Stress is everywhere. Sometimes, even in our efforts to get away or relieve stress without drugs, we, unfortunately, only find more. Creating a fun self-care list can quickly become a demanding to-do list if we’re not careful. Sometimes we need to take a step back to remember why we’re doing it. However, there are some …
As with many things in life, the recovery process is not the same for any two people. However, over the decades of research, there are many recurring themes and truths about addiction that have emerged. Whether you are a mother of someone living with addiction, sister, son or have enough self-awareness to admit that you …
If you have a loved one trapped within the toxic cycle of substance dependence, you may have hoped that they receive mandatory addiction treatment. You may have also wondered whether mandatory addiction treatment works. Or whether your loved one is stuck until they hit “rock bottom” or end up as a statistic. Keep reading for …
Triggers, cravings, tolerance and physical dependence are all factors that get in the way of the recovery process, but there is another factor that deserves to be a part of this list: lack of motivation to overcome substance abuse. For those who struggle with finding the motivation to seek out addiction treatment and using that …
Emotional ups and downs are a normal part of life. Your feelings will shift as you react to each situation throughout your day. But for some people, negative moods last much longer. They also feel fewer positive moments overall and might be a sign of depression. Here we’ll review the ups and downs of depression …
Addiction and substance use disorder (SUD) can completely take over someone’s life. Even to the point where things seem hopeless, and the promise of change feels worlds away. The deterioration may occur slowly, but addiction is an absolute beast, especially when combined with any other coexisting mental health issues. Deep in the throes of active …
Where a person lives influences a lot in their life. This includes access to substances and outpatient recovery services. So if you need treatment, what can this mean for you? You face environmental risk factors for addiction every day. Your neighborhood, social group and even the state you live in affects you. And when …
How Does Your Home Influence Your Addiction and Recovery? Read More »
You tap your fingers against the empty bottle, sweat pooling at the base of your back. The things you see and know are in stark contrast to what you want to know. The bottle you hold contains nothing. It is dry, consumed. It shouldn’t be, not when you know full well the seal was broken …
Often at the root of our urge to smoke, we will find anxious ruminations simmering just under the surface. It may be the weariness from a long week, the stress of planning for an upcoming trip or move or the fears that plague you as you try to fall asleep that has you reaching for …
When You Feel the Urge to Smoke, Try Mindfulness Instead Read More »
Am I an addict or am I a person with an addiction? Words are powerful, and no one appreciates being labeled. Substance use disorders and the stigma of addiction has long undermined the self-esteem of recovering people. People in recovery can be especially vulnerable when it comes to their identity and sense of self-worth. …