Age Of Technology or Age of Anxiety

Our modern age has made us seemingly more connected than ever but what is the real impact of technology? People have become dependent on smartphones and internet access in order to communicate but they don’t always realize how the experience is affecting them. There are some aspects of the use of mobile phones and social media sites that have been proven to increase anxiety and loneliness in spite of their intention to help people connect.

Although for most people using a smart phone will not cause any mental health problems, the tendency to compulsively check your phone can worsen existing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that the average person aged 18-54 checks their phone 34 times a day and that these checks often occur within 10 minutes of each other. This compulsive checking is an unconscious behavior that causes people to become dependent on and even in some cases addicted to technology.

People who tend to have very addictive styles of cell phone use also generally score higher on depression and anxiety scales. In some cases however, the motivation for going online can influence the effect that technology has on mental health. One study showed that people who use their phone out of boredom rather than a compulsive need to keep checking had no issues with mental health problems as a result.

Dependence and Withdrawal from Smartphones

A common problem associated with the use of smartphones is an intense separation anxiety that occurs when people lose or don’t have access to their phones. It casually referred to as “nomophobia” or the fear of having no mobile phone. People experience a kind of withdrawal when they are not able to use their phone because they are broken, out of battery or have no connection.

Studies have revealed the extent to which smartphones become comfort items to individuals who prefer to always have their phone. In one experiment researchers exposed participants to a stressful situation either with or without access to their phone. Those who were allowed to keep their phone during the stressful event were less negatively affected than those who did not have their phones.

Smartphone access can ease anxiety for some people because they are dependent on their phones. The feeling of being disconnected from technology can be stressful because people worry that they are missing out on something important and wonder what is going on without their knowledge. Studies show that 70 percent of women and 61 percent of men have cell phone related separation anxiety.

Technology Addiction and Anxiety

It is not surprising that people become dependent and essentially addicted to technology as many aspects of apps and social media sites are intentionally designed to keep people coming back compulsively. A former Google employee Tristan Harris has spoken out about the practices of smartphone app designers who often seek out ways to exploit our psychological vulnerabilities.

These company designers use the concept of variable intermittent rewards which basically means the notifications you receive on your phone will unpredictably vary between meaningless and important messages. The more variable the rate the reward, the more addictive the app becomes. This is the idea behind slot machines which are the form of gambling that most quickly leads to problematic behavior.

Harris, a design ethicist, believes that these design features are harmful because of their addictive nature and companies like Apple and Google have a responsibility to reduce efforts to include variable intermittent rewards. Smartphone apps can cause symptoms of addiction, withdrawal and anxiety in many cases making them unethical in design.

Avoiding Smartphone Stress

Even though technology can cause compulsive behavior and dependence, it does not guarantee mental health problems in all cases. It remains unclear whether symptoms of anxiety cause excessive smartphone use or vice versa but there seems to be a connection between the two. For individuals with existing mental health problems they might seek out excessive use of their social media apps to evade negative feelings or seek out social interactions.

People who don’t necessarily have a compulsive motivation to use their phone and simply use it to escape boredom are less likely to experience mental health problems like anxiety or depression. Minimizing the use of smartphones as much as possible and increasing face to face interaction can help to diminish the stress caused by technology. People use certain apps as a kind of social reward, so meeting up with friends or having a conversation with someone can be a better option.

Addiction to technology can cause an increase in anxiety as any type of addiction would. Thinking about your motivation behind smartphone use and whether your habits are compulsive can help you start to make changes. Any efforts toward moderating cell phone usage can be beneficial for improving your social connections and your overall mental health.

The post Age Of Technology or Age of Anxiety appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/age-technology-age-anxiety/

How Connected are Football Concussions and Mental Health Issues?

Football may be a favorite national pastime for most Americans but professional NFL players often have to deal with the physical toll that the sport can take on them. Football players usually experience repeated traumatic injuries that can affect their body and brain. Recently researchers have discovered that concussions and brain trauma which are common in the game can actually lead to severe mental health issues as players age.

There have been instances of mental health problems in former football players that made headlines. Junior Seau, a former player for the San Diego Chargers, committed suicide in 2012 and his autopsy revealed a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that has been found in a large number of former NFL players and boxers.

CTE is caused by repetitive brain trauma including concussions which begin to trigger progressive degeneration of brain tissue. The disease often leads to symptoms such as:

– memory loss

– confusion

– impaired judgement

– aggression

– depression

– suicidality

– dementia

Unfortunately, because of the effects of CTE Seau’s suicide could have been directly related to the concussions he experienced while playing football.

Seau’s depression is not an isolated incident; former Philadelphia Eagles Star Andre Waters committed suicide in 2006 at the age of only 44. His autopsy revealed that his brain had so much damage it resembled an 85 year old man with alzheimer’s disease. Waters’ head injuries throughout his career most likely contributed to his depression and severe brain damage.

Clinical Depression and Brain Trauma

A study in 2007 by the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes surveyed former NFL players who received multiple concussions throughout their career. Those with three or more concussions were three times as likely to develop clinical depression than those who had never received concussions. There were also five times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment.

Concussions occur when a sudden impact jostles the brain causing it to hit the surrounding skull or rotate unnaturally. Short term effects of a concussion include memory loss, unconsciousness, nausea and slurred speech. A person may be able to recover easily from a single concussion but repeated concussions which are common for football players can lead to severe neurological damage.

Many former NFL players who suffer from depression are found to have noticeable abnormalities in their brain’s white matter. Inside the brain, white matter is critical for transmitting signals and concussions can cause some of the connections within it to tear. Studies have shown a strong correlation between players with depression and white matter damage.

Former NFL Players and their Mental Health

Although there seems to be an increased risk for brain damage and depression among NFL players, it is not always the case that concussions cause these issues. There are a number of retired players who have had no problems with mental health such as Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys who suffered an astonishing total of 10 concussions over 12 seasons. In spite of these extensive injuries, Aikman is often in front of the camera and has not suffered any mental health issues related to his brain trauma.

The statistics however, generally seem to confirm that there is a strong connection between repeated brain trauma and mental health issue in former players. About 22 percent of players who have received multiple concussions have experienced a bout of depression compared to only 6 to 7 percent among those with no concussions. Depression related to concussions tends to occur in older retired players as they reach their 50s and 60s.

Injuries and Recovery

Any time a player experiences a concussion it is best to keep them out of play until it has fully healed to avoid issues like second impact syndrome. This is an illness that develops when a second concussion occurs before the first one is properly healed. Second impact syndrome can be a life-threatening condition so it important for players to be cleared by a physician before they return to the game.

It can also be helpful for football players to receive testing following every concussion they receive to determine if there has been any damage. A neurocognitive test such as the imPACT test prior to the season can serve as a baseline test of an athlete’s neurocognitive abilities. If players receive a concussion they can be removed from play and tested for any damage or changes in their abilities.

New helmet technology currently in the works could eventually help to reduce the number of concussions that occur in the games. Studies in the field of concussion rehabilitation could also help treat these injuries more effectively to prevent long term damage. A better understanding of how concussions happen in the sport and the best methods for treating them could help improve the outlook for NFL players in the future.

The post How Connected are Football Concussions and Mental Health Issues? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/connected-football-concussions-mental-health-issues/

Taking a Mental Health Day

In a culture that often promotes workaholism and a strict adherence to the 40 hour week, a growing trend of the “mental health day” is helping Americans learn to take time off for self-care. A story recently went viral on twitter about a web developer who emailed her colleagues to tell them that she would be taking a couple days off to focus on her mental health.

Her boss praised her for her honesty and for cutting through “the stigma of mental health”.

Sharing her CEO’s response in a tweet, she created a discussion about workplace mental health that went viral across major media. Hard-working employees, worried about the stability of their jobs often don’t give themselves the space they need to care for their mental health. Just as you would stay home for a day or two with the flu to recover, sometimes issues like anxiety or depression should also require a break from work for your own well-being.

People often consider physical health ailments a higher priority and expect people with feelings of sadness or stress to simply power through the work day. Going to work while dealing with mental health issues can mean that you do not perform at your best and could lead to more problems later on. If your proactively take care of your mental health it will be better for you in the long run.

Signs that You Need a Break

If you are struggling with some mental health issues that are affecting your ability to work then you might consider taking a few days off. These are some of the problems that could mean that you need a mental health day.=

• Feeling distracted at work or having trouble focusing – If there’s something going on in your life such as a personal problem or just a build-up of stress and you can’t focus at work then give yourself a break. You might just need a day off to address whatever is troubling you and then come back to work with renewed energy.
• You haven’t had time to yourself – If you have been neglecting your personal time because of work and family obligations then you might want to take a day off just to recharge. Everyone needs some alone time to sort through their thoughts and feelings so that they can reduce anxiety and be more emotionally available for others.
• Making a healthcare appointment- When you would really benefit from a session with your therapist or you need to go to the doctor to get your medication adjusted then don’t postpone it for work. Take a day off if necessary to get your situation taken care of so that you can get back on track. Putting off mental health care appointments because you have to work will only make matters worse in the long run.

The important thing about taking a mental health day is using the time to address specifically what you are dealing with. While it might be tempting to use the day to binge watch hours of movies or TV you will benefit more from really focusing on resolving the issue.

If you have been physically and mentally stressed try meditating, getting a massage or going to a yoga class. Or if you have been putting off work around the house or bills you need to pay then take the time to get back in control and feel more organized.

Taking Care of Symptoms

For people with more serious mental health issues, such as a diagnosed disorder, you might need to take more mental health days than the average person. In this case you can talk to your boss about what you are dealing with and make sure they are okay with you taking more than a few days off. For some situations you might need to take a leave of absence if you need to attend a treatment center or focus on recovering from symptoms.

In some cases such as someone with an anxiety disorder, taking a day off can be a symptom of avoidance. If something at work is giving you anxiety and your inclination is to stay away then it might be more beneficial for you to face the problem head on. People with anxiety often try to disappear from difficult situations as a coping mechanism so taking the day off might not be the right solution.

If for any reason you cannot take a mental health day then try to focus on reducing stress in other ways such as short 15 minute meditations either before work or when you have a break on the job. Exercising regularly can help reduce stress and attending therapy sessions on a weekly basis can help you care for your mental health. A mental health day can help temporarily but daily self-care can go a long way to improving well-being.

The post Taking a Mental Health Day appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/taking-mental-health-day/

Dieting And Depression

There is no doubt that dieting can be challenging and stressful on your body as you struggle to fight cravings and old habits. Anyone who has been through a strict diet knows how hard it can be to avoid the food you love and cope with hunger pangs. However, scientists believe that dieting can actually make you more at risk for depression and it is best to be cautious and mindful of your mental health when cutting calories.

While most dieting ads depict people who become happier as a result of their weight loss, some research indicates that the opposite may be the case for many dieters. One study found that overweight people who successfully slimmed down were twice as likely to feel lonely, sad and lethargic compared to those who stayed the same weight.

Although weight loss can have tremendous physical benefits, it can be a stressful and life-changing event that can cause symptoms of depression in some individuals. All of the self-control and willpower involved in dieting can be emotionally draining and while they might be healthier, dieters may not feel happier at least in the short term.

Losing weight can be a powerful way to improve your health as long as you are careful about your methods and avoid crash diets which can cause symptoms of depression.

Previous Mental Health Issues

Even though dieting is difficult there may be other factors that can contribute to a person experiencing depression during or after their diet. In many cases they may have pre-existing issues with mental health that they have been self-medicating through food.

For people that are overweight, food becomes a source of comfort in times of stress. Without access to their favorite foods they may have nothing to fall back on to ease their depression. In this case it is important to find other coping mechanisms aside from eating that can help resolve emotional problems.

Many people may begin a diet believing that it will solve their issues and make them feel better only to find that their problems are still there following the weight loss. Without food as their drug they must face their depression either through treatment or private therapy.

Chemical Changes and Withdrawal

Another reason that people experience depression while dieting is due to some of the chemical changes in the brain that can occur when changing eating habits. A study with mice showed that after being fed sugary and fatty foods, the animals experienced withdrawal symptoms after the food was switched to healthier substitutes.

A similar reaction occurs for people who have been eating a diet full of sugary and fatty foods for many years. When they immediately remove all of these items from their diet they can experience withdrawal symptoms that are almost similar to quitting an addiction.

Higher fat diets tend to activate dopamine in the brain which is a chemical change that can also occur with drug use. Dopamine is a “feel good” chemical that causes pleasurable feelings. Suddenly taking away the dopamine produced by fatty foods can cause people to lose that pleasure and experience depression.

People going through dieting withdrawal can also experience symptoms such as

-headaches

-mood swings

– dizziness

-insomnia

-irritability

Those quitting sugar can even have symptoms of anxiety, muscle aches and nausea. All of these symptoms are very similar to more mild drug withdrawal which tends to cause painful physical reactions and depression.

Dieting Responsibly

The biggest danger of depression usually occurs with “crash diets” that involve overhauling your food intake and completely abstaining from any and all high fat, high sugar foods. Drastically cutting calories and making rapid changes to your diet can make you more at risk for depression especially if you are addicted to certain types of foods.

The best option for dieting is to make gradual changes that are sustainable and won’t lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Instead of changing your diet overnight you can slowly add in more healthy foods that contain important nutrients and vitamins that may have been missing from your previous eating routine. Over a long period you can begin to eliminate sugary and fatty foods a little at a time to avoid dramatically lowering dopamine levels.

The good news is that a more nutritious diet can ultimately improve symptoms of depression over time and ease anxiety as well. The important thing to keep in mind is that shifting your eating habits is more difficult when you do it too quickly. Adding in foods packed with vitamins and minerals can help you adjust to new habits as you improve your health and gradually eat less junk food over a long period of time.

If you have had issues with depression in the past, consult with a professional therapist so that you avoid exacerbating your mental health issues by changing your diet.

The post Dieting And Depression appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/dieting-and-depression/

What Exactly is the “New Alcoholism”?

People have a certain idea or image of what they believe alcoholism to be. They may assume that when someone is addicted to drinking, it is obvious to everyone around them. An alcoholic may look a certain way, act a certain way or live a lifestyle that they associate with addiction.

In recent years more and more new alcoholics are proving that addiction can happen to the people you least suspect. Alcoholism is happening more than ever to people in professional industries such as doctors, nurses, lawyers and those who are generally successful and making higher incomes. Even some of the most successful and respected actors in Hollywood such as Brad Pitt have revealed their issues with alcohol to the public.

This type of functional addiction is slowly becoming the “new alcoholism” that is causing problems for many Americans.

In the past people may have seen an alcoholic as someone who has low level income or is unemployed, living in a bad neighborhood or even homeless. Now alcoholism tends to occur more often among those who are married with great careers and on the surface appear to have fulfilling lives.

Those working in addiction treatment are also seeing much younger patients, many of them who have decided to become sober and are still under 30 years old. Instead of seeking help after years of addiction, young people are more aware of the issues and are quitting before it becomes a bigger problem.

High Functioning Alcoholism

Although it seems that the face of addiction has been shifting, this could be partially due to the diminishing stigma around alcoholism. With more support and education about alcoholism it could be that those in high profile jobs are less ashamed and more willing to get help. Young people may also have a better understanding of the dangerous effects of alcohol than they did in the past.

While more high functioning alcoholics are getting treatment, the problem itself is not necessarily new. The functioning alcoholic is one of five general sub-types of alcoholism that were categorized in a study released in 2007 by the National Institute on Alcoholism and Abuse.

A functioning alcoholic is able to maintain average or even above average professional or academic lives in spite of a serious addiction. Identifying a functioning alcoholic can be difficult but they may exhibit some of these symptoms:

• Using alcohol as a reward or drinking to relieve stress
• Obsessing over the next opportunity to drink
• Displaying personality changes while intoxicated
• Repeating drinking patterns and behaviors
• Insisting they are not an alcoholic because they are successful

Although high functioning alcoholics may show some of these symptoms while they drink socially, they might still be able to maintain great friendships and romantic relationships without any issues. They might also be well-respected in their professional career and continue to achieve a number of great accomplishments.

Denial and Compartmentalizing

One of the reasons it can take more time for functional alcoholics to realize that they have a problem is because they have a strong sense of denial. They may feel that because they do not fit the stereotypical image of an alcoholic, they are actually in control of their drinking. Their success in other aspects of their life can make it hard for them and everyone around them to recognize that they are addicted.

People with high functioning alcoholism remain successful because they are very adept at living a compartmentalized life. They can easily separate their professional and even personal lives from the issues they are dealing with outside of these worlds. Their drinking life is a completely separate problem that never really affects their job.

However, their ability to compartmentalize may keep them addicted for longer as they may not hit rock bottom the way that most alcoholics do. They can continue drinking with minimal consequences in some cases although their health may begin to suffer.

Getting Help for Functioning Alcoholics

Although high functioning alcoholism may not be entirely new, more people are beginning to realize that in spite of the fact that they lead successful lives they are still addicted to alcohol. With less stigma and shame surrounding alcoholism as well as more celebrities speaking out about their issues, alcoholics of all kinds are coming forward to get help.

Even though their professional lives may not suffer from their alcohol problem, getting treatment can help minimize and reverse the negative impact it has on their physical and mental health. Alcohol can still significantly affect a high functioning addict’s mood and they may experience depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

When a professional suffering from alcoholism chooses to get treatment they can still benefit from the same types of programs as others. They can attend a rehab center and twelve step meetings and even find support groups or treatment programs specifically designed for professionals.

The post What Exactly is the “New Alcoholism”? appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/exactly-new-alcoholism/

The Trump Administration and Mental Health

President Trump and his administration have made it a mission to overhaul our current healthcare system and eradicate “Obamacare” which they believe was inefficient and problematic. Their new healthcare plan has passed the house but is still being considered by the senate and has not yet been voted into effect.

Trump is optimistic that his Senate healthcare bill to repeal and replace Obamacare will eventually be voted through when Republicans can agree on supporting its terms.

Many Americans are concerned about what the new healthcare plan will mean for the country’s public health in general but some are also particularly worried about mental health coverage. The expectation of Trump’s healthcare plan is that many Americans will lose their healthcare coverage through federal programs like Medicaid which will be dramatically reduced under the new bill.

Unfortunately for many people in need, the new healthcare plan will slash much of the resources that the Affordable Care Act had made more available for mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse.

Medicaid and Mental Health

Trump’s decision to reduce Medicaid will have a devastating effect on those who rely on it to provide treatment for mental illness or addiction. People are particularly concerned about the new healthcare bill and what it would mean amidst the opioid addiction epidemic that has taken over the country in recent years.

Medicaid is currently the single largest source of funding for mental health and substance abuse treatments. Much of the funding has been provided by Obamacare especially through its expansion to include low-income adults.

A significant portion of people with substance abuse and/or mental health issues have low incomes or are even homeless. Prior to the Affordable Care Act, most people with little income were ineligible for public insurance through Medicaid. Even those with lower middle class incomes who simply had inadequate insurance were unable to receive coverage for mental health until the ACA made significant expansions.

The Cost of Repealing Obamacare

The ACA made it possible for people with low incomes to have access to preventative and rehabilitative services for mental health or substance abuse issues. Previously, Medicaid would only cover issues severe enough to merit admission into an emergency room or institution. With better coverage, people were able to get help before their situation became a mental health emergency.

Previously, most insurance companies would provide more coverage for physical health problems and very little for mental health or substance abuse issues. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act passed in 2008 mandated that employer plans would cover medical and mental health or substance abuse services equally. The ACA also expanded that law to many people on Medicaid, ultimately covering mental health services for more than 30 million people.

Unfortunately, Trump’s new American Health Care Act would take away most of this coverage by cutting Medicaid expansion and reducing funding for low income adults. It would also allow states more flexibility to avoid parity rules and reinstate many of the old barriers for mental health care.

Who Will Lose Coverage?

While the current trend under the Obama administration has been to reduce the number of uninsured Americans to the lowest rates in over 50 years, Trump’s plan would reverse this trend and likely increase the rate of uninsured by 7.4%. The area of the country that would be hit the hardest by this new healthcare plan would be rural America which benefitted greatly from ACA’s expansion of Medicaid.

The new healthcare plan would also negatively affect senior citizens who will have to pay higher premiums, deductibles and co-pays if the bill passes. Lower income individuals will receive thousands of dollars less in tax credits which allowed them to afford healthcare under the ACA. Repealing Obamacare for many demographics will mean that they can no longer afford healthcare and will not be covered for medical or mental health services.

Those with mental health issues will be among those who are most affected by the change, especially the many Americans who received care through Medicaid. Although the American Health Care Act will not repeal the Mental Health Parity Act it will remove a mandate that required Medicaid to cover basic mental health and substance abuse services. As a result of this, 1.28 million people currently receiving mental health care through Medicaid will be threatened with losing these services.

The new healthcare plan proposed by the Trump Administration could cause problems for those in need of treatment for substance abuse problems including the millions of Americans addicted to opiates. Although Trump promised to fight the painkiller epidemic, his plans to end Medicaid coverage for substance abuse services will make it more difficult for people to receive addiction treatment.

Although many republicans support the bill, it remains to be seen how the new healthcare plan will affect Americans including many of Trump’s supporters.

The post The Trump Administration and Mental Health appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/trump-administration-mental-health/

Attending an AA Meeting on Vacation

While you are planning a long vacation it can be stressful to worry about how you will cope with the experience and still stay sober. Vacations are meant to be relaxing and a way to get away from your problems but unfortunately you are also away from the comforts of home and your usual routine. This can be difficult for people in recovery who are used to having certain resources available and a structure to their life that helps keep them sober.

The great thing about 12 step meetings though is that they really are available everywhere. You may have already had people in your local meetings who were visiting on vacation from different parts of the country. It is pretty common for people to find an AA meeting wherever they are so that they can keep in touch with their sobriety goals even while traveling.

Anytime you are going on a significant trip, or even a short getaway, you might consider looking into what types of AA meetings are available in the area. Being prepared and knowing you can go to a meeting beforehand can ease some of the stress of traveling.

Connecting with New People

The more you travel and find different AA groups the more connected you will feel with the sober community all around the country and even around the world. AA is even available on many cruise ships, so really almost any vacation can include a meeting or two if you really need it.

It may feel intimidating to have to start over with a group of people you have never met. You might have a special bond and rapport with the people in your local AA group and feel hesitant to try something new. But as you have probably experienced in your own AA group, twelve step meetings are always welcoming and offer support to anyone new to the group.

It can be very rewarding to open up to a new group of people in an entirely new city. It can even help you realize just how universal addiction and the process of quitting really is for everyone. No matter where you go, every AA group will understand what you each person is experiencing and be able to provide empathy.

Triggers During a Vacation

Almost every occasion for traveling can include some type of trigger that will make it hard to stay committed to your goals. Your resort might offer free drinks or classes like wine tasting. They might even unknowingly hand you a glass of champagne when you arrive to check in. These types of situations come up all the time and it is important to be prepared for them.

Being away from home can make it harder to handle the obstacles that come up during vacation. Going to at least one meeting or even attending them every day might be the best way to get through your vacation without struggling too much.

It is important to communicate about your sobriety to whomever you are traveling with. If you are on a trip with a big group of friends or more distant family members they may not be familiar with your situation.

To avoid any confusion or pressure tell them about your recovery and your need to attend meetings. Let them know that you might have to miss out on certain excursions or activities so that you can spend time at a meeting. You might feel bad about being on a different schedule but your sobriety should be the highest priority throughout your vacation.

How to Find Meetings

As soon as you know where your hotel is located you should start looking into meetings that are close by. You can search the AA directory on www.aa.org and type in the name of the city or zip code which will direct you to the websites of local AA resources. There are also several apps you can download to your smartphone such as the Twelve Steps companion app that includes a directory and a map function to help you get directions to a meeting.

You should try to find a meeting as close as possible to your hotel so that there will not be too many issues as far as transportation. Something within walking distance, a bus ride or quick taxi ride is the best option. Make sure that you are completely prepared by finding exactly where the meeting is and knowing how you will get there before you even leave for your vacation.

Even though looking for a meeting and talking to a new group of people may seem like it’s out of your comfort zone, most people find it extremely helpful while traveling. Discussing your vacation stresses and fears with the group will help you stay strong no matter what type of triggers you experience on your trip.

The post Attending an AA Meeting on Vacation appeared first on The Gooden Center.

source https://www.goodencenter.org/attending-aa-meeting-vacation/