Melissa Goodmon 
Women are as likely as men to develop substance use disorder when it comes to prescription drugs. In other areas of drug use, they are less likely for various reasons. Gender differences women face can come from looking at a woman’s overall health and how this impacts substance use. The reasons women use substances are … Read more
When a woman seeks out treatment for addiction, she may not realize what she has gotten into. Unless she has been down that road before, she will have to relearn her whole life as someone who is sober and clean. This means giving up some old friends and even family members who are not able … Read more
Women are not responsive to treatment for addiction in the same way men are for various reasons. Men and women do not experience addiction the same way due to how their bodies respond to chemicals in the body and brain. There are other differences in how the brains and bodies of women can benefit from … Read more
Awareness and self-honesty are two traits that feel hard to navigate in recovery. They are not part of being addicted to substances because there is so much hiding, lying, stealing, and a lack of awareness for so much of the journey. Addiction takes away a person’s sense of self and ability to be discerning about … Read more
The written word is still as powerful as it was centuries ago. People used to sit around campfires telling stories. They still do to this day, but they are losing ground to electronics, computers, typewritten words, and engagement with audiovisual storytelling. Digital storytelling is one piece of a larger framework of historical storytelling that began … Read more
Breathing is a simple and subconscious action, but we often take for granted the simplicity of the breath that comes and goes to power our bodies and brains. When someone struggles with anxiety or is working on deep healing, sometimes this simple action, connecting with the breath is a lifeline. Whilst in the midst of … Read more
Culinary arts are a way to bring new and positive energy to rehab. In the treatment setting, women often feel emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and are in need of a holistic approach to care. In rehab, women experience detox, individual and group therapy, and often laborious emotional work. One way to lighten what can be … Read more
Addiction rehab can become a sort of safe space for those in early recovery, especially when they are concerned about living outside the four walls of a facility. For some, it provides safety and structure and for others, it’s exciting to move on and move out, in order to get on with their recovery. Sober … Read more
Drama is not just a thing for the stage. Drama therapy is a way to engage people in a therapeutic way. Psychotherapy is important for some people in treatment for addiction and it can have positive profoundly healing effects that transform the remedial process. However, different forms of therapy work for different people and scenarios … Read more
Sobriety takes courage and endless patience. Early on, triggers seem to pop up out of nowhere and lurk in every corner. When the brain has been through so much, it takes a long time to settle into a new rhythm of life following detox and rehab. In those moments when the adjustment feels too difficult, … Read more
