People start using substances for a variety of reasons, one of the most common being to self-medicate, to numb-out, in order to ease the day’s stress. However, what may begin as a glass or two of wine or a quick hit of marijuana can slip into a full-blown addiction in what may seem like the …
By Matthew Goldenberg, D.O. Board Certified Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry Associate Medical Director, Promises Professionals Treatment Program Many people in the U.S., Irish-American or otherwise, have only a vague notion of what the St. Patrick’s Day holiday represents, beyond the connection to alcohol. While the root of the holiday is paying homage to St. Patrick …
When you were using, life seemed to slide by quickly without having to worry much about how to occupy your time. Life was consumed by buying and using drugs. Once you get sober, though, staying sober may be difficult because you have much more free time than you did before. What are you supposed to …
Staying Sober: Tips, Techniques and Mental Strategies Read More »
September is National Recovery Month, a time to remember that miracles do happen. Just ask the millions of people once held captive by drugs and alcohol who are now living rich, rewarding lives in sobriety. Among them is Abby B., who started drinking at 13 and who remembers feeling so hopeless at the height of …
‘Life Doesn’t Stop When You Get Sober. Life Begins’ Read More »
One of the great things about overcoming an addiction to alcohol or drugs — beyond the main fact of no longer being held hostage by a physically and emotionally devastating illness — is that it can spark a cascade of good effects. Instead of things spiraling down, they spiral up. It’s certainly true for these …
5 Good Things That Happened to Celebrities Who Got Sober Read More »
You’ve probably tried to quit drinking or using other substances at some point in the past. You may have been able to stop drinking or to give up using drugs for short periods of time, but for some reason you always end up going back to your old ways. You may even try to tell …
Being an addict is all about getting a fix, so if you’re going to be sober, you need to find a new one. Relapse rates for addicts hover around 50 percent. One important way in which you can arm yourself against the near inevitability of relapse is to get a new fix. Replace your old, …
It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating social gatherings with alcohol consumption. It can feel as though every birthday, every holiday celebration and every single social occasion you’re invited to is built around the consumption of alcohol. But when you’re overcoming alcoholism, breaking this link is central to moving to a healthier lifestyle …
How to Stay Sober and Still Have Fun at Social Gatherings Read More »
The recovery community has a metaphor for everything: “Bumper sticker-ese” is everywhere to help guide people who might feel overwhelmed to use again as they try to get and stay clean. But in one case, a member of a recovery skills support group was using a metaphor to his disadvantage — and putting his well-being …
Temporary Sobriety: Cancel That “Reservation” to Use Again Read More »
When you are no longer able to turn to alcohol or drugs to alter your mood, at times you may feel like you are being swallowed up by bad feelings. In sobriety, negative feelings can quickly grow in intensity and feel like they are consuming you. A negative attitude can show up as road rage …