Early recovery is a time when our emotions return and may even be heightened for a period of time. We spent so much time deadening our emotional natures with drugs and alcohol, that it is only natural that we will begin to feel a strong resurgence of emotion in sobriety. One such emotion, empathy, often…
We used drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with the discomfort of the outside world. Rarely could we enter into any social situation without being under the influence of substances. We felt safe and protected in a cloud of intoxication. Eventually, however, we found ourselves isolating and entirely unable to face the outside…
With Thanksgiving now behind us, it’s only a matter of time before Christmas is here. For some of us, the holidays allow us to enjoy the rest and relaxation we need in the comfort of family and friends we love. For others, though, the holiday season may be marked by grief, regret, or loss.It’s important…
Hives appear as red lumps on the surface of the skin. They vary in size. Sometimes they can be very small, but at other times they can be as big as the size of a saucer. Hives can be itchy, or they can give a burning sensation. In most cases, hives result from allergic reactions…
When you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder, it can be difficult to break the individual habits that brought you to addiction on your own. Professional help is sometimes necessary for you to make the little changes you need to focus on in order to find true sobriety. The patterns that you are operating within…
Group therapy in recovery isn’t always easy. It can be difficult sometimes to break the ice and encourage open discussion within a group, particularly if it’s new. For many, games can help a group overcome that initial awkwardness. When you provide a space where adults in treatment can be themselves and talk freely without judgment,…
Making a significant change in your life is always scary, and getting sober is no different. There can be all kinds of roadblocks between you and your recovery, and they may come from directions you don’t expect. Sometimes, your own attitude about your substance use is the main obstacle in your recovery and lasting sobriety.…
Addiction recovery is a process that takes time. If you only complete part of a program and leave rehab early, your likelihood of relapsing is much greater than if you finish strong. If we continue this train of thought, you might think that going straight from rehab back to your regular living situation might not…
A drug or alcohol addiction can rule your life. Substance abuse disorders are hard to combat, and even after you’ve achieved sobriety, you’re not completely out of the woods. Relapse can be a part of recovery, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing when it happens. A relapse means you have to put in…
It’s easy to start drinking. In today’s society, it’s considered a rite of passage to have your first drink, and social culture almost seems to revolve solely around alcohol and how best to consume it. People drink heavily on holidays, have champagne or shots to celebrate a win, turn to a glass of whiskey to…