Many of our addictions progressed to the point of using hard drugs, like heroin or cocaine, and we are left wondering if it would be possible to return to the point where we were using “softer” drugs. Through experience, we have found this to be an impossibility. The problem lies in the progressive and chronic…
DetailsOne of the greatest fears for anyone in recovery is that of judgement. Many of us spent a long time wearing masks or cultivating a persona to keep others from judging us. It can be hard to shake this fear, even in sobriety. We need to fearlessly examine ourselves and allow ourselves to get vulnerable…
DetailsThe recent decriminalization of marijuana in many states has led to many people to the conclusion that marijuana is a safe a non-addicting drug. Although the addictive potential of marijuana is not as great as that of “hard” drugs like cocaine and opioids, marijuana is, in fact, capable of causing physical dependence and addiction. According…
DetailsThe first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” What, then, does it mean to lose manageability in one’s life? Most people assume that “unmanageability” refers to losing control over external aspects of our lives, like relationships, finances, and employment. However, there is also the…
DetailsOur decision not to use mind or mood-altering substances is no reason to allow our health to suffer. Physicians have our best interest in mind, but it is our responsibility to openly communicate with them about our disease of addiction. Most medical professionals will be understanding and help guide us toward a solution with minimal…
DetailsIn treatment, we may feel shame for the feelings that we are experiencing. However, we need to recognize that our depression, loneliness, and regret are not unique. Nearly everyone who has overcome addiction and alcoholism has struggles with the same feelings. Instead of keeping these feelings to ourselves, we must find the courage to effectively…
DetailsWhen a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, we want to be as supportive as possible. However, sometimes our love can cause us to hurt them rather than help them. Our attempts to support them can turn into enabling behavior, which exacerbates the nature of their addiction. If someone in a state of…
DetailsFeelings of depression are very likely during withdrawal and the early stages of sobriety. It is important to speak with a professional about feelings of depression to determine the best course to take to manage the symptoms, as depression can easily lead one toward relapse. Symptoms of depression can occur at any point, but are…
DetailsPhencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, is a dissociative drug with dangerous mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects. Although popular in the 1980’s, since 2012 PCP has gained a resurgence in popularity. The effects of PCP on the brain and body can cause potentially lethal immediate effect and long-term health complications. PCP was first used in the…
DetailsForgiving those whom we have harmed in the past can be difficult. We look back at the situations that hurt us and are often unable to see past the damage that was caused to us. Holding onto the pain caused by another person can be dangerous in our sobriety, however, and impede us on our…
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