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Here's an example of the Mental Health SYMPTOMS that drive CRAVINGS for substances.  I use Julia Ross' The Craving Type Questionnaire to determine which neurotransmitter systems are depleted and causing symptoms and cravings.  Take a look and check off the symptoms below that best describe your struggles with mood. What's

BYE BYE BAD FAT!  If the food is fried, it likely has unhealthy, oxidized oils. Skip it! Stick to good, clean fats like coconut oil, avocado, salmon and olive oil.   SKIP THE LATE NIGHT SNACKS The liver’s regenerative cycle is between 11p and 3am . If your body is

Over the last couple of months, I’ve found a new love of open water swimming. I used to MAKE MYSELF drive to the San Francisco Bay to swim if I had a triathlon coming up, because I "had to" get used to it prior to the event.  (Pool swimming is

What can I do RIGHT NOW to help with my Mood?   1. If you’re anxious: Blood sugar regulation is key to leveling out anxiety. Eat protein every 3-4 hours. Try GABA starting at 250 mg and building until you're calm. 2. If you’re sad or want to escape: Exercise at least ½

It’s groundhog day, yet again. You find yourself with a drink in your hand at 5pm, despite just that very morning SWEARING to yourself and God and your journal that you will never, EVER again drink alcohol. You have done all kinds of research on what might be wrong with

To understand recovery, we must first understand addiction. Enjoy this wonderful article written by my mentor, Christina Veselek, CN, LMFT. Addiction is a progressively pathological relationship with any mood-altering substance, behavior or personal relationship that has potentially life-threatening consequences. The most important aspect of addiction is that it is a

There are SIX KEY Biochemical Factors that play a big part in Addiction Recovery Here's what other professionals are saying: Malnutrition may promote drug seeking and impede recovery from substance abuse disorders.  “It is well established that nutrient deficits make people vulnerable to alcohol use and that the ability to

We are all feeling the pain of months of uncertainty in the world. Decisions made by our leaders are creating a dramatic divide between friends, family and the nation. There’s a collective anxiety and depression hanging in the air. Many people are at risk for developing full-blown addictions as they

In the movies, when the plane is going down, people unburden themselves with “deathbed” confessions, the secrets they have been carrying around for years. Utterances such as, “I’ve always loved you!”, “I cheated!”, “It was ME who…”, “Remember that time…” are common. Secrets are revealed. True feelings emerge. Then, as

I quit drinking almost 2 1/2 years ago and it changed my life. I get it, it’s funny to lots of people, the copious amounts of alcohol people are drinking during Shelter-In-Place orders. It's easy to get booze delivered and you can start drinking at any time of day. Virtual