Watching someone you care about spiral out of control is heartbreaking. If your friend or family member is showing signs of an alcohol use disorder, you may feel as though you're hopelessly watching from the sidelines. However, there are several steps you can take to encourage your loved one to acknowledge the problem and begin [...]
Recovery is a time of new beginnings, which means you'll need to look at your relationships with a critical eye. If someone is engaging in toxic behaviors that pose a threat to your sobriety, it's best to end the relationship and focus on the more positive aspects of your life. Identifying Toxic Relationships A healthy [...]
Although most people think of infidelity and financial issues as the top causes of divorce, addiction is also a factor cited by many couples who are ending their marriages. Drug and alcohol abuse create a dysfunctional home environment that can strain even the most loving of relationships. However, addiction doesn't need to result in divorce [...]
Before you entered treatment, most of your free time was probably spent abusing drugs or alcohol. Now that you're in recovery, finding ways to fill your day will prevent boredom from triggering cravings. Try a New Hobby Recovery is the perfect time to reinvent yourself. If you've always wanted to learn to play the guitar, [...]
In the earliest stages of recovery, it's best to focus solely on self-care. However, once you've gone through withdrawal and built a foundation for sobriety, it's time to start thinking about how you can give back to others. Benefits of Giving Back in Recovery St. Francis of Assisi once said, “For it is in [...]
Addiction treatment plans are personalized to suit individual needs. In some cases, this may include the use of prescription medication to treat withdrawal symptoms, stabilize mood, and promote a solid foundation for recovery. Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and control [...]
No two people with substance use disorders are exactly alike, but women who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction often face certain challenges that are related to their gender. For the best chance at a lasting recovery, these issues must be addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment program. 1. Pregnancy Substance abuse impairs judgement, [...]
Alcohol abuse doesn't just affect the person with a substance use disorder. The effects of addiction also influence relationships with loved ones, especially spouses or romantic partners. Taking the time to better understand what relationship issues are linked to alcohol abuse can help you create healthier bonds as you move forward with your recovery. How [...]
The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but meeting this target can be difficult if you're in recovery for a substance use disorder. A study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that people in the early stages of recovery struggle with sleep problems at rates that are five times [...]
A quality substance abuse treatment program can help you start your journey to sobriety on the right track. As you're researching your options, remember that there are four key factors a program should provide to set you up for success: performing a detailed assessment of your needs, taking an evidence-based approach to treatment, addressing the [...]
