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Dealing With The Death Of A Loved One To Suicide

Losing a loved one is never easy, but losing them to suicide is more painful still.

The harsh reality is that close to 50,000 Americans commit suicide each year. While the loss of life is a tragedy in itself, the impact on surviving  loved ones makes it sadder still. It is a life-changing moment for friends and relatives alike. If you encounter this situation, taking the right steps to navigate this horrific moment is vital. Here’s all you need to know.

Address The Scene

Discovering a loved one’s body is one of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments that you’ll ever encounter. While you’ll probably never forget the image, it’s essential that you take care of the scene immediately. The longer that it is left in this status, the worse it will feel.

First and foremost, you need to call an emergency response team. They will arrange for the deceased’s body to be collected while taking care of other immediate issues. Following this, suicide cleanup services should be contacted. They can restore the site to a liveable condition, removing any hazards from the area. Cleaning blood and other materials is the last thing that any friend or relative should have to do.

Your feelings towards the home may be damaged forever. But whether you are able to keep living there or feel the need to move, quickly addressing the site is a priority.

Accept The Situation

Suicide is a tragedy always. However, the fact of the matter is that it can’t always be prevented. Nobody ever truly knows what demons a loved one carries with them. If it reached a stage where those emotional scars were simply too much, this was the likely outcome.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but you have to accept the situation. Denial or trying to convince yourself that the hands of time can be turned back is never healthy. Similarly, you simply cannot afford to fall into the trap of blaming yourself or thinking you could have changed the situation. All this does is put you in an emotional prison of your own. Acceptance is the only way you will ever allow yourself to move on with your life.

Of course, you will never forget the dearly departed. Sadly, though, time stops for nobody. Acknowledging the fact that you can’t change the past is crucial.

Grieve As A Family

While acceptance is important, you still need a chance to grieve. Crucially, you should do this as a family. It is a key step to avoiding isolation. Moreover, helping surviving relatives in this hour of need can soften the blow of having been unable to help the lost loved one.

Dealing with death is never easy, but the shocking nature of this situation makes it even tougher. This only underlines the need to be together as a family. Arranging the perfect send-off for the dearly departed is one of the most important steps. It should be a celebration of their life and incorporate elements linked to who they were as a person. Being united as a family through these arrangements provides a great deal of emotional comfort.

Grieving is a healthy part of coming to terms with the situation. As you support loved ones through the situation, you’ll find that the love is reciprocated to comfort you too.

Seek Professional Support

Losing a loved one to suicide will take a toll on your mental health. Even when you take the right steps to process the situation, it’s OK to accept that you need help. Not least because it can be found in several places to keep you on a more positive pathway.

Speaking with a grief counselor or mental health professional could be particularly effective. If you were the person to discover the deceased loved one, extra support through this emotionally challenging time is also key. It’s good to talk. Conversely, bottling up the heartbreak increases the risk of an eventual breakdown. Even if it doesn’t reach that stage, facing the battle alone will slow your progress.

Nobody wants to feel alone on this journey. So, connecting with others going through similar situations can be very comforting. You can do this at local groups or via online forums.

Establish Positive Routines

Of course, you need time to process the situation and grieve. Still, your lost loved one would not want their death to cause a long-term burden. One of the best things you can do to honor them is living life to the fullest. 

The most important aspect is to take care of your health. Overcoming issues with motivation in fitness and healthier nutrition won’t just boost physical health. It has a huge influence on your mental wellness. You also need to develop hobbies and find alternative sources of positivity. When you are able to focus on these rather than the heartache, you will notice the difference in this difficult phase and beyond.

For the best results, you will want to include friends and relatives in these plans. It is a great way to keep them away from negative thoughts or stagnation.

Keep Honoring Their Memory

The pain of losing a loved one to suicide never truly disappears. Still, finding memorable and meaningful ways to honor them can bring comfort over time. Crucially it is a good way to focus your thoughts on the moments shared rather than the painful memories of loss.

There are many ways to keep their memory alive. Starting a charity in their name about a cause they loved is one option. However, simply creating rituals to celebrate their life can be equally rewarding. This is particularly important on special dates, such as their birthday. It is also a good way to ensure that they remain a part of your festive celebrations for many years to come. There is no need to forget them.

It is a difficult time in your life that never truly goes away. When you accept it and respond in a healthy way, though, things will look a little brighter.

The post Dealing With The Death Of A Loved One To Suicide appeared first on SB Magazine.

Ask most guys why they switched to a silicone ring, and the answer is simple: they got tired of dealing with their metal ring. It gets in the way at the gym, it’s too risky on the job site, or they just keep taking it off and leaving it on the bathroom counter. Over the past decade, silicone bands have gone from a niche item to a legitimate everyday choice for men across a wide range of lifestyles. The reasons vary, but they tend to come back to the same handful of things: safety, comfort and convenience, and affordability.

Safety

One of the most practical reasons men are drawn to silicone bands is physical safety. Metal rings can cause serious injury in certain environments. A phenomenon called ring avulsion occurs when a ring catches on machinery, equipment, or a fixed surface, and the sudden force is transferred to the finger. The results range from severe lacerations to partial or complete degloving of the finger. It is a documented occupational hazard in construction, manufacturing, mechanics, and emergency services.

Silicone, by contrast, is designed to break under that kind of stress. The material tears before the finger does. This property makes silicone rings a practical choice for men who work with their hands. Firefighters, electricians, military personnel, and industrial workers have adopted silicone for this reason specifically.

Comfort and Daily Wearability

Increased comfort means you’re not constantly taking your ring on and off, which adds greater convenience as well.

Comfort During Workouts and Exercise

Men who exercise regularly face a particular problem with metal jewelry: it can interfere with the activity itself. Rings catch on barbells and pull-up bars. Metal conducts heat and cold, becoming uncomfortable during outdoor runs in extreme temperatures. In swimming, chlorinated water can degrade certain metal finishes over time. Finally, a ring that fits comfortably at rest may feel tight or loose during intense cardiovascular exercise as blood flow and finger size fluctuate.

Silicone bands sidestep most of these issues. The material is waterproof and unaffected by chlorine, saltwater, or sweat. It does not conduct hot or cold temperatures. It flexes with the hand rather than creating a rigid barrier. For men who train consistently and do not want to remove their wedding band or everyday ring each time they exercise, silicone offers a practical solution.

The material is also easy to clean. Soap, warm water, and a soft brush are sufficient for regular maintenance. More thorough cleaning, using a diluted vinegar solution or brief boiling, requires no specialized products and takes only a few minutes.

Daily Wearability

Daily comfort is a less dramatic but equally significant factor in the shift toward silicone. A well-sized metal ring fits comfortably in stable conditions, but finger circumference changes throughout the day in response to temperature, hydration, physical exertion, and more. Men who do manual labor often notice that their fingers swell during work, making a fixed-diameter metal ring feel constricting. Silicone flexes with these changes, accommodating minor variation.

For men who are unaccustomed to wearing jewelry, silicone bands also tend to have a shorter adjustment period. The lightweight material is significantly less noticeable than gold, silver, or even titanium. Some men report that they eventually forget they are wearing a ring.

Affordability

Silicone rings are generally less expensive than metal alternatives. For many buyers, the initial cost is less significant than the cost structure over time.

Metal rings, particularly gold or platinum, represent a substantial investment. They can be resized, repaired, and passed down, but they can also be lost, scratched, or damaged in ways that require professional attention. Silicone rings, being lower in initial cost, are treated by many wearers as a replaceable everyday item rather than a permanent artifact. Many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that cover rips, tears, stretching, and discoloration, and replace the ring rather than repair it.

This approach to warranty reflects the material’s design philosophy: silicone bands are meant to absorb wear, and when they fail, they fail for a reason. Then they are replaced. For men who would otherwise leave an expensive ring at home to avoid damaging it, a warrantied silicone band resolves the conflict between wearing something meaningful and protecting an investment.

What Exactly Are Silicone Rings Made Of?

Silicone is a synthetic material. The most commonly used material in wearable bands is liquid silicone rubber (LSR), a high-purity form of the material that starts as a liquid and is cured by heat and pressure in a mold. The curing process determines much of the ring’s final behavior, such as its elasticity, resistance to permanent deformation, and durability over time.

In its base form, LSR is hypoallergenic. It does not contain the nickel, cobalt, or chromium compounds that trigger contact dermatitis in a significant portion of the population. For men who have experienced skin reactions to metal jewelry, or who simply don’t know whether they will, silicone removes that variable entirely.

New Designs and Increased Variety

Early silicone rings were largely plain and utilitarian, flat bands available in a limited range of solid colors. The design landscape has changed considerably. Silicone rings are now produced in textured, etched, and multi-tone finishes. Hybrid designs combine a silicone inner ring with an outer band of titanium or zirconium, offering the comfort properties of silicone with a more visually complex exterior.

This expansion has extended to other wearables beyond rings. Silicone watch bands, bracelets, and necklaces now occupy the same product space, giving men who prefer the material’s functional properties more options for integrating it into their overall style. The material takes color exceptionally well, enabling manufacturers to produce designs ranging from matte black and neutral tones to licensed and novelty patterns.

In conclusion, silicone rings have removed several barriers to everyday ring wear for men. The safety concern is addressed. The comfort issue is addressed. Maintenance is minimal, and they’re extremely affordable. The functional case for silicone bands, from the office to the gym and everywhere in between, has been made.

The post From the Office to the Gym: Why Men Are Choosing Silicone Rings appeared first on SB Magazine.

5 Ways To Fix Your Fitness Motivation Problems

Did you promise yourself you would get fit this year? Fitness has been the top most important new year’s resolution in the USA. And yet, skip forward to now, practically the start of Spring 2026, and what remains from the fitness resolution? 

The truth is that most resolutions tend to get buried by the end of January. If this is your case, you’re probably blaming it on your lack of motivation. This year was different. I really wanted to get fit. Why can’t I keep my own promise to myself? 

Before you start complaining that the only reason is that you are a failure / lazy / have no self-respect, or any further harsh self-criticism you direct at yourself, it’s time to be realistic. Motivation was never the problem. The problem was everything else. 

#1. Hitting The Gym Feels Pointless

Here’s the thing: It does feel like it because it is pointless. Do you know why? Hitting the gym without a plan is a waste of your time. You don’t see any progress because you have no clear direction. That’s why it’s important to work with a fitness coach who can keep you focused by providing a plan. So, if your gym doesn’t offer PT services, it’s time to switch to a facility that does, like Fitness 19. You can’t guess alone!

#2. Your Mind Is Too Stressed

How can you focus on fitness when your mind is constantly worrying about a million things at the same time? Sometimes, it’s important to find ways to empty your mind, such as journaling, if you want to make room for something new. You can’t get motivated when you’re too busy stressing out. Daily journaling can help you put your ideas on paper, giving them a way out. 

#3. You Don’t Feel Accountable

You should feel accountable to yourself, but when you’re drained from your day-to-day life, keeping up your own promises feels draining. It’s easy to ignore your own needs. But when you work out with a friend, it becomes more difficult to find excuses. You know your friend is waiting for you at the gym, so you are more likely to stick with your fitness routine not to let your gym buddy down. 

#4. You Have no Time

Granted, everybody claims that a little time management magic can free up hours in your schedule. But that isn’t always the case. What happens when life gets too busy and you have no time for the gym? You can find ways to stay active without hitting the gym. How about reaching your step goals by taking the stairs instead of the lift? 

#5. You Find It Boring

Not everyone enjoys lifting weights at the gym. Does that mean you can’t be active? Absolutely not. What it means is that you need to look for something that keeps you excited. If you’re not someone who enjoys the gym, how about joining a dance class or a climbing club? 

Being physically active doesn’t have to include fitness equipment. There are a lot of activities that can be exciting and motivating. So, more often than not, it’s all about finding the thing that you enjoy. 

There is no such thing as not being motivated. Motivation is the result of everything aligning in your life to get you to stick to your fitness resolution. So, when you struggle to convince yourself to go to the gym, it’s time to consider what is really keeping you from your fitness goals. You need to be honest to fix things!

The post 5 Ways To Fix Your Fitness Motivation Problems appeared first on SB Magazine.

5 Health-Related Tasks You Should Not Put Off

Book your annual physical 

A yearly health check can be hugely important when it comes to staying healthy in the long term. This is because it can help your doctors catch any issues before they become big problems, usually meaning they are much easier to fix. Your yearly physicals are also good because they provide your medical team an opportunity to review any medications that you are on and ensure that they are at safe levels and are still effective. Tracking your weight and blood pressure is also done in your yearly physical, and as these can be long-term health indicators, getting them measured so they can be compared with your last ones can tell your doctor a lot about your health. 

Visit your dentist regularly

You should also not put off visiting your dentist regularly, both for a check-up and a regular cleaning. Indeed, regular cleaning can help prevent issues like tartar from becoming full-blown, irreversible problems like gum disease. If you are nervous about going to the dentist, just let them know, and they will do all they can to ensure your experience is gentle and informative while ensuring you get the right care to preserve your mouth health. 

Prioritise mental health check-ins 

We all have mental health, and mental health problems do not discriminate and can happen to anyone. That is why it’s important not to put off checking in regarding your mental health regularly. You can do this by talking to someone you trust, as talking about anything that is bothering you can significantly reduce the amount of stress that you feel. 

Making sure that you schedule regular relaxing and fun times is also crucial for your mental well-being. In fact, including fun and restful things in your life can be an excellent way of minimising your risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion. 

Keep up with health screenings

While it can be tempting to put off health screenings, they are one of the things you should always embrace. This is because early detection of an issue will help improve the treatment outcomes, giving you a much better chance. 

The type of health screenings you should be going to regularly include vision and hearing tests, as well as cholesterol and blood sugar, as these can help you identify your risk of heart disease and diabetes. It’s also a good idea to always follow age-based screening guidelines, as this will give you the best chance of staying healthy. 

Any preventive care 

Last of all, it’s crucial that you do not put off any preventative care options such as vaccinations, especially if it’s just before winter, or you are going abroad. Vaccinations are your best protection against preventable diseases, and they can help you protect any vulnerable family members as well. Remember too that many vaccinations require booster shots to be effective, so be sure to add those to your calendar, and attend the appointment too. 

The post 5 Health-Related Tasks You Should Not Put Off appeared first on SB Magazine.

How To Look Your Best In Your Fifties And Beyond

Being in your fifties can be an exciting time. Even though we live in a culture that prioritizes youthfulness, studies have shown that, for many people, their fifties is the best decade of their life.

With that said, while there are tremendous possibilities for living a fulfilling life, reaching those levels requires a little bit of intention, especially when it comes to looking your best. The good news is that, today, we know more about how someone can look their best when in their fifties and beyond than ever before. With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to round up some of the best strategies we’ve found. Let’s take a look.  

Stay Active

Staying active is important at any age, but it’s especially important once you enter your fifties, which is a time when muscle mass begins to decrease and circulation slows, both of which can impact appearance.

Staying active helps to keep your skin in a healthy condition, boost your energy levels, and keep your weight in check, all of which can have you looking and feeling your best. Even thirty minutes of light exercise a day can keep things in check, though, as with most things, the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. 

Invest In Your Smile

Your teeth are your friends — but after many decades, they’ll begin to show signs of wear and tear. That can range from a dull, yellowed appearance to outright tooth loss, both of which can impact your appearance and your confidence in your smile.

The good news is that working to improve your smile couldn’t be more straightforward than it is today. Professional teeth whitening procedures are fast and affordable, while all on four dental implants can provide a natural-looking set of teeth that enhances the appearance of your smile. Once you’ve taken action to correct your dental issues, you should find that your self-esteem, social confidence, and quality of life all improve. 

Upgrade Your Sleep

They call it beauty sleep for a reason! It’s during your sleeping hours that your body repairs itself, repairing damage and enhancing skin quality. For various reasons, many people in their fifties find it increasingly difficult to get a full night of sleep, a trend that’s also increasingly common among all demographics. To improve your sleep, focus on putting together a pre-sleep routine that nudges you towards the land of nod; for example, avoiding alcohol/coffee, avoiding screens, reading, and meditating. 

 Boost Relaxation

Finally, one underrated way to boost your appearance in your fifties is to enhance your relaxation levels. Everyone looks more attractive when they have a relaxed, easy going demeanor. Studies have also shown that relaxation can help to improve skin and also works to keep many health conditions at bay, including high blood pressure and diabetes. 

And as it goes without saying, relaxation can also enhance quality of life. Some relaxation-boosting activities include yoga, meditation, spending time with friends, and spending time in nature. Make them part of your routine, and you’ll look and feel better than ever. 

The post How To Look Your Best In Your Fifties And Beyond appeared first on SB Magazine.

5 Tips for More Toned Arms

Toned arms are something that many of us would love to have, but which many of us also struggle to achieve. With the warmer weather coming along, sleeveless tops and lighter clothing are set to be big for many of us and that will have us thinking even more about our arms and what we can do to make them look better.

Well while achieving stronger, more defined arms takes time, the right combination of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle habits can make a noticeable difference in just a short amount of time, so that being the case, let’s take a look at what you can do to make your arms look more toned, and you feel more confident, right now.

Focus on strength training

One of the most effective ways to tone your arms is through strength training. Exercises that target the biceps, triceps, and shoulders help build lean muscle, which gives the arms a firmer and more defined appearance.

Some effective exercises include bicep curls, tricep dips, push-ups, and shoulder presses. Resistance bands, dumbbells, or even bodyweight exercises can all be used to create an effective workout. Just remember that consistency is the key here and including arm-focused exercises in your routine two to three times per week will gradually build strength and muscle definition.

Don’t skip full-body workouts

You might think that, since it’s your arms that you want to tone, you should go all out with arm exercises and not worry about anything else but that would be a mistake. Why? Because full-body workouts also play a major role in toning your arms. Compound exercises such as planks, rows, and push-ups engage multiple muscle groups at once, including the arms, while also toning the rest of your body so you do not end up with arms that look better than everything else. Oh, and you’ll burn more calories with full-body workouts, too. 

Support your body with proper nutrition

If you want your arms to look great, then you need to eat right as well as exercising well. Nutrition plays a bigger role in muscle development and fat reduction than you might realize. 

Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein helps repair and build muscle after workouts. Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, beans, tofu, and nuts can support muscle recovery and growth. Oh, and make sure you get enough water to help elasticity in your skin, too. 

Consider professional guidance

Sometimes professional guidance can make a big difference in achieving your desired results. Personal trainers can create customized exercise programs that target specific areas, including the arms.

In some cases, individuals may also explore cosmetic treatments to enhance their results or address concerns that exercise alone cannot resolve. Clinics such as Ourian Plastic Surgery offer a range of aesthetic treatments designed to help patients achieve their body goals with professional medical support.

Stay consistent and patient

Killer arms. No matter what you do, don’t happen overnight, so be sure to stay consistent, stay patient, and do not be tempted to quite whe you don’t have Michelle Obama’s arms after a couple of weeks.

Toned arms are something you have to work for, but if you do work hard for them, they will eventually appear and you will not regret a single second in the gym or eating those healthy salads.

The post 5 Tips for More Toned Arms appeared first on SB Magazine.

6 Signs Your Workout Plan Needs Adjusting

One of the easiest ways to build strength and push your body is by sticking to the same workout plan for prolonged periods. Constantly swapping and changing plans won’t get you the results you need. You need to stick with it for around 6 weeks minimum to see the desired results. But what happens when these results stop? When your body seem like it’s not going to do any more? What happens then?

It probably means you need to make changes and tweaks to what you’re doing. And for the most part, the signs will be there that you need a new approach or some changes thrown into the mix. This post is going to look at 8 signs your workout plan needs adjusting.

Progressive Overload Has Stalled

This is one of the biggest indicators that you can have that your workout plan isn’t giving you the desired results. If your strength, reps, or loads haven’t budged in weeks and you’re still on the same weights with the same effort and same outcomes, things need to change.

Corrective action here starts with precision. You need to stop guessing, and you track everything. Your lifts, reps, rest periods. This data is going to tell you what you’re doing and give you insights into how and when to make changes.

When the numbers are frozen, you need to change one variable deliberately:

• Add small load increases (even 1–2 kg)
• Extend rep ranges before jumping white, i.e., go to 12fromm 8
• Manipulate tempo (slower eccentric movements increase stimuli without excessive load)
• Insert back off sets or top sets instead of repeating identical straight sets

The thing with micro progressions is that this matters more than massive jumps. There’s no point in pushing for more weight if things have stalled; instead, make smaller changes and track changes, as smaller, more consistent improvements are worth more than sporadic jumps.

Workouts Feel Harder, But Results Aren’t Changing

Have you found yourself in the position of feeling increasingly exhausted, but your lifts and output remain the same? The chances are it’s fatigue accumulating faster than adaptation. And a rising difficulty without measurable progress indicates a workload imbalance.

First, you start by reviewing intensity creep. This is things like a gradual reduction in rest periods, more sets drifting to failure, and added finishers that cleanse your lifts while degrading lift quality.

You need to protect performance on primary movements by ensuring adequate recovery between sets. Strength and hypertrophy work requires rest long enough to maintain output, not breathlessness.

From here, you can look at your session length. Longer doesn’t always mean better, and extended workouts often end up diminishing returns, and will just end up suppressing force production. Try shortening sessions to see if that helps, and if it doesn’t, try a deload week to reduce accumulated fatigue and restore performance capacity.

Persistent Joint Discomfort

While DOMs are a common part of strength training, joint pain shouldn’t be. And if your experiencing aches during pressing, sitting, hinging orp pulling that is a sign that mechanical stress is exceeding tolerance. And ignoring this won’t lead to gains; it’ll lead to injury.

If you feel any type of pain or discomfort, you need to adjust immediately. Sometimes stretching or mobility work in between sets can help alleviate tightness or pinching from muscles or limited ROM. But adjusting to dumbbells from a barbell, for example, might be a better swap to make.

Even temporary load predictions can allow for technique refinement, which helps avoid excess strain and injury while still working towards goals.

Moving forward, paying attention to your warm-up, cool-downs, and introducing mobility work where you’re experiencing pain or pressure can be extremely beneficial.

Body Composition Isn’t Changing

If it’s visual changes you’re looking for, and body composition shifts, and it’s not happening, it’s only natural you’ll be feeling disheartened when things stagnate. However, if you train consistently, then you need to address the relationship with how you fuel your body, and the alignment between stimuli and nutrition cannot be underestimated.

Effort alone cannot override energy balance.

You need to conduct an honest calorie audit. This is something many people overlook or estimate, and for the most part, they’re widely off base. And small inconsistencies can eliminate deficits or push you into surpluses, with you realising.

Protein adequacy is also important for changing body composition too. Protein helps you feel fuller and is essential for hypertrophy and recovery, but is often vastly underconsumed. Then your carbohydrate intake should reflect your workload demands, especially for performance-focused training.

Supplementation strategies also deserve scrutiny here. Random, inconsistent stacks rarely deliver predictable support. So whether you’re taking BCAAs or TNT400 Steroid, may ensure your supplement decisions are made with your health and nutrition in mind and are done under the guidance of medical professionals.

Motivation and Consistency Are Slipping

When training begins to feel mentally draining, and your commitment and adherence start to slip, this is a sign that things need to change. And often it’s psychological fatigue setting in. Burnout frequently develops from monotony and unrealistic workloads, or even prolonged high-intensity demands.

To combat this, you need to adjust the structure to restore engagement. It could be changing splits, rotating exercises, or introducing short-term performance goals to reintroduce novelty without completely abandoning your permissions.

Remember to keep goals measurable and realistic: anything overly vague or aggressive will also erode motivation quickly. Volume reductions can also restore mental freshness. Consistency is what drives progress more than sporadic bursts of extreme effort.

Strength or Endurance Is Regressing

When you’re thinking you should be moving forward, but if it feels like you’re actually going backwards, something is going wrong.

Declining lifts, reduced reps, or falling conditioning markers indicate accumulated fatigue until proven otherwise.

Reducing your training immediately can help this. Not stopping entirely, but shortening sessions, reducing frequency, or introducing a deload week can be beneficial. This allows any fatigue to dissipate, and then you can realistically assess any difference it makes.

To further support stopping this regression, you should also pay attention to things like sleep, hydration, nutrition, and stress levels, as all of these can play a part too.

The post 6 Signs Your Workout Plan Needs Adjusting appeared first on SB Magazine.

From AA to SUD:

Addiction Treatment Acronyms Explained

When exploring addiction treatment for you or someone else, you may find yourself confronted by a wall of acronyms. Just what is CBT? And what is MDFT? 

Decoding these terms could be essential for seeking out the right types of treatment. While addiction counsellors can guide you through these terms, already knowing what they mean can give you a headstart. Below are 12 of the most common acronyms used in addiction treatment and what they mean.

AA

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is the most recognised support group for people trying to give up alcohol and stay sober. It’s a worldwide organization with local groups held in most towns and cities. Meetings are free and confidential – often held on a weekly basis. While not technically a form of professional therapy, many experts do still recommend groups like the AA as a supplementary form of recovery. They’re excellent places for meeting fellow recovering addicts who understand what you are going through, and their 12 step program can provide structure.

AUD

Alcohol Use Disorder

AUD is the preferred clinical alternative to old terms ‘alcoholism’ and ‘alcohol abuse’. It covers a scale of problem drinking from mild to severe. A person is generally classed as having AUD if they are unable to stop or control alcohol consumption despite significant negative consequences. More specific criteria is outlined in a health manual called the DSM-5, which helps diagnose the severity of the condition.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a form of talk therapy used within addiction treatment. It is used to help people notice unhelpful thinking patterns (‘I can’t cope without using’) and replace them with more realistic, supportive thoughts. It also teaches coping skills like managing cravings and avoiding triggers. Many studies have found it to be very effective at reducing relapse, while also helping to treat co-curring mental health problems. 

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT was originally developed for people struggling with intense emotions or self-harm, but is now widely used in addiction treatment. It aims to teach acceptance and change – in the face of addiction, this means getting individuals to accept that there is a problem and then giving them the motivation to fight inner urges. DBT may be used alongside other therapies like CBT. 

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a therapy used mainly to treat trauma and PTSD, but it may be used in certain forms of addiction treatment where substances are a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma. During this treatment, individuals recall distressing memories while focusing on repeating eye movements. The process sounds odd, but can often be effective at helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories so that they feel less overwhelming. 

IOP

Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP is a form of addiction treatment in which individuals live at home but attend therapy sessions for several hours per day at a clinic. It’s ideal for people who have been looking into addiction rehab, but do not want to be living in a clinic, instead providing a middle ground solution – individuals still benefit from in-person sessions while being able return to family or home commitments at the end of the day. Inpatient care (living at the rehabilitation center) may still be recommended to some people, but the majority of individuals are eligible for IOP.

MAT

Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT combines prescribed medications with counseling and behavioral therapy. It is most commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction, helping individuals to cope better with withdrawal symptoms. Common medications used in MAT include methadone, naltrexone and buprenorphine. Contrary to what some people think, MAT doesn’t replace one addiction with another – it uses controlled doses that patients are gradually weaned off from, reducing cravings and other potentially dangerous symptoms. 

MDFT

 Multidimensional Family Therapy

MDFT is a therapy approach that factors in relationships with parents or other relatives. It is most commonly used when helping teenagers to overcome addiction and explores ways of improving relationships with family members, while also sometimes teaching parents how to set boundaries and promote healthier choices. Specialist therapists with experience dealing with adolescents and family members are required to carry out this treatment.

OP

Outpatient Program

An OP is one of the most flexible forms of addiction treatment. As with IOP, the patient gets to stay at home, but they do not have to attend therapy sessions in the day at fixed times. Instead, they get to fit therapy sessions around their schedule, making it possible to continue going to work or school as usual. This type of addiction treatment can be less disruptive for many people and is recommended for people with milder substance use issues, but may not be suitable for more serious cases.

PAWS

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

PAWS is a term used to describe ongoing withdrawal symptoms that may linger weeks or months after someone quits using alcohol or drugs. Such symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, low energy or poor concentration. Many recovery programs now try to advise on ways to overcome PAWS – while the serious withdrawal symptoms may be over, there is still a high risk of withdrawal during this period.

PHP

Partial hospitalization program

A PHP is a program designed for those with more serious addictions. In this program, individuals stay within a clinic for most of the day to attend sessions and receive monitoring, but still go home at night to sleep. As a result, individuals are not required to be under 24/7 supervision, but still spend most of their waking hours in therapy. In terms of intensiveness, it is one step below a full inpatient program, while being one step above an IOP (intensive outpatient program). 

SUD

Substance Use Disorder

SUD is the medical term for problematic use of alcohol or drugs. It is more commonly used in place of addiction within treatment centers where it can carry less of a stigma. SUD is diagnosed based on symptoms such as cravings, loss of control and continued use despite obvious harm. AUD can be seen as a form of SUD.

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Photo by Michael Morse: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-lying-on-white-and-red-textile-5079883/ 

Baby Skin Troubles Explained: Eczema vs Acne

New parents often expect to have to change diapers all night and not sleep, but skin problems in their baby’s first few months can surprise them. Little red bumps, rough spots, or sore cheeks can quickly make you worry. Is it eczema or acne? Knowing the difference between these two common skin problems can help you feel better and choose the best care for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, so it reacts more quickly to hormones, moisture, and changes in the environment. That’s why rashes happen a lot at first. At first glance, eczema and acne may look the same, but they are not the same and need different treatments.

What Is Acne in Babies?

Neonatal acne, or baby acne, usually shows up in the first few weeks after birth. It usually looks like little red or white bumps on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and sometimes the chin. Baby acne doesn’t have blackheads and usually doesn’t hurt or itch as teenage acne does.

The most common reason for baby acne is that the baby is still exposed to maternal hormones after birth. These hormones can make oil glands work harder, which can cause temporary breakouts. Most of the time, baby acne goes away on its own in a few weeks or months and doesn’t need any treatment.

Parents often want to scrub or use acne products, but that can make things worse. Most of the time, all you need to do is wash your baby with warm water and a mild, unscented baby soap. Pat the skin dry and don’t use thick lotions or oils on the affected areas unless a doctor tells you to.

What Is Eczema in Babies?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a long-term skin condition that usually shows up after the first month, after baby acne. It usually causes red, dry, rough patches that may feel scaly and itch. Eczema often affects babies’ cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs.

Eczema is different from baby acne because it is caused by genetics and the skin’s inability to retain moisture. Babies who have a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to get it. Dry air, heat, drool, harsh soaps, and some fabrics can make symptoms worse.

Eczema often comes and goes. The skin might look calm some days, but flare-ups can happen at any time. Babies may rub their faces or scratch because itching can be uncomfortable, which can make the skin even more irritated.

Key Differences Between Eczema and Acne

There are clear differences between the two conditions, even though they can both affect a baby’s face. Baby acne looks like little pimples and doesn’t make the skin dry or itchy. Eczema looks like dry, red patches and can be painful. Acne usually goes away on its own, but eczema may need to be treated on an ongoing basis.

Another clue is timing. Acne usually starts very early and goes away on its own. Eczema may come and go over time, especially when the weather changes or when you come into contact with things that trigger it.

How to Treat Baby Acne

The good news is that baby acne usually goes away on its own and isn’t dangerous. The goal of treatment is to keep the skin clean and free of irritation. Once a day, wash your baby’s face with warm water and a mild soap. Don’t scrub, pick, or use acne products for adults, as these can hurt sensitive skin.

A pediatrician can rule out other skin problems and suggest the best treatment if acne is very bad or doesn’t get better after a few months.

How to Treat Baby Eczema

To deal with eczema, you need to be more proactive. Moisture is very important. Using a thick, scent-free moisturizer at least twice a day helps keep the skin barrier strong. A lot of parents say that ointments or creams work better than lotions, which can be too light.

Bathing should be short and done in lukewarm water. Use gentle cleansers that don’t have soap in them, and then moisturize right after you dry your skin. Using soft, breathable fabrics like cotton can also help ease irritation.

A pediatrician may suggest medicated creams to help with inflammation during flare-ups in some cases. Always do what your doctor says when you take prescription drugs.

Making a Nursery That Is Good for Your Skin

When making a list of everything you need for a fully stocked nursery, don’t forget to include skin care products. If your baby is prone to eczema or acne, gentle cleansers, soft washcloths, hypoallergenic detergents, and unscented moisturizers can help a lot.

If you live in a dry area or during the winter, think about getting a humidifier to keep the air moist. Avoid using scented sprays or harsh cleaning products that could irritate your skin on your bedding.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re not sure if your baby has eczema or acne, or if a rash gets worse, oozes, or hurts, it’s best to see a pediatrician. If you have rashes that won’t go away, you may need to see a doctor to rule out infections or allergies.

It can be stressful to see changes in your baby’s skin, but both eczema and acne are common and can be treated with the right care. You can respond calmly and effectively if you know the differences. You can help keep your baby comfortable and supported as their skin grows and changes by taking care of them gently, being patient, and setting up a nursery that is well thought out.

Your baby’s skin will keep changing and getting stronger as they grow. It’s just as important to stay informed, look for patterns, and trust your gut as it is to use any product. Most babies outgrow early skin problems with time and care, so you can spend more time bonding with them, celebrating milestones, and enjoying these short-lived early moments.

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Your health is important, and it’s time that you started taking it seriously. There are too many people out there at the moment who seem to be ignoring their health, hoping that it somehow magically fixes itself, and that’s simply not going to happen. 

So, you know you’ve not been doing the things that you need to do, which means that you’ve already got a place to start. But, you need to be doing more on top of that also, and that’s what we’re looking at now. Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the health tips and tricks you probably didn’t even know you needed, so keep reading to find out more.

Get Yourself A Hearing Test 

We’re going to kick things off by talking about getting yourself a hearing test. Now, you might be thinking that hearing loss is something that really only impacts older people, but that’s not the case at all. While it’s more common in the elderly, it can happen to anyone, at any time. If you’re not treating your ears properly, and you’re not being careful with them, you’re at far higher risk of issues.

That’s why it’s important to understand the preventive benefits of hearing tests, and get yourself tested somewhat regularly. At least this way, you know your hearing is fine, and you can get some hearing care tips from your hearing professional while you’re at it.

Keep Your Mind Healthy Helps With Your Body

The next thing that we want to mention is that keeping your mind healthy helps to keep your body healthy also. The two are linked, and if more people understood that then we would probably see an increase in the number of people who are actively taking care of their mental health, rather than just thinking the gym will fix all of their problems.

You need to understand how to take care of your mental health, if you have any issues with it, and potentially even start seeing a therapist to help you work through any issues you may have locked inside your mind. It’s hard to get started here, we know, but we promise that it’s for the best.

Drink More 

Another thing to consider is how much  you are drinking on a daily basis. We mean water here and as an adult you should be aiming to drink around six to eight glasses a day. Anything short of this and you put yourself at risk of dehydration. This happens when your body isn’t replenishing water as quickly as you need it. Over time your body will lose water through sweating, peeing, and breathing. 

There are hacks to use if you struggle with drinking enough water. Using flavoured water pods can make the water more bearable to your taste buds. You could also use water bottles with straw attachments making it easier and quicker for you to take in the recommended amount. 

Look After Your Skin

Did you know that looking after your skin is also massively important? If you have found that this is a point of self consciousness for you, this point is going to be especially relevant to you. The skin on your face, as well as the skin on the rest of your body needs to be taken care of in the same way as all other aspects of your health, else it is going to suffer. 

So, you need to be doing things such as having a skin care routine for your face, exfoliating once per week to rid your body of all of those dead skin cells and trapped dirt, and applying moisturizer to your entire body to keep it glowing. Of course, there are more steps that you can follow, but these are the basics. 

Your Eyes Do Matter

A lot of people seem to forget that taking care of their eyes is also important. If you’re not careful, you could cause lasting damage to your eyes without really doing too much. It’s simple things like not looking directly at the sun just to see if you can, ensuring that you’re not looking into direct bright lights, and keeping your eyes moist that will make all of the difference.

For example, if you notice that you have dry eyes, there are eye drops that you can purchase to help stop the pain and itchiness. Or, if you feel as though your eye is starting to get infected, make sure you’re cleaning it with cooled boiled water to sterilize the area. It might not seem like there’s much that you can do for your eyes, but we promise there is, and that it’s worth the time it takes to do it.

Sleep Is Your Best Friend

We know that there are many people out there who struggle with sleep for one reason or another, but the truth is that if you want to live the healthiest life possible, you’ve got to try and get those hours in. On average, an adult should be getting around seven hours of rest per night, and if this is not achievable for you, you need to look at why.

Try setting yourself a bedtime and a bedtime routine to help your brain understand when it needs to rest. Remove electronics from beside you, and even speak to a sleep expert if nothing helps.

Look Into Alternative Medicine 

Lastly, there are other ways you can look after your health besides taking medications. Alternative medicines are coming up in the world and many people are now relying on them to sort out various ailments. There are quite a few to choose from and they will all have different purposes or variations. 

Do your research here, there will be pros and cons to the alternative medicines you choose. For instance, acupuncture can be great but you could have irritation at the needle site. Be sure to speak to the experts should you wish to access alternative medicines. 

We do hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on how you can best look after your health and wellbeing.

The post Health Tips and Tricks You Never Knew You Needed appeared first on SB Magazine.