Humans are hard-wired for pleasure seeking things like sex, food, drugs, and other means of achieving a good time. Many people also fall into the category of wanting ‘rewarding’ experiences as well. Rewards are not as important but they must be attractive enough to capture a person’s attention. When you start to move past reward-based…
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The ‘fourth stage’ of rehab from drugs and alcohol is reaching advanced recovery where long-lasting abstinence is possible. Advanced recovery, sometimes called stable recovery, typically begins after five years of sustained abstinence. Throughout the continuing care phase of rehab, people must learn to make healthier, more productive, choices in all areas of life. Advanced recovery…
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A new development in the field of addiction care is increasing implementation of holistic treatments that approach wellbeing from the perspective of a person’s mind, body, and spirit. Holistic treatment, in this sense, is about the power of whole recovery versus looking at each disparate part. Holistic Treatment A complementary treatment strategy is used with…
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Young people start abusing drugs when they come from a place of despair and hopelessness. They might not know their life can get any better than it is right now. At any age, it is appropriate to know that breaking the cycle of despair can bring hope and healing any point of the journey. Once…
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When family and friends try to help those with alcoholism, they might be making it easier for them to continue in progression of the disease and disorder that is alcoholism. Enabling takes many forms, but generally allows the person with alcoholism to avoid consequences. Learn more about enabling behaviors and how to heal. What is…
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Addiction can creep up on you before you even realize it has happened. In hindsight, you may see a problem existed for awhile and you were not ready to admit it, but now is the time to seek help. Even if you hit close to rock bottom, there is no sense going all the way…
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A key ingredient to recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs is a healthy lifestyle. Treatment and rehab professionals agree mere abstinence is not enough for recovery. Some other components of health and wellness must be abided by if a person wants to stay focused on long-term goals. Smoking is one way people with addiction…
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Drinking can easily get out of control. During treatment, withdrawal can be painful. Even when it eases, something called kindling can happen which might take people by surprise. Detox and withdrawal in rapid succession can have detrimental effects for people in recovery. Learn more about the effects of kindling and how to prevent it from…
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When a person struggles with alcohol dependency, they can also experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings when they try to stop drinking. This craving for alcohol is one reason a large majority of people quit drinking but fail to be successful the first time. Cravings are strong and compel people to keep drinking in spite of…
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New year, new you is what they say. Sobriety is more than just hitting a new year and resolving to stay clean in recovery. Uncomfortable feelings arise and they have to go somewhere. When it comes to setting proper boundaries, it helps to have a plan in place to help set a positive focus for…
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