Staying Sober When Your Friends Still Drink
Part of the reason why it's so hard for people with alcohol use disorders to manage their condition is that the idea of drinking is deeply embedded in our culture. Movies and TV shows show characters having fun by depicting [...]
Understanding Delirium Tremens and Alcohol Withdrawal
If you're ready to seek treatment for an alcohol use disorder, detox will be the first step in your recovery journey. This is the process of helping your body adjust to functioning without alcohol. In most cases, detox is merely [...]
Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: Getting Help for a Dual Diagnosis
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be heartbreaking to watch, and the impact of a loved one's addiction adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. It is common to feel powerless in the face of your loved one's [...]
Can Long-Term Marijuana Use Cause Permanent Damage to My Health?
When you first started using marijuana, you were simply interested in relaxing and having a good time with your friends. Now that cannabis has become a regular part of your life, you may be wondering if it could be doing [...]
Coping with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
For many people contemplating addiction treatment, the thought of withdrawal gives them pause. Although specific symptoms depend on the substance being abused, a person's overall health, and the length of their addiction, withdrawal is often associated with uncomfortable symptoms such [...]
Drug Overdoses Can Lead to Lasting Brain Damage
Many of us are prone to "either/or" thinking that affects our risk perception. For example, we often talk about drug overdoses in a way that assumes a person either suffers a fatal overdose or recovers with no lasting long-term effects. [...]
What Are the Risks of Detoxing Without Medical Supervision?
What Are the Risks of Detoxing Without Medical Supervision? Although most people think of detox as merely uncomfortable, the reality is that withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be dangerous if you don't take proper precautions. Symptoms are notoriously [...]
Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the best-known self-help program for men and women struggling with alcohol abuse. However, many people have questions about the role that spirituality and religion play in the program. AA Is Spiritual, Not Religious The founders of [...]
How are you celebrating your soberversary?
How are you celebrating your soberversary? A soberversary is a commemorative event celebrating the anniversary of your sobriety. You can think of it as your sober “birthday” to mark the growth of the new person you’re becoming now that your [...]