Early sobriety can feel surprisingly good. Many men experience a burst of energy, optimism, and confidence in the weeks following sobriety. Sleep improves. Relationships feel lighter. Anxiety may decrease. Motivation returns. This phase is often referred to as the “pink cloud.” While this experience can be encouraging, it can also be misleading. When misunderstood, the […]
Author Archives: Drew Powell
29
Dec
Dec
For many men, alcohol is not just something they use.It becomes part of who they are. The drinker.The fun one.The stress-reliever.The guy who can hold it together no matter what. When a man considers stopping or changing his relationship with alcohol, the fear is often not just about cravings. It is about identity.If I am […]
Addiction, Family, Gambling Addiction, Mental Health, Recovery, Relationships, Sex Addiction
A New Year of Recovery: How Men Can Build a Sustainable Plan for Change
21
Dec
Dec
A new year recovery plan for men begins with structure, honesty, and support, not resolutions. January often feels like a clean slate for men struggling with process addictions such as sex addiction, pornography addiction, or gambling addiction. Many attempt to reset with goals or promises, only to find themselves repeating the same patterns weeks later. […]
30
Jun
Jun
Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition with implications for mental health. Several randomized controlled trials have now shown that raising vitamin D levels in individuals with a deficiency can help mitigate the effects of depression. You obtain vitamin D through food and the sun. With summer right around the corner, spending time outdoors with […]
27
Jun
Jun
We often hear about the importance of self-care in the era of mental health clickbait and an increasing desire for likes on social media. But what about community care? What about putting systems in place so that people don’t feel so alone in the world? It Starts With a Neighborhood Imagine neighbors passing one another with […]
26
Jun
Jun
It is very easy to compare yourself to other people. When you look around, you may start to believe that you are not on the right path. In those moments, it is so crucial to remind yourself that there is no prescription for life. There is no set timeline you can follow that will guarantee […]
24
Jun
Jun
As defined by the Oxford dictionary, to individuate is to distinguish from others of the same kind. In practice, this means deciding how you will differentiate yourself from your place of origin through careful discernment. Throughout life, you will have to make decisions for yourself. You decide, at some level, what job you work, who your […]
Mental Health, Recovery, Wellness
Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From Mountain Biking
22
Jun
Jun
Whizzing down the mountain, the wind whips against your face and gives you an exhilarating rush. The tires of your bike roll beneath you down the rickety path as you give yourself to the gravity of the mountain. When you slam the brakes to avoid an oncoming tree, your wheels skid at a 45-degree angle, […]
Another Sunday has come and you are trying to decide how to spend the day. You have a set of chores to get done such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, meal preparation for the week, and running a few errands you had been behind on recently. With all these competing responsibilities and priorities, […]
15
Jun
Jun
The first day of summer is Sunday, June 20th. As more and more Americans get vaccinated, travel restrictions are being lifted. This presents the perfect opportunity to travel after so many months of social distancing. Not only is taking a break from work crucial for avoiding burnout, but also for incorporating adventure and new experiences. […]