A Day of Life in a Sober Living House

06/23/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

The effectiveness of a sober living house comes down to a willingness to change. You are fully capable of individual change, and reaching that goal can be a shared experience. With more people on your side, a healthier lifestyle can be a real-world accomplishment.

The Change

When you make a commitment to sober living for men, the journey to recovery begins immediately. There are no shortcuts to be taken, and the finish line will look different for every individual. A day in the life of a sober living house is different than crashing on a loved one’s couch. It is also different than having a buddy that checks in on you when things get dire. As much as you are changed by the world, the world itself will not bend to your will. That means no matter how well your sober life is going, the environment around you will not be completely free or alcohol or drugs. That is why sober living homes were created, and here is what they can do for you.

A Gift

To regain a sober life, you’ll have to go through recovery. Inpatient drug rehab or outpatient programming can get you to a point, but what happens after? It is unrealistic to think that temptation won’t be waiting when you go back to your normal life. Sober living takes the temptation out of the environment by having all residents agree to full abstinence from harmful substances. For someone that is going through recovery, the lack of temptation is freeing. You can wake up, talk to friends and walk around without any worry about a surprise in the environment causing a misstep.

Friends and Family

What do friends and family see as outsiders looking in? At a sober living house, there is no ‘shame’ or feeling that you are being punished for your actions. This is reflected with the mutual accountability from all participants. Healthy, happy guys working hard to improve their lives is what outsiders will see. There are plenty of outdoor activities, events, peer groups and even exercise. A small event such as fishing with your friends becomes an unforgettable experience that takes you away from substance abuse. There is no pressure to participate in these activities, and there is always something new to do every day.

Old Habits

Breaking old habits is the biggest change a sober living house will make. Your old life has daily reminders that led to substance abuse. Sober living is about breaking the cycle and leaving those old bad habits in the past. Soon, you’ll notice small improvements in the way you eat, interact with people and manage your time. All of these things together make it unlikely that you will fall back into old habits.

Making the Right Choice

Your temperament is a big part of the healing process. No one walks into a sober living house with a mentality that is resistant to change. If your goal is honest, then a sober living house is a positive influence to improve your choices.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle

Depression vs. Sadness: How Not To Confuse the Two

06/20/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

It’s normal to feel sad from time to time. It’s a normal human emotion that can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, sadness is meant to be temporary, which makes it very different from depression. Depression is a long-term illness that can impair the normal functioning of a person’s life. To further distinguish sadness and depression from each other, here’s more about what you should know.

Symptoms Of Sadness And Depression

Although you might feel sad from time to time, you should be able to laugh and feel comforted once those moments are over. Depression is much different from this and can make it very impossible for you to ever feel happy for a long period of time. To find out if you have depression, here are some of the most common symptoms:

● constant feelings of sadness

● irritability

● fatigue

● changes in sleeping or eating patterns

● difficulty concentrating

● loss of interest in things that used to provide pleasure

● feelings of deep, unwarranted guilt

● physical symptoms, such as headaches or body aches that do not have a specific cause

● feelings of worthlessness

● constant thoughts about death

● suicidal thoughts or actions

The DSM-5 Criteria

Mental health professionals tend to use the DSM-5 criteria to determine if a person has depression or not. There are nine potential symptoms, the severity of which can differ from person to person.

1. feeling depressed throughout each day on most or all days

2. lack of interest and enjoyment in activities you used to find pleasurable

3. lack of sleep or sleeping too much

4. lack of appetite or eating too much

5. irritability, restlessness, or agitation

6. extreme fatigue

7. unwarranted or exaggerated feelings of guilt or worthlessness

8. inability to concentrate or make decisions

9. suicidal thoughts or actions, or thinking a lot about death and dying

The Risk Factors Of Depression

Although depression occurs in both men and women of any age and any socioeconomic background, some factors come into play that increase the risk for depression.

● low self-esteem

● trauma that takes place early in childhood

● history of alcohol and/or drug abuse

● family history of mental illness

● trouble adjusting to a serious medical condition

● lack of a support system, such as friends, family, or coworkers

Medical Causes of Depression

Depression could also be a side effect of some medications that can alter a person’s mood. Some of these medications include:

● corticosteroids

● beta-blockers

● statins to treat high cholesterol

● hormonal medications

You should always speak to your doctor if you’ve been prescribed any of these medications and start to notice a change in your overall mood. Your doctor might be able to find an alternative or alter your dosage to reduce these side effects.

It is recommended that you speak to a medical professional if you start to experience sadness for longer than two weeks. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, then you should seek immediate medical help. You can start receiving professional help, such as therapy and medication, so that can get you back to feeling like yourself again.

Books, Goals, Going Reviews, Life, Lifestyle

The Heart of Fear: A Surgeon’s Collection of Stories on Adversity, Passion and Perseverance

06/11/2023 R.C. Liley 4 Comments

Hello, book lovers!

Today, I’m introducing a riveting read – “The Heart of Fear.” It’s more than a book; it’s an exploration of courage and determination found in the least expected places: high-risk careers.

man holding book on adversity, passion, and perseverance

“The Heart of Fear” dives deep into the mindset of individuals facing daily danger and uncertainty. Through this lens, it navigates the challenging labyrinth of fear, hope, and motivation that drives people to excel in high-risk environments.

Why should you pick up “The Heart of Fear”?

It’s not just for adrenaline junkies or psychology buffs. It’s for anyone eager to understand human strength in the face of adversity. It’s for those seeking inspiration. It’s for those who seek to make peace with fear daily.

In our world, where avoiding risk is the norm, “The Heart of Fear” reminds us that living on the edge can often offer the most profound understanding of life.