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Beyond Abstinence

How to flourish in addiction recovery

Embarrassment
No Shame: Why Michael Phelps Deserved to Carry the U.S. Flag

Jason Powers M.D. on August 10, 2016

Two years ago, the most decorated Olympian of all time was so mired in depression that he thought about killing himself. His comeback on dry land inspires me the most.

Two years ago, the most decorated Olympian of all time was so mired in depression that he thought about killing himself. His comeback on dry land inspires me the most.

Addiction
Prince Would Do Prison Time Under Fentanyl Bill

Jason Powers M.D. on June 14, 2016

Senate proposal harkens back to the 1980s, when low-level offenders were locked up for decades.

Senate proposal harkens back to the 1980s, when low-level offenders were locked up for decades.

Stress
Why Being Stressed During the Holidays Is a Good Thing

Jason Powers M.D. on December 2, 2015

There is no denying that an annual visitor this time of year is holiday cheer’s perceived evil twin: Stress. But should stress really be an unwanted guest?

There is no denying that an annual visitor this time of year is holiday cheer’s perceived evil twin: Stress. But should stress really be an unwanted guest?

Education
Doing These Two Things Will Boost Your Well-Being

Jason Powers M.D. on September 18, 2015

Out of 24 character strengths possessed in varying degrees by each of us, two of them hold up on their own as predictors of well-being. Here are a couple sure-fire ways to take control of your own well-being.

Out of 24 character strengths possessed in varying degrees by each of us, two of them hold up on their own as predictors of well-being. Here are a couple sure-fire ways to take control of your own well-being.

Stress
Powerful Way to Raise Kids Focuses on the Strong

Jason Powers M.D. on June 20, 2015

Strength-based parenting is a powerful way to raise children. It involves identifying and fostering their positive personality traits, which provides them with the inner resources to deal with the stress of everyday life. The field of positive psychology calls these “signature strengths.”

Strength-based parenting is a powerful way to raise children. It involves identifying and fostering their positive personality traits, which provides them with the inner resources to deal with the stress of everyday life. The field of positive psychology calls these “signature strengths.”

Addiction
Journaling Clears Out the Bad, Builds Up the Good

Jason Powers M.D. on May 3, 2015

Multiple studies show that disclosing emotions through journaling is therapeutic, which is why I encourage my patients to write for their own benefit and consumption.

Multiple studies show that disclosing emotions through journaling is therapeutic, which is why I encourage my patients to write for their own benefit and consumption.

Smoking
Let's Honor Leonard Nimoy and End Smoking in Rehab

Jason Powers M.D. on March 4, 2015

Leonard Nimoy, an icon to millions of Trekkies as Mr. Spock, the half-Vulcan, half-human first officer of the Enterprise, fell victim to the most human of all diseases: addiction.

Leonard Nimoy, an icon to millions of Trekkies as Mr. Spock, the half-Vulcan, half-human first officer of the Enterprise, fell victim to the most human of all diseases: addiction.

Resilience
3 Ways to Get Past Any Failure

Jason Powers M.D. on February 11, 2015

Ever have the psychological wind knocked out of you? Here are three simple ways to nurture your strength of spirit.

Ever have the psychological wind knocked out of you? Here are three simple ways to nurture your strength of spirit.

Sport and Competition
Bad Sports: 'Deflategate' and the Psychology of Cheating

Jason Powers M.D. on January 27, 2015

A study suggests that most cheaters, if found guilty, wouldn't experience much remorse. Researchers found that the "high" may be mitigated by the magnitude of the perceived consequences. However, over time and perhaps through self-reflection, cheaters may become more likely to regret their actions.

A study suggests that most cheaters, if found guilty, wouldn't experience much remorse. Researchers found that the "high" may be mitigated by the magnitude of the perceived consequences. However, over time and perhaps through self-reflection, cheaters may become more likely to regret their actions.

Wisdom
Will You Spank Your Kid After Reading This?

Jason Powers M.D. on November 3, 2014

Most of us have heard the maxim "spare the rod, spoil the child," but is it accurate?

Most of us have heard the maxim "spare the rod, spoil the child," but is it accurate?

Humor
Joan Rivers Proves Laughing at Yourself Is Good for You

Jason Powers M.D. on September 8, 2014

Maybe Joan Rivers was your cup of tea. She wasn’t always mine. But her comments on joking about the Holocaust resonated with me. After years of battling alcoholism, I know recovery would not have been possible without a sense of humor. A joke was the quickest way to turn on the light, even if briefly, when your world was engulfed in darkness.

Maybe Joan Rivers was your cup of tea. She wasn’t always mine. But her comments on joking about the Holocaust resonated with me. After years of battling alcoholism, I know recovery would not have been possible without a sense of humor. A joke was the quickest way to turn on the light, even if briefly, when your world was engulfed in darkness.

Addiction
4 Keys to Lasting Addiction Recovery

Jason Powers M.D. on August 6, 2014

“Positive recovery” aims to fill the gaps in how addiction is treated through a balanced approach that attends not only to the disease, but also to the elements that make life most worth living.

“Positive recovery” aims to fill the gaps in how addiction is treated through a balanced approach that attends not only to the disease, but also to the elements that make life most worth living.

Resilience
The Applied Wisdom of Dumbledore: Everyone Can Be a Magician

Jason Powers M.D. on July 25, 2014

Would you be surprised to learn that you, like most people, are more resilient than you may have realized? What is resilience? Simply stated, resilience explains the act of restoring peace of mind when bad stuff happens. Following trauma, all of us have the ability to bounce back. Research teaches us that anyone can learn resilience, but it takes time, practice and grit.

Would you be surprised to learn that you, like most people, are more resilient than you may have realized? What is resilience? Simply stated, resilience explains the act of restoring peace of mind when bad stuff happens. Following trauma, all of us have the ability to bounce back. Research teaches us that anyone can learn resilience, but it takes time, practice and grit.

Addiction
Scratching the Itch of Why, Why, Why?

Jason Powers M.D. on July 8, 2014

What’s the meaning of life? The distinction between “meaning of life” and “meaning in life” is no small matter. So meaning in life is what you make it to be and meaning is an idea. Purpose, on the other hand, is active.

What’s the meaning of life? The distinction between “meaning of life” and “meaning in life” is no small matter. So meaning in life is what you make it to be and meaning is an idea. Purpose, on the other hand, is active.

Positive Psychology
Stare Down Those Inner Demons and Rebuild Your Life

Jason Powers M.D. on June 24, 2014

A strong dose of positive psychology can help give addicts the foundation they need to recover. By taking on self-doubt every day, fighting back thoughts of hopelessness and setting his sights firmly on the positive, the recovering addict learns to focus on what is positive within him or her.

A strong dose of positive psychology can help give addicts the foundation they need to recover. By taking on self-doubt every day, fighting back thoughts of hopelessness and setting his sights firmly on the positive, the recovering addict learns to focus on what is positive within him or her.