Great Oaks Recovery Center Blog

For a long time, alcohol and drugs have been marketed as the main event at social gatherings. No drinks? No buzz? No fun—right? Not so fast. Some of the most memorable parties aren’t fueled by substances at all, but by creativity, connection,...

Many of us associate laughter with fun moments, entertaining stories, or spontaneous silliness. But beneath the surface, something far more powerful is happening. A burst of genuine or even intentional laughter sets off a cascade of biological reactions that improve your mood,...

Although the term “radical acceptance” stems from dialectical behavior therapy, it’s also a key component in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). It refers to fully acknowledging reality as it is—not liking it, approving of it, or resigning to it—but accepting it without...

Everywhere you look, there’s an invitation to feel festive this time of year. But for many people—especially those in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), those living with dual diagnosis disorders, or anyone handling complicated family relationships—the...

These often occur together, creating a complicated and challenging health issue for people affected. Often categorized as a dual diagnosis, each condition influences the other, and understanding this connection is key to developing effective treatment strategies. When someone with bipolar disorder also...

Recovery—whether from a substance use disorder, a mental health condition, or both—is often described as a journey. Some days bring light, others feel heavy. While therapy, medication, and support systems are essential, there’s another simple yet powerful tool that research increasingly highlights:...

Addiction recovery isn’t a single event—it’s a lifelong process of healing, learning, and adapting. Much like managing a chronic health condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or asthma, recovery requires regular attention and occasional adjustments to treatment and lifestyle. Even after completing...

Despite decades of research and evolving medical understanding, the stigma surrounding addiction remains deeply rooted in society. People living with alcohol use disorder (AUD), substance use disorder (SUD), or co-occurring mental health challenges often carry not just the weight of their illness,...

In a world full of noise, journaling offers a rare kind of quiet. It’s just you, a blank page, and whatever thoughts are waiting to spill out. Whether it’s a notebook beside your bed or a notes app on your phone, journaling...

Anxiety is a universal human emotion—something everyone experiences from time to time. Whether it's nervousness before a big presentation or the worry we feel when a loved one is sick, anxiety can be a normal and even helpful response to stress.  However,...