Prescription painkillers are being abused at high levels right now but law enforcement, government agencies, and physicians are being challenged with how to deal with the issue of painkiller use. What they are not discussing is why people are using the pills to manage pain and how answering this question can transform the war on…
If you ever wondered whether golf could teach you a thing or two about addiction recovery, you were right. There are lots of ways the sport can help you improve your grip on more than a golf club. Your life has changed and now you are forced to adapt your swing and start a new…
When you’re in early recovery, you might feel your life is dreary. After all, you’re used to getting high, having ‘fun’ and not taking much, if any, responsibility. However, getting sober doesn’t mean getting used to a life of boredom. Recovery is a learning process, and part of it is learning how to have fun…
Early recovery is like getting a second chance at life. Getting clean and sober is a start, but one also needs to learn a whole new way of life, including new ways of communication. This can almost feel like learning a new language, and you can face obstacles along the way. Rest assured that there…
Do you always have to be right? Are you always coming out on top when in an argument or debate? Do you hate being proven wrong, because it makes you feel ill at ease for the rest of the day? A lot of times this kind of single minded persistence can come in handy, but…
For someone in rehab, family visitations are important. Different recovery facilities have different policies. Some may only allow visits on designated days, while some may only allow immediate family members on weekends. Others may not encourage visits for the first few weeks. While an initial break in contact is crucial so your loved one can…
It is common knowledge within 12 Step groups that newcomers will be advised to avoid making any major life changes in their first year of recovery. Why is this good advice? The fact is that the person in recovery will already have a lot going on, without have to deal with the stress of additional…
Getting clean and sober brings a sense of euphoria all its own. The phase of early recovery when you experience extreme happiness and excitement is called the ‘pink cloud.’ some people call it ‘the honeymoon phase,’ but it is also quite dangerous for many reasons. If you are in the pink cloud you may miss…
Everyone learns differently and some people really like those visual cues to help them get motivated. Other people like hands-on experience which helps promote a forward-thinking attitude. You might respond differently to various styles of addiction treatment. For many people, participating in therapeutic recreational activities can be powerful in addiction recovery. The Benefits Recreational therapy…
A high-functioning alcoholic may be able to do many things everyone else can do: work, socialize, and go about daily life without being hindered by drinking behavior. Some people may even be able to become top achievers at the height of their professions. Even so, a high functioning alcoholic will struggle to keep obligations and…