How to Overcome Stagnation in Recovery for Addiction RecoveryBy Promises AustinAugust 20, 2010When you find yourself at a plateau in recovery – not moving forward, but not losing any ground, either – you’re in a period of stagnation. For some in recovery, stagnation seems almost comfortable. The status quo is okay because they’re not using, so they’re semi-confident in their ability to maintain sobriety. But life is… Details
What to Say When You Have to Go to a 12-Step Meeting Personal ResourcesBy Promises AustinAugust 18, 2010If you’re in recovery, you know the importance of regularly attending your 12-step meetings. It’s something you first learned about and likely participated in during treatment – if you had formal treatment. If you never went to treatment, but are trying to maintain sobriety on your own, 12-step group meetings may be all you have.… Details
What are the Pillars of Recovery? RecoveryBy Promises AustinAugust 17, 2010When it comes to addiction recovery, there are varying views on the number of pillars upon which such recovery depends. Instead of getting involved in a debate over which number is correct, the more important concern should be how comprehensive such lists are. Do they cover all the basic requirements for recovery? If so, it… Details
Gabapentin Poses Addiction Risks, Especially When Improperly Prescribed Prescription DrugsBy Promises AustinAugust 9, 2010For those individuals who are dealing with epilepsy or seizures, the outlook can seem dim. They may have lost their ability to see the light at the end of a dark tunnel or maybe they fully believe life has lost its joy because their condition limits what they can safely do. One medication that is… Details
Take Time to Make Time for Your Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinAugust 6, 2010Treatment’s over – yippee! Before you rush out and entangle yourself in some questionable activities or hang out with so-called friends you used to use with, think about what you may be jeopardizing. Sure, treatment for your addiction was a huge undertaking – and probably a lot more than you ever imagined. But that part… Details
How to Balance Work Stress in Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinAugust 4, 2010Getting back on your feet after treatment for addiction can sometimes prove quite frustrating. Often those new to recovery throw themselves into their jobs, figuring that if they keep busy, they’ll avoid temptations to use. While keeping busy is a good strategy, overdoing it at work can sometimes have the opposite effect. If you sap… Details
Win Back Your Self-Respect and the Respect of Others in Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinJuly 30, 2010When you hit rock bottom in addiction, chances are you’ve lost every shred of self-respect you ever had. And not only that, no one else has much, if any, respect for you either. Frankly, when you’ve bottomed out, you’re probably not thinking about your self-respect. You’re primarily interested in survival – and getting out of… Details
Beyond Talk: Learning How to Replace Addictive Behaviors Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy TherapiesBy Promises AustinJuly 28, 2010Overcoming addiction, getting unstuck from unhealthy behaviors, and moving on with your life is tough work. An individual dependent upon or addicted to substances can see a counselor for months or years to gain insights into why he or she abuses alcohol or drugs, engages in compulsive gambling, sex, or other addictive behaviors and still… Details
How to Structure Your Environment in Early Addiction Recovery RecoveryBy Promises AustinJuly 27, 2010One thing you know is true almost the minute you get out of treatment for your addiction: You need continued help to move along in your recovery. There are a lot of very good reasons for this, but most important among them is the fact that you’re still so new to being clean and sober… Details
Video: Equine Therapy at Promises TherapiesBy Promises AustinJuly 23, 2010Dr. David Sack discusses the equine therapy program at Promises and CBS News explores the value of equine therapy in addiction treatment. [youtube]//www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pVY3WVCuTk[/youtube] Details