The words “happy, joyous, and free” are said quite frequently in the rooms of recovery meetings. However, what are they referring to? It seems simple enough– we find happiness in sobriety, our lives become filled with joy, and we are free from the chains of addiction. However, the happiness, joyousness, and freedom that we experience…
DetailsThe immune system is responsible for the body’s ability to defend against bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and other dangerous pathogens. Without a properly functioning immune system, we are entirely defenseless against disease-causing microorganisms. Drugs and alcohol weaken the immune system and leave us vulnerable to both common and severe infections. One of the most important…
DetailsRecovery is about mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Drugs and alcohol were a way for us to stay within our comfort zones. We self-medicated to cope with any and all external stressors and found solace in the immediate comfort provided by intoxication. Sobriety gives us a chance to take on new challenges and gain confidence…
DetailsAddiction already carries the risk of extreme life consequences, but when a person is both pregnant and addicted to drugs and alcohol, the potential risks increase dramatically. Pregnant women require treatment that addresses their specific needs if they are to be successful in overcoming addiction. Without treatment, the consequences of drug addiction and alcoholism will…
DetailsThe great Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, “The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness.” When we enter into recovery, we often felt disconnected from ourselves for quite some time. We don’t know what truly makes us feel happiness aside from intoxication, nor do we know what makes us unhappy. Recovery is…
DetailsMany people in recovery continue to smoke cigarettes. While nicotine is not psychoactive enough to trigger one’s physical allergy to cause them to relapse, there is evidence that smoking cigarettes is linked with substance use, relapse, and a slower recovery process. Quitting smoking when we enter into sobriety can be an effective way to improve…
DetailsIt is easy to fall into unhealthy thought patterns of internal shame and external blame. We never wanted to find ourselves caught so tightly in the grips of addiction that it was impossible to live the lives we expected to have before drugs and alcohol. Our pasts, however dark and full of suffering they may…
DetailsMany people are unwilling to go to treatment for drug and alcohol detoxification. They believe that they would be more comfortable detoxifying at home without assistance. There is also the factor of social stigma and people may fear that entering into treatment would lead to a loss of respect from others. While it is important…
DetailsKudzu is a perennial vine native to Japan and Southeast Asia. It was originally introduced to the United States in 1876 during the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, then it began being promoted as a great ornamental plant in the 1930’s through the 1950’s. The problem with kudzu is that it is an invasive species with vines…
DetailsRelapse is a terrify but all too common situation that men and women in recovery find themselves facing. Relapse does not mean that one has failed in recovery. It simply indicated that an individual must summon the courage to try again and re-enter treatment if necessary. It may be important to take into account how…
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