Whether it’s carrying groceries or talking about a serious subject, many of us avoid asking for help, and there are numerous reasons why. Yet science reinforces that we feel better in the long run not only because someone helps us, but also because we recognize the value of this support and how much better everyone—giver...Read More

You’re probably familiar with the concept of gambling too much or excessive shopping. Known as process addictions, they’re two examples of maladaptive behavior. Others in this category of conditions include sex and love, gaming, exercise, food, pornography, and even work. Why is it so common for people to struggle with more than one process addiction?...Read More

In many respects, social media can be an effective point of meaningful connection for many people—such as Cottonwood’s Instagram and Facebook pages, for example. But some experts believe it might do more harm than good. Which is right? Depending on how you view social media, you might already have an opinion about this issue. The...Read More

Although you might be familiar with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, night-eating syndrome, or NES, is more along the lines of binge eating. However, it’s still a different disorder altogether, and anyone who suffers from it requires comprehensive individualized treatment. Understanding Night-Eating Syndrome People are often surprised to learn that NES was...Read More

“It’s only my experience, but all the therapy I did before I got sober was me telling myself and the therapist lies, whether blatant or subconscious,” folk/Americana singer-songwriter Amy Speace tells Cottonwood Tucson. “How could I really dig into trauma if I was medicating, not feeling the deep feelings?” But addiction recovery was only the...Read More

New Year’s: Resolutions or Goals? It’s the time of year when starting anew and releasing what no longer serves you is a popular topic. What’s truly better, though: setting New Year’s resolutions or establishing a series of goals without that particular label? Why the New Year? A specific day on the calendar really shouldn’t dictate...Read More

After months or even years of scuffling with mental and emotional health, it’s no wonder that when proper treatment shows promise, you feel on top of the world. However, there’s a difference between a hopeful outlook for the future and pink cloud syndrome. Let’s take a closer look. Pink Cloud What Now? A common reference...Read More

When you feel you’re about to be overcome by your thoughts or emotions, knowing how to “urge surf” can help bring you back to center. This mindfulness technique, often used in addiction recovery, is also an essential coping skill for better mental and emotional health. What Is Urge Surfing? The foundation of urge surfing is...Read More

Everyone knows that one foundational pillar of wellness is exercise. So why could too much of it be bad for your health? Unfortunately, some people develop an exercise addiction that’s often a symptom of mismanaged obsessive-compulsive disorder or an eating disorder. Understanding Exercise Addiction You’ve probably heard of a “runner’s high”: a sensation experienced after...Read More

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states a cold, hard fact: Veterans and active military personnel with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD) are three times more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression and/or PTSD. So if you or a loved one need professional help for SUD or AUD, mood disorders,...Read More