Along with fairy lights, garlands, and mistletoe, alcohol is often a major component of holiday parties. For people in recovery, the holidays can be one of the most challenging times of the year. If you can relate, you may wonder if it's possible have sober fun during the holidays or if its even worth trying. You ... 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.
Holiday Parties: A Guide to Sober Fun
Certifications for Grief and Grief Counseling
Loss is an inevitable part of life, and there's an ongoing demand for mental health professionals who can guide people through it. Mental health counseling is a fast-growing field, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting a rise of 18% over the next decade. If you're passionate about helping others during ... Read More
Happy Hormones? Nope, Not a Band
Happiness is on the decline in the United States, with the younger generation at the most risk for depression and sadness. While challenges in life can cause negative memories, there are several things you can do to enjoy the little things that put a smile on your face, and the hormones of happiness are an excellent ... Read More
Sleep Deprivation Predicts This in Teens
Sleep provides multiple benefits for the brain and body, allowing for improved cognitive functioning, enhanced moods and better mental and physical health regardless of age. Sleep also helps the body repair itself and fight off a wide range of illnesses while strengthening the ability to make better choices. As a ... Read More
When Is It Time to Leave Someone with Mental Illness?
Maintaining a relationship with someone who has a mental illness requires a great deal of patience, understanding and a willingness to recognize that at times there may be more "give" than "take." Making the decision to leave someone with a mental illness is difficult and is likely to be accompanied by feelings of ... Read More
The Mental Health Impact of a Natural Disaster
When Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, no one could have predicted that it would become the deadliest hurricane to make landfall since Katrina. The category 4 storm laid waste to whole communities along its 500-mile path, from Florida through other parts of the Southeast. Meanwhile, as the death count ... Read More
How to Identify an Unknown Pill: Signifiers and Pill Identifier Apps
Have you just picked up your prescription and want to confirm the pharmacist dispensed the correct drug? Perhaps you're caring for an elderly parent and need to know you're giving them the right pills at different times of the day. Sometimes, you may encounter an unknown pill on the street or in your ... Read More
Emotional Lability: What It Is
Emotions are a normal part of human life. Chances are, you've experienced extreme happiness, profound sadness and intense irritability — possibly all within the same week. While there's nothing wrong with having an expressive range of emotions, frequent emotional changes can indicate a mood disorder. It's estimated ... Read More
















