Just a reminder that an addiction is an illness, not a character flaw

Something to keep in mind. No Images? Click here       Like many others, I was devastated to hear about Demi Lovato’s reported overdose this past week. Demi has been so open about her experience with addiction as well as a fierce advocate for mental health. News like this can cause a lot of unfair judgment about a person. But, as experts stressed to me this week, a relapse isn’t a sign of weakness. Addiction is a health condition just like any other physical illness — and it should be treated as such. Research shows the relapse rate for those living with addiction is about 40 to 60 percent, which is comparable to the relapse rates of people living with diabetes, hypertension and asthma. The difference? The stigma around addiction makes it easy for people to regard relapse as some sort of moral failure. Recovery is possible for people who live with this disease. If you know someone who might be struggling, there are very simple, real ways you can offer help. Compassion and action are key. And your support could make more of a difference than you know. —Lindsay Turn up the Wellness Jams Wellness Jams is a curated playlist from celebrities, influencers and readers that will help you work out or chill out. This week, reader Nadia Bolyard shares the workout songs she plays when she needs a fast beat to push her through sprints or weights. Check out the tunes below. HIT PLAY ON NADIA'S PLAYLIST Got a few tunes that push you through a hard gym session? Have some songs that perk you up on a bad day? Share your playlist by filling out this form. It may get featured in an upcoming newsletter. A Minute And Change Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our "A Minute And Change" project will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week's tip comes from singer Michelle Williams on how she’s been managing her mental health following her depression diagnosis: "Take one step at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself. If you can just get up out the bed and brush your teeth and shower, do it. For people dealing with depression, that is a HUGE step!" WHAT OTHER CELEBS HAVE SAID IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH HELP You oughta know If you rely on coffee to keep you awake throughout the day, this pick-me-up is for you. This week, reporter Krissy Brady asked experts to share their best energy-boosting tips that will keep you awake and motivated without leaning on lattes for support. Here’s what you should know: Coffee actually makes you more tired over time. Sad but true. The caffeine in coffee creates triggers a process that creates a buildup of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes fatigue. So once the caffeine wears off, you’re likely to crash (or reach for more coffee). Experts recommend drinking one less cup a day or just consuming lower doses over a few hours. This subtle change can help decrease your intake without feelings of deprivation. Try chewing more slowly and taking more steps per day. When you gobble down your meals in between conference calls, your body has to work much harder to break down food, which eats up your energy. Eating slower helps give you more in the long run. So does taking just 250 steps more a day, according to experts. Improving your cardiovascular fitness also improves your energy levels. MORE ENERGY-BOOSTING HACKS   Crushing on this 'gram Want more Wellness? Stop Casually Throwing The Word 'Phobia' Around There’s a difference between being afraid of something and having a phobia of it. Surprise! Your Medication Can Have New Side Effects Years After You Start Taking It There are a number of factors that can make this happen. How To Break Up With Your Therapist And Start Over With A New One Good news: You don't have to share your life story from the beginning.    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which explains how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe        . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe