choice house blog

The college experience encompasses some of the most transformative years in an individual’s life. Submerged in uncharted territory and expected to soak up gallons of new information instantaneously, these trying years foster unparalleled personal growth. Complete with demanding classes, challenging studies, and, not to mention, the immense homework load, the college experience is guaranteed to…

Men experience difficulty being vulnerable due to societal pressures of masculinity. You may feel the need to “man-up” or uphold a callous, tough self-image. You might hold yourself back from displaying emotions other than anger or happiness. Feelings of sadness, grief, and loneliness might be pushed deep down for men. These feelings may also become…

Addiction can affect men and women differently due to body chemistry variations, gender expectations, and other factors. These differences shape the experience of addiction for men and women, creating a unique set of challenges for each gender. While some similarities are present, the contrast is significant enough for some rehabilitation centers to offer gender-specific treatment.…

Marijuana use can have long-term effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health. You might use marijuana legally in your state, depending upon the laws. In Colorado, marijuana use has been legalized for years. Although marijuana may be legal to use, you might still experience adverse long-term effects due to marijuana use. The legality of…

You may have heard the term “revolving door” used in association with addiction treatment centers, referring to the cycle that some people with addiction go through that involves going into treatment only to relapse then return to treatment again. This can happen many times for some people and may have you wondering, “What is the…

When you have a son in recovery, you might experience difficulty understanding his struggles with addiction. Your son may not be willing to share with you or might fear judgment, especially if he feels like he has failed to live up to your expectations. Children, even emerging adults, might view parents or guardians as infallible…

There are many types of trauma one might experience in their lives, including the death of a loved one or being involved in a severe accident. Experiencing military combat, a life-threatening illness, or an assault can also result in severe trauma. However, causes of trauma aren’t always physical – childhood neglect and bullying can also…

Our minds can attempt to protect us from harsh realities. Following a traumatic event, our mind may wrap the event up in denial as a defense mechanism. The event itself and our feelings get buried deep within our minds. We may not even be consciously aware of the traumatic event and have difficulty in recalling…

When your loved one enters treatment for addiction recovery, you may be wondering what to expect. You may have several questions regarding their care and what will occur during their absence from your day-to-day life. Long-term treatment programs might be necessary for lifelong success in recovery. Your loved one will need time to acclimate to…