Blogs
Overcoming an Outdated Self-Image
Self-image is the perception an individual holds of themselves. Having a positive self-image can lead to healthy relationships and a general sense
Problem Drinking During the Pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic has been a chaotic time that has presented many new challenges. The world has changed drastically since then, and
The Virtue of Patience in Recovery
Patience can be a valuable asset, especially during recovery, which can be a challenging time. Many people view patience as simply the
The Impact of Having Parents With Addiction
Few things can shape a human being more than the relationship between parent and child. While we are young, our parents are
Exploring Childhood Hobbies in Recovery
Addiction can recontextualize much of a person’s life, from daily routines to nuanced situations. Stress, anxiety, depression, and more can all carry
Actively Maintaining Daily Motivation in Recovery
Motivation is a core part of the recovery process and is necessary to employ coping strategies and push towards goals. However, while
Discovering Safety Outside the Recovery Sphere
“Safety” is a word used a lot throughout recovery. While it is undoubtedly an important component of substance abuse or mental health
Confronting Conflict in Recovery
While one’s time in a recovery facility is tightly focused on creating a safe and secure environment, graduating, becoming an alumnus, and
The Vicious Cycle of Blame
Blame can be incredibly potent and is something that can be a major part of one’s journey through recovery. While it can
Avoiding Falling Back Into Routines After Treatment
While one’s detox or residential treatment may come to a conclusion, one’s recovery is an ongoing process. However, as one moves out
Reinforcing Success and Feeling Significant
Addiction recovery is a complicated journey from the moment a person steps into their first day of detox to maintaining their sobriety
Social Anxiety in a Pandemic World
Social anxiety is tumultuous enough to cope with on its own. However, with the continued effects of the coronavirus complicating social events,
What Are the Signs of a Codependent Relationship?
Relationships of any kind can be complicated. Even the healthiest relationships will require a degree of compromise and may still contain occasional
Is Medication-Assisted Therapy Right for Me?
Medications can be powerful tools that can be used to help an individual get through even the toughest parts of their recovery
How Can a Pet Affect My Recovery?
Animals can be an integral part of one’s recovery journey. Animal-assisted therapy or having a pet throughout recovery provides a powerful perspective
How Does Spirituality Affect Addiction Recovery?
Spirituality can play a crucial role throughout addiction recovery. Taking a spiritual stance is not necessary for a transformative, sustained sobriety. However,
The Holistic Benefits of Yoga
Originating in India, yoga has been around for thousands of years. Although it is a big part of Indian culture and tradition,
What Are Some Barriers to Addiction Recovery and How Can They Be Overcome?
Taking the first step into a treatment facility, or even acknowledging the need for a recovery program in one’s life, are major
Could Growing Plants Help Our Minds During Recovery?
While in recovery from substance use disorder, your mood may fluctuate often. Sometimes things are fine, and other times it can be
How Can I Transition Back to School After Treatment?
With the beginning of the school year making its annual return, those who have been navigating their recovery over the summer may
Is a Sponsor Right for Me?
Sponsors play an important role in a person’s recovery journey. While having a sponsor is a common practice for many different approaches
Combating Shame While in Recovery
Shame can be one of the most powerful emotions human beings experience in life. The prolific Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung once said,
How Decriminalization Reform Is Changing the Treatment of Substance Use
Since the early 1970s during the Nixon administration, Americans have been living under a set of political policies known as “The War
Could It Help to Pick Up Reading During Recovery?
Although the ways we read have changed with time, books have been an important part of our culture for well over 1,000
Planning a Camping Trip While in Recovery
Camping is one of the most popular activities in the United States, with over 40 million people going on a trip each
Things to Look For When Choosing a Therapist
Mental health is a very serious issue in the United States. In 2019, about 51.5 million adults over the age of 18
Embracing Self-Affirming Language in Daily Life
Language is a powerful tool. For those in recovery from addiction, language can also aid in recovery by continuing to foster change
Practicing Mindfulness at Home
Practicing mindfulness can be a crucial part of managing one’s sobriety and emotional state. Being able to distance oneself from immediate, impulsive
The Maintenance of Hope During Difficult Times
Hope is a word that is thrown around often, although many people do not have a good idea of what it is
Looking Ahead at the First Year of Sobriety
Recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol is a long journey. Different parts of the year can present unique challenges for
Preparing for Romance After Treatment
Even after one’s treatment program has concluded, their journey is not over. However, the reintroduction back into the “real world” and the
Implementing Music Therapy in Daily Life
Music is a powerful and accessible art form that holds great therapeutic value for those recovering from addiction or experiencing anxiety, depression,
What Is Acupuncture and How Can It Help My Recovery?
Addiction recovery is a complex journey that is open to new therapeutic approaches and modalities. Doing so can help develop a comprehensive
Navigating the Unexpected in Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a complex ordeal. It is important to prepare for stress and difficulty throughout the recovery process by planning
Overcoming Social Anxiety as an Alumnus
Graduating from an addiction recovery program and reingratiating oneself into the “real world” is worthy of celebration. However, joining new communities or
Tackling Urges and Maintaining a Sober Focus
Urges are an unfortunate inevitability throughout any stage of addiction recovery. Often, they are prevalent during the beginning of one’s sober journey
Replacement Practices for a Sustained Recovery
Replacement–replacing something with something else–is a common practice throughout the addiction recovery process. However, the replacement of an addictive substance in one’s
Give More, Feel Better: The Power of Gift Giving
While addiction recovery is a very personal journey, there can be great benefits from embracing the presence of others. Working on one’s
Letting Go Of the “End” of Recovery
Recovery from addiction is an arduous process that can contain a great deal of stress. However, it is also one of the
Working Through Traumatic Anniversaries
Traumatic experiences stick with a person for a long time, even after any immediate danger has passed. These experiences can be closely
Taking Steps Towards Relinquishing Guilt
Letting go of guilt is an important part of the recovery process. Regardless of whether an individual is working to overcome an
How to Start Supporting a Loved One Coming Home From Treatment
A loved one coming home after completing a residential treatment program or moving out of a sober living facility is a testament
Early Identification of Regressive, Self-Destructive Behaviors
The successful implementation of new life skills, coping strategies, and a change in one’s mindset are all hallmarks of profound progress in
What Does “High Functioning” Addiction Mean?
Words like “addiction” and “ abuse” bring up a number of preconceived notions, depending on the individual. Images of people constantly drunk
What Can I Do For a Loved One Suffering From Dual Diagnosis?
Having a loved one who is suffering from a dual diagnosis can be a tumultuous time, ripe with complex and intense emotions.
Does My Job Affect My Substance Use?
Stress is a regular part of everyday life. While a certain level of stress can be expected, having an overabundance of stress
How Can I Talk About Marijuana Addiction?
Discussions around marijuana addiction can be complicated, delicate situations for a number of reasons. While marijuana can have undeniably negative effects, the
When Should I Look for Treatment for Alcohol Use?
The line between safe enjoyment of alcohol and the destructive use of the substance is thin. While alcohol is not illegal, it
Who Makes the Best Supports in Recovery?
Caring and understanding supports play a vital role throughout each individual’s recovery journey. However, being an effective support takes skill, and there
How Are Depression and Drug Use Connected?
Depression and drug use create a complicated and difficult recovery path, especially if an individual is self-medicating their depressive symptoms or are
What Is Dangerous About Hopelessness?
Hopelessness can be an intense emotional barrier that is prevalent throughout one’s recovery journey. For some, hopelessness can result in feelings of
How Martial Arts Can Aid in the Recovery Process
Martial arts have been a part of human life for as long as people have been writing things down. Wrestling, for example,
Taking a Break From the News and Social Media During Treatment
For many people, the media you watch online or on television is how you stay connected to what is going on in
How Does PTSD Affect Sleep?
Getting good sleep is one of the most critical factors in the well-being of your body and mind. Sleep affects your immune
Using a Change of Scenery to Aid in Treatment and Recovery
People have strong psychological connections to the places where they spend most of their time. Your homes, jobs, and houses of loved
The Power of Hobbies on the Mind
When thinking about hobbies, you may think of pleasurable activities like hiking, art, music, or photography. Although you may begin a hobby
Positive Feedback Loops: What Are They and How Do They Affect Us?
You may have heard the term “Positive Feedback Loop” in various contexts but not know its meaning. Positive Feedback Loops are mechanisms
The Importance of Your Voice During Treatment
Listening to others is one of the most powerful and essential skills a person can have. Truly taking in what someone has
Finding Motivation in Others for Recovery
While learning something new, it can be very valuable to look to others who have achieved the goals you have your eyes
The Fallacy of a “Solo Recovery”
Addiction is an isolating experience and even those who have navigated the recovery sphere and graduated from a recovery program can still