Many people know Robert Downey, Jr., for his role as Tony Stark in Iron Man, the title character in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movies, and Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder. However, beyond his on-screen talent, his personal journey is one of remarkable struggle, resilience and transformation. His experience with ... 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.
Featured in Learning Center
Gambling and Suicide: The Hidden Story
The Toll of Online Dating: Surprising New Survey Data
Robert Downey Jr.: Lessons in Mental Health
Drinking and Your Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle and factors like cycle length, regularity, and flow can be important indicators of overall health. Meanwhile, diet, exercise, and lifestyle can have a significant impact on cycle health — and this includes alcohol and how much you drink. If you've ever wondered if drinking on your period could make ... Read More
Just Surviving to Thriving: Personal Growth in Recovery
Living with addiction or mental health challenges can feel like being trapped in an endless cycle of just getting by. The constant struggle to maintain stability can leave little energy for dreaming about or building a better future. Early recovery often focuses on the essential skills needed to maintain sobriety and ... Read More
After Residential Treatment: The Transition to Outpatient Care and Beyond
Completing a residential treatment program is a significant milestone in an individual's journey to recovery. However, it's only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to sobriety. The shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment is an important step that lets the individual apply the principles and strategies they've ... Read More
What to Pack for Rehab
As you prepare for rehab, knowing what to bring can make your stay more comfortable. Generally, residential treatment programs expect you to bring basic personal items. They may also put restrictions on items that aren't conducive to recovery. Below, we highlight the items you should take to rehab and list a few ... Read More
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects mood, impulse control, and ability to interact with others. There are two types and a related disorder, cyclothymia, but they all involve the person experiencing cycles of hypomania (or mania in bipolar 1 disorder) and depression over time. In some cases, the ... Read More
Depression and Addiction
Depression and addiction often occur together, and people can be left wondering, does one cause the other? Which one happens first? The truth is, they're closely related and it's possible for substance abuse to exacerbate depression, while people with depression often turn to substances to self-medicate. It's a complex ... Read More
State-Funded Rehabs vs. Private Rehabs?
Accessible addiction and mental health services are essential for overall health and well-being. Those seeking intensive treatment have two broad categories to consider, including state-funded and private facilities. In this article, we look at how these options compare, weigh their pros and cons, and outline factors ... Read More
