Entering recovery is so much more than just abstaining from drugs and alcohol. The people who truly excel in recovery treat it like a way of life. The 12-steps are a way of life, not a school you complete and graduate from. One of the most accurate facts I have to remind myself almost daily is that I am powerless ... Read More
The Experience Blog
FHE Health is comprised of a team of professionals dedicated to improving our patients well-being. In this section our experience is used to weigh in on current events including legislation and trends as well as expert opinion articles directly contributed by our staff. The proof of our program is our Alumni, so we often feature articles from those who have completed our program. They offer real-life stories of struggle, hope and a new life. In our blog you’ll also find out about upcoming events and community impact efforts FHE Health is taking part in.
How to Establish Boundaries with Temperamental Individuals
How the Pandemic Has Affected People’s Recovery
Not everyone with a drug or alcohol addiction did poorly during the pandemic. Some people in recovery fared better. That is the conclusion of psychiatrist Anna Lembke author of Dopamine Nation, in an interview with NPR’s Terry Gross in August 2021. When asked how the pandemic had affected various addictions, Lembke ... Read More
How to Detect the Warning Signs of an Impending Relapse
Relapse. It's a word that is discussed a lot in recovery, as expected. It's our worst fear whether we are newly entering recovery or an old-timer of 30 years. The absolute worst thing anyone in recovery could do is pick a drink or drug up again. Sadly, relapse rates are very high across the board. Why is ... Read More
Tough Love, Boundaries, and the Challenge of Loving an Addict
“Tough love” has become a catchphrase in the recovery community. It can have various connotations but in its broader sense is a way to answer the question of how to love someone with addiction while exercising healthy boundaries. Naturally, this can be very challenging. As it is, knowing how to love anyone can be ... Read More
Signs of Burnout and Unhealthy Coping Habits to Watch for
“Burnout” is an increasingly familiar phenomenon lately. The term has come to describe the experience of record numbers of Americans, whose work lives became unsustainable or overwhelming during the COVID pandemic. Burnout is largely “an occupational phenomenon,” according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO's) ... Read More
Depression vs. Sadness: What’s the Difference?
Everyone has feelings of sadness from time to time. It's a normal reaction to occurrences in life and can even be helpful in guiding our decision making. Sadness can help us process, but it is a passing emotion. This is where depression differs, clinical depression is a serious illness, but it's more common than you ... Read More
Stigmas Around Chronic Pain That Hurt Mental Health
Updated August 7, 2023 An estimated 50 million Americans, or one in five adults, live with chronic pain, according to 2021 data published in the journal Pain. It is a serious medical condition that like other medical issues requires treatment. Sometimes, though, stigmas around chronic pain can make life worse for ... Read More
Four Mental Health Tips for New Mothers
I was 20 years old when I had my first baby. I was a kid, preparing to have a kid. All of the wonderful women in my life did their best to throw their best mom hacks my way in preparation for this new role I was taking on. However, I’m not sure anyone prepared me for the toll becoming a new mom would take on my mental ... Read More
