A lasting recovery requires more than simply resolving to abstain from drugs and alcohol. You must work to heal your mind, body, and spirit so that you're no longer turning to addictive substances for comfort. Seeking God's forgiveness is part of the healing process. How Addiction Leads to Guilt and Shame An untreated addiction can [...]
Denial can be a powerful coping mechanism when accepting reality seems too painful. Because addiction is often stigmatized, it's common for people with substance use disorders to be in denial about their condition. However, acknowledging the problem and being brave enough to ask for help is the only way to move forward. What Does Denial [...]
Recovery is a time of new beginnings. For many people, that includes reevaluating old friendships and cutting ties with anyone who isn't supportive of their newfound sobriety. Ending toxic relationships can be painful, but you're not destined to be alone forever. Here, we share some tips to help you make new friends who share your [...]
Graduating from residential treatment is an important milestone in your recovery journey. As you prepare to return to independent living, you'll need to work on putting the skills you learned in residential treatment to work in the real world. Here, the treatment team at St. Joseph Institute for Addiction shares some tips that can help [...]
Addiction is often referred to as a disease of isolation, but the Bible says that God is always with us. Renewing your relationship with God can help you heal from past hurts and find the strength you need to begin your recovery journey. 6 Lessons About Addiction and Recovery From the Bible There are many [...]
When most people think of the abuse of prescription medications, they imagine individuals who are struggling with an addiction to opioid painkillers. However, benzodiazepines also have a significant potential for abuse and addiction. What Are Benzos? Benzodiazepines, often simply called benzos, are a class of prescription drugs most commonly used to treat anxiety. However, they [...]
Weighing about three pounds, the liver is a dark reddish-brown organ located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity. It plays a vital role in maintaining a person's overall health, but about one in 10 Americans suffers from some type of liver disease. Excess alcohol consumption is one of the most well-known risk [...]
If this is your first summer in recovery, you may be wondering how you'll fill those long days without alcohol. Pop culture has programmed us to romanticize drinking as a crucial part of summertime fun, but the truth is that summer is 100% better when you're sober. When your mind, body, and spirit are healthy, [...]
What Is Gray Area Drinking? The concept of gray area drinking was popularized by Jolene Park in a 2017 TED talk. While this is not a medical diagnosis, the concept may be useful in helping you to determine if your alcohol consumption deserves a closer look. A Brief Gray Area Drinking Quiz Pop culture doesn't [...]
Suicide & Substance Abuse According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. There were 45,979 deaths as a result of suicide in 2020—the equivalent of about one death every 11 minutes. Many factors affect a person's suicide risk, including poverty, childhood trauma, bullying, and a family history of [...]
