Shanti Recovery & Wellness

01/16/2026

For many of our ADHD patients - both adult and pediatric patients - learning how to work with stimulant medication can be a real journey.

This new finding linked below actually sheds some light on an important aspect of the "learning curve" that many people miss: stimulants don't magically help you "control your focus," they just make it easier for people with ADHD to focus - on anything.

It's very common to hear ADHD patients say something like:

"I can focus deeply on all sorts of things when I'm medicated - I just have to make sure it's actually the right things!"

As in, work, school, responsibilities - not organizing the sock drawer or falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes.

The enhanced focus can be tricky to control, especially when patients are new to the medication.

A lot of our ADHD patients will wait to take their medication until they've already begun whatever it is they want to do with their day. This way, they're less likely to veer off-course.

Patients with less structure in their lives often need to create more structure before they're able to reap the full benefits of their medication.

Medication is not a "magic cure" for ADHD symptoms. But it is an important tool in our toolbox for helping manage symptoms and improve patient's lives.

Want to learn more? Link below:

https://medicine.washu.edu/news/stimulant-adhd-medications-work-differently-than-thought/

A study from WashU Medicine shows for the first time that commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD do not act on the brain’s attention circuitry.

01/15/2026

😡 "Short temper?"
😡 "Snappy?"
😡 "Quick to anger?"
😡 "Short fuse?"

These phases all tell us one thing: ⚡⚡⚡ anger moves QUICKLY. ⚡⚡⚡

We all know that pausing BEFORE we react in anger is the answer.

But remembering to take that pause is so much easier said than done.

If you’re not in the habit of remembering to pause before you respond to a situation in anger, you're in good company. Like learning any other valuable skill, this one takes time to develop, too.

Anger isn't a "bad" or "negative" emotion - but it can be a destructive one if we don't manage it well.

Our latest blog post is all about the process of learning how to develop this skill - and how to keep your "anger management muscles" strong once you've developed them.

Click the link below to read more about our best hacks for working with anger:

👇 👇 👇

https://shantipdx.com/angry-5-hacks-for-anger-management-and-relationship-repair-in-recovery/

Recovery from addiction is a courageous process, and it often brings powerful emotions to the surface during the worst possible time. In recovery, and especially in early recovery, anger can feel especially confusing. You may be proud of your progress while also feeling irritated, resentful, or quic...

01/06/2026

The science is conclusive: recovery from addiction is always possible.

Believe it or not, "hope" isn’t just a nice, fluffy idea.

If you’ve struggled with addiction, or watched a loved one struggle, you know how powerless this disease can make you feel.

It’s easy to feel trapped. Many people who struggle with addiction say they feel that their brain is “broken” or that they, themselves, are in some way “permanently damaged.”

They're not. You're not. But addiction absolutely does FEEL like that.

The good news? The facts don't support that feeling whatsoever.

The feeling is real, sure. And it's based on decent evidence. You've probably tried to change and failed. Likely many times.

While you may FEEL 100% trapped, we know that the science says there's a way out. In fact, there are many, many ways out. You just haven't found that door and walked through it - YET.

You're never trapped. Neuroplasticity shows us why.

Read more about neuroplasticity and the actual science behind "rewiring your brain" for recovery in our latest blog post:

https://shantipdx.com/what-is-neuroplasticity-does-addiction-treatment-really-rewire-your-brain/

Hope isn't just a fluffy idea in recovery. Neuroplasticity, the ability to "rewire" our brains, is actually an evidence-based fact.

01/05/2026

Living in the Portland area, enrolled in Medicare, and considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (or TMS) for depression?

It's essential to understand how Medicare coverage for this cutting-edge treatment works, what requirements you must meet to access coverage, and what costs you might face accessing TMS as a Medicare patient.

Dig into the details in our latest blog post so you can make the best decision for your mental health:

https://shantitms.com/how-medicare-coverage-for-transcranial-tms-works/

Depression affects millions of Americans and can be particularly challenging when standard treatments like medications and talk therapy are not effective. Treatment resistant depression leads many patients at Shanti Wellness and Recovery to consider a well-researched, non-invasive alternative: Trans...

01/02/2026

Wishing everyone a joyful and healthy 2026 filled with peace and resilience from Shanti Recovery & Wellness.

Whether you're dipping your toes into "Dry January," or you're celebrating a long-term recovery milestone, here's to new beginnings and a year of positive change.

#2026

12/19/2025

Feel down during the winter months? You're not alone.

Check out the link below for three effective remedies to the mild seasonal sadness that plagues wintertime for so many of us in Portland, Oregon.

Embrace self-care practices and connect with your community for support.

✨ Don't forget: Brighter days are ahead! ✨

Please Note: These ideas are for occasional, fleeting, mild melancholy only. Speak with your medical provider if low moods are interfering with your work or home life. The tips in this post are not a substitute for medical care.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ If you’re experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, stop scrolling now and dial 988 for immediate, compassionate 24/7 help. ⚠️⚠️

https://shantipdx.com/sober-and-sad-heres-3-cures-for-the-winter-blues-in-portland-oregon/

🌧️

When you’re in recovery, even the weather can throw you off your program. Here's 3 ways to fix the sober winter blues.

12/17/2025

The holiday season is one of the toughest times of the year for most people in recovery.

The parties, the stress, the expectations and opportunities for "social drinking" - there are many reasons that people in recovery struggle right now.

Being the only person not drinking at the office holiday party or the New Year's Eve soiree can feel lonely and isolating. Although the stigma associated with addiction (and recovery) is beginning to fade, it's common to feel like the "odd one out," especially at functions that aren't specifically centered around the recovery community.

But the truth is: there are millions of people in recovery.

Some of them are even famous!

So, if you're feeling like the only one who's abstaining this holiday season, here's 41 celebs who will be celebrating proud and sober, too.

https://www.businessinsider.com/sober-celebrities-who-dont-drink-do-drugs

Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, Eminem, Miley Cyrus, and Tom Holland are among the celebrities who have spoken about being sober.

12/15/2025

Warmest wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season from the team at Shanti Recovery & Wellness.

12/12/2025

Oregon's mental health system has faced significant challenges. Right now, we're leaving too many people who struggle with mental health and addiction issues - like Vashon Locust - vulnerable and unsupported.

(Mr. Locust is the man who made local headlines when he admitted to accidentally lighting Portland City Counselor Candace Avalos' home and car on fire trying to stay warm back in October.)

Mr. Locust is currently at large, but he has a godmother and a little sister in Michigan who are looking for him. It's my hope that he makes it home soon and that he gets the treatment and healing opportunity he deserves.

You can read about Mr. Locust's experiences in and out of various criminal justice treatment programs in Oregon here:

https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/12/03/how-oregons-broken-mental-health-system-failed-vashon-locust/

The real story behind a fire that transfixed local officials is one that is all too common in Oregon.

12/11/2025

Virtual reality addiction treatment?

We offer many different evidence-based treatment modalities for our patients, but we don't offer video games at Shanti Recovery and Wellness.

Still, this article about using virtual reality to stay sober was a very interesting read.

From the article:

“People don’t really take it very seriously,” said Dr. Ken Jones, a behavioral health specialist with Texas Health. “But once they actually put the headset on and navigate through those environments, they realize their body is being triggered by some of those particular scenes.”

Pretty fascinating stuff. Read more here:

https://san.com/cc/virtual-reality-helps-people-stay-sober-when-the-real-world-gets-too-real/

With holiday stress on the rise and alcohol consumption climbing, an addiction recovery center is turning to VR to help patients stay sober.

12/10/2025

Have you heard about "the fentanyl vaccine?"

Would you consider getting one if it was available?

Well, after many years of fits and starts, it's finally gearing up for its first major trial.

Researchers have looked into a vaccine for he**in overdose on and off since the 1970's, but the effort was abandoned for lack of progress. Now that fentanyl has proven to be an even more deadly public health threat, the US government is backing a redoubled effort to create an "opioid vaccine."

How will the fentanyl vaccine fare in its first major trial?

Read about the effort to create the vaccine here:

https://www.wired.com/story/a-fentanyl-vaccine-is-about-to-get-its-first-major-test/

ARMR Sciences of New York is trialing a vaccine in the Netherlands to protect against fentanyl-related overdose and death.

12/09/2025

Are the holidays stressing you out?

Many of us would say, "yes."

According to a recent APA study:

- 41% of American adults say the holidays are the most stressful time of year

- 43% say their holiday stress levels interfere with their ability to enjoy themselves

The holiday season can amplify stress due to increased financial pressures, family dynamics, and busy schedules. Routine changes and "picture perfect" expectations for a "happy holiday" can only add to the stress.

Remember that it's normal to feel more stressed out this time of year. If you can, set aside time to relax and place an extra priority on self-care during the holidays this year.

Many mental health and addiction issues are "invisible" to others, but
It's almost certain that you or someone you know is struggling right now.

Remember to give yourself and those around you grace as you move through this season.

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress

Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults say something causes them stress during the holiday season