The late Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was among the most effective public figures at de-stigmatizing mental illness and addiction by baring his own lifelong struggles with both. Williams, whose confessional brand of stand-up comedy was a form of “sharing his story” by coating anguish with humor, was found dead at his home Aug. […]
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People with serious drinking problems may have overlapping symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, symptoms related only to non-addicted abuse or symptoms related only to alcoholism. After trying to quit, many of these individuals experience a short- or long-term relapse back into active alcohol consumption. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal
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When newcomers try to get sober, one of the hurdles they have to cross is the feeling that they are unique. They think they don’t belong because no one in the room is exactly like them. Have you ever felt that way? Just like there are no two snowflakes exactly alike, there is nobody on
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Any good addiction treatment program includes a component that helps patients learn how to avoid relapsing. This type of aftercare is needed considering that most patients in recovery for a substance abuse disorder will eventually relapse. A recent study concluded that the inclusion of mindfulness therapy in aftercare and relapse prevention work leads to the
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When you first get sober, you may avoid attending weddings or other social events where people may be drinking or drugging. But sooner or later, you attend one of these events, knowing that picking up a drink or a drug to be sociable isn’t an option for you. Some people choose to preserve their anonymity.
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Cinco de Mayo is like other holidays during which there is so much over-drinking that police plan on it. Besides offering widespread DUI checkpoints, authorities advise celebrants to stay sober — or at least sober behind the wheel — for a safe, no-regrets celebration.
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For many in recovery, 12-step meetings provide stability and sanity in the face of the whirlwind of addiction that threatens to toss them into the air and dash them against rocky cliffs. Just like the adage, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” is used as an excuse to drink, so too is there a meeting happening somewhere
Where Two or More Are Gathered: A First Person Look at Recovery Read More »
When in recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction, the question of relapse is often not “if,” but “when?” Most addicts relapse at least once, and many do so multiple times. If you are supporting a recovering addict, understand that relapse is part of the deal. Don’t give up on your loved one just because
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Getting sober is a multi-step process. For many alcoholics and addicts, it takes years to shift from being abstinent to enjoying a healthy sober lifestyle. Along the way there are many hurdles to overcome, some large and some small. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common issues that come up. Other
Peeling Away the Layers of Addiction: The Process of Recovery Read More »
On the road to recovery from your addiction, you face an uncertain future. As an addict, your life revolved around one thing. You were consumed by your need to get the next high. Now, without that drive, you may be wondering what to do with yourself. How will you spend your time? How will you
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