Entering recovery can be a frightening time for some, even at the same time as it’s exciting. You don’t know what to expect when first starting out, as embracing a life of sobriety isn’t something that most people have at the top of their dream goals. Early recovery can also be a very lonely time,…
The bad news: research shows that addiction is a chronic disease and like other chronic diseases, relapse is a real possibility. The good news: that doesn’t mean you will relapse, but if you do, you can learn from it and move forward with resiliency and courage. Rebounding after a setback is one of the lessons…
“You can never make the same mistake twice because the second time you make it, it’s not a mistake, it’s a choice.” – Unknown Recall the first time you picked up your drug or engaged in your behavior of choice. Perhaps it was when you snuck a sip from a glass or swig from a…
James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, TV and podcast host, former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN, and Hollywood correspondent. He is the creator of the “30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” that teaches people how to quit alcohol for 30 days. James started a 30-day challenge in March 2010 and kept going. He hasn’t had a drink since. He…
Mood disorders are far more than “feeling blue” or out of sorts. They can deeply impact an individual’s ability to live a fulfilling life. Women are especially vulnerable and suffer from mood disorders at greater rates than men. It is not clear exactly why women suffer from mood disorders at double the rate of men.…
Surviving recovery from addiction and avoiding relapse is tough, but it becomes even more difficult if you experience symptoms of depression. Addiction or substance abuse commonly occurs with depression. In fact, up to 40 percent of people with a substance use disorder also struggle with a mood disorder, which can include depression. Know the signs…
Life after rehab is fraught with risk, but it can also be a joyful time of new beginnings. To avoid the negative outcomes, like relapsing, and to fully embrace your new life of sobriety, it’s important to make a plan. Perhaps the most dangerous way to approach recovery is to wing it. With a formal…
In the fall of 2014, the winningest athlete in Olympic history didn’t want to be alive anymore. Michael Phelps had just been arrested for DUI and he was “in really a dark place,” he said. The swimmer’s blood-alcohol level was at 0.14. With Phelps’ weight at the time at about 225, he would have had…
One of the first things you have to do when you are newly sober is to choose a sponsor. A sponsor is often your closest friend or mentor in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. He or she is the person you are most likely to turn to in order to ask questions or share your…
“Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” — William James A contrast of the dark and light is a human paradigm, yet seeing the shadow and not the sun is commonplace for people entrenched in addiction. Are people hardwired for optimism or pessimism? Some studies indicate certain people seem to be born with a bent…
