Kudzu 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…
DetailsRelapse is unfortunately common in early recovery. It is easy for us to feel that we don’t need to continue engaging in recovery practices or go to meetings or live an ethical and spiritual life. However, once we stop doing these things, we may want to consider that we could be headed toward relapse. If…
DetailsMany people have the experience of going through the difficult process of detoxifying their body of alcohol and drugs, only to relapse quickly after leaving treatment. It is not an uncommon situation– about 85% of people who seek treatment relapse on drugs within one year after discharge. This is because there is no cure for…
DetailsThe decision to seek help for addiction is the most important decision we will ever make. There are many psychological blocks that keep us from taking this vital step toward recovery. We often feel too ashamed or guilty to admit that we have a problem and open up about our struggles. Yet, once we are…
DetailsMany people view the disease model of addiction with skepticism. They may assume that people who are addicted to drugs are making the conscious decision to continue using simply because they enjoy the feeling. In the beginning stages of drug use, this may be true. However, as addiction develops, it entirely changes the brain in…
DetailsAlthough overshadowed by the growing opioid epidemic, the rates of benzodiazepine abuse in the United States have skyrocketed. Often, benzodiazepines are taken along with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants, causing a potentially lethal combination of substances. Many people look to the pharmaceutical industry to blame or the media and entertainment for introducing a younger generation…
DetailsPrayer and meditation are suggested in the 12-step program of recovery. However, they an be effective tools regardless of what recovery program we choose to follow. Although prayer and meditation sound like religious practices, we can benefit from them whether we are religious or not. The great thing about prayer and meditation is that they…
DetailsThe greatest thing about recovery is the vastness and inclusivity of the recovery community. No matter where we are, we can almost always find a meeting close by or reach out to someone in the recovery community for support. There are even recovery meetings that take place online if we are unable to find one…
DetailsThe initial wave of the baby boomer generation turned 65 years old in 2011. Currently, older adults make up 30% of the population in the United States. The rates of older adults are increasing, and so too are the rates of alcoholism and addiction among the older generation. However, many older adults are unwilling to…
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