Understanding Addiction as a Chronic Disease
Unfortunately, graduating from residential treatment doesn't mean your substance use disorder has been cured. Addiction is considered a chronic disease, which means the condition must be continually managed to reduce the risk of relapse. The Chronic Nature of Addiction Chronic [...]
Managing Depression and Anxiety Without Medication
When it comes to managing depression and anxiety, there's no right answer. For some people, medication is a vital part of keeping their condition under control. For others, lifestyle changes let them work towards naturally improving their mental health. This [...]
What Is Dry Drunk Syndrome?
True recovery involves more than mere abstinence. Someone who has quit drinking, but has yet to embrace the characteristics associated with a wellness-focused sober lifestyle, is sometimes referred to by others in recovery as a dry drunk. The term dry [...]
Who Needs to Know Your Sobriety Story?
Your Recovery Journey After you've completed residential treatment at St. Joseph Institute for Addiction, you have the skills necessary to build a sober life for yourself. However, it's natural to find yourself feeling conflicted in regards to sharing your recovery [...]
Parenting in Recovery: How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Children
Recovery is a time of new beginnings. For many parents, this means improving their relationship with their children. No matter what challenges your family has faced in the past, there's always hope for a brighter tomorrow and a healthier family [...]
6 Ways to Help an Alcoholic
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 [...]
Understanding the Connection Between Addiction and Divorce
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 [...]
Giving Back in Recovery
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 [...]
Understanding the Medications Commonly Used in Addiction Treatment
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 [...]
5 Issues Affecting Women Who Struggle with Addiction
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 [...]