We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Dietitian Nicki Zeidner about eating better while in recovery and dealing with mental health disorders. Q: What is nutrition, and why is it important in recovery? Food and beverages provide the body with energy| The Phoenix Spirit
Minnesota is facing several complex issues that affect Minnesotans’ ability to get timely, quality, and culturally relevant behavioral health services. Addressing those issues with compassion is the top priority of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Now, for the first time in department history, there is an entire administration dedicated solely to behavioral health.| The Phoenix Spirit
For many, the holiday season is a time of cheer, generosity and bonding with family. For some, it’s a series of triggers that can threaten their recovery and mental health. A recent study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness showed that for 64% of people with mental illness, the holidays make their conditions worse.| The Phoenix Spirit
Eating disorders don’t discriminate. But people with a history of substance use disorder are at a higher risk for developing a potentially life threatening eating disorder. Clients may get sober only to use eating disorder symptoms — bingeing, restricting/dieting, and/or purging — instead of their drug of choice to cope with challenging emotions. This is| The Phoenix Spirit
I am Stan Popovich and I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 20 years. During these times, my anxieties and fears were so powerful that I had trouble getting through the week and there were times I felt like giving up. I learned numerous lessons from my struggles, which I will share in this| The Phoenix Spirit
The reward for living a good, clean, and sober life is…a good, clean, and sober life. I read that in a recent article in the Grapevine, AA’s monthly magazine, and it really resonated with me. Simple yet wise. I don’t give myself enough credit—and I suspect many of my fellow recovering alkies and addicts don’t| The Phoenix Spirit
