and Addiction
Addiction is more than an emotional dependence on a particular substance. There are biochemical factors at play. Many fail to realize that the brain chemistry of someone battling addiction is actively working against them. Serotonin plays a fundamental role in the biochemical aspect of addiction, and today we're going to explain why.
Are Substance Abuse Disorders Genetic?
Do your genes determine your fate? Why can one person drink normally, while another loses all control? Are some people destined to become addicts due to the quirks of their genetic makeup - factors beyond their control? Can nurture overcome nature? Today we tackle the debate - are substance abuse disorders genetic?
7 Things You DON'T Say to Someone in Recovery
Recovery is a beautiful journey marked by self-discovery and transformation. That doesn't mean that it's easy, linear, or guaranteed. If your friend or loved one is in recovery, providing the proper support could be the difference between recovery and relapse. In honor of April being Alcohol Awareness month, we give you the inside scoop on ten things you DON'T say to someone in recovery.
Am I An Alcoholic? Ten Tell-Tale Signs of Alcoholism
Am I an alcoholic? If you have ever asked yourself this question, you are not alone. Alcohol plays a unique role in society. It is the only psychoactive substance that is legal, prevalent, and glamorized. It can also destroy your life. To see if your drinking has crossed over into disorder, look back on the last 12 months and ask yourself these 5 questions.
Mindfulness Doesn’t Work For Me, What Now?
Mindfulness and meditation are considered cornerstones of good mental health. But what if it doesn’t work for you? If so, don't worry; you are not alone. Mental health is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and just as humans are different, so will our responses differ. We break down what mindfulness is and what you can try if you don’t find it helpful.
10 Stress-Busting Techniques to Try Today
Stress is America's silent killer. The consequences of prolonged periods of stress are as harmful to the body as alcoholism and substance abuse, but many don't pay attention to the warning signs. Don't let this happen to you. When you notice your stress levels rising, use one of our ten stress-busting tips.
Are You An Alcoholic? 5 Signs Your Drinking Is Problematic
10 Tips for Families to Cope with Addicts
Addiction doesn't just affect the addict, it can be devastating for the entire family. The financial, emotional, and physical burden of dealing with someone that has an addiction could overwhelm anyone. If your loved one is in active addiction or early recovery, it's essential to take care of yourself. Here are ten tips to help family members cope.