Gratitude journaling is known as the foe of every recovering alcoholic. I was no exception to judging this therapeutic activity before ever actually trying it. After all, what could I possibly be grateful for? I was embarking on my recovery and coming to terms with the fact that I was suffering from the chronic disease ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
How Daily Gratitude Journaling Helps Heal Emotional Trauma
The Bee Gees and Meth/Cannabis/Etc. – A Hair-Raising Tale of Drug Use and Addiction
"It was the flower-power period. There wasn't anybody you knew that wasn't on some form of drugs," Barry Gibb said in the VH1 documentary Legends: Bee Gees. Maurice Gibb added, "Actually, what it was at one time was Barry would be smoking pot, Robin was on pills and I would be drinking." As a result, the brothers ... Read More
Is AA for Me?
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most prevalent forms of addiction in the United States, affecting around 14.4 million adults. While around 83% of adults drink, 25% binge drink on a regular basis and 5.8% show signs of an addiction to alcohol. For those who use and abuse alcohol in damaging ways, getting clean can ... Read More
Do People Go to Drug Rehab for Weed?
Illicit drug use is on the rise across the nation. According to the CDC, nearly one in 10 Americans aged 12 and over used an illicit drug within a month prior to a survey that was conducted in 2013, a 13% increase over the number reported in a 2002 survey. Marijuana use accounts for a large portion of reported drug ... Read More
Drug Profile: Dexedrine
In 1929, Gordon Alles, a biochemist, was actively working on an alternative decongestant when he discovered the first known amphetamine. By 1945, amphetamine tablet sales had reached more than $2 million in revenue, with Dexedrine accounting for $650,000 in sales. It is widely believed by experts that this time period ... Read More
How to Tell My Parents I’m Having Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can sneak up on anyone at any time. Navigating the world each day can become confusing and scary. During times of uncertainty, depression and other mental health challenges can quickly cast shadows over things that used to bring joy. In these times, it can be very hard to open up about an issue ... Read More
The Role of Fathers in Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Unavailability
During treatment for opiate addiction, Megan talked a lot with her counselor about her family of origin, childhood, and, in particular, her father's aloofness. As a child, Megan always blamed herself for her inability to "connect" with her father Sam. Megan's mother lavished affection and attention on her but Sam ... Read More
David Bowie on Cocaine – Disturbing Recollections of What Drugs Did to Him
David Bowie was a visionary whose innovative thought and musical creativity were beyond imitation. Between the 1960s and the 1990s, he changed the music industry many times and altered his identity even more frequently. But stories about David Bowie's life must be told through the lens of his struggles with drug ... Read More