We were always playing a character in our addiction. Our walls went up and we chose what to let other see, rarely giving anyone a glimpse at our true self. Alcohol and drugs allowed us to feel comfortable with ourselves for a brief moment in time, but when we were not using, we could rarely…
In a state of active addiction, we tried and failed to control our drug and alcohol use. No matter how hard we tried, we could not face the reality of the fact that we had lost control of our ability to use substances without our lives spiraling out of control. Surrender and acceptance go hand-in-hand.…
Relapse is far too common in recovery and doesn’t discriminate. Men and women with years of sobriety have found themselves fall back into addiction, often much worse than it was before they became sober. Relapse is never a reason to give up on sobriety, and everyone can get back to a happy and healthy state…
Living in addiction is chaotic, and we rarely care to have a healthy, routine sleep schedule. After so much time spent without a healthy sleep pattern, it can be difficult to develop one in sobriety. Sleep is incredibly important in the recovery healing process. Too much or too little sleep can have devastating effects on…
Many men and women in active addiction allow their health to fall by the wayside. We find our lives being driven by drugs and alcohol, and end up caring very little about our own physical health. Proper nutrition and healthy eating habits are rarely considered before sobriety, but we find these to be crucial when…
Before sobriety, we rarely gave much thought to taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasure of life. However, in recovery we begin to take notice of the small joys and beauty in our lives. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness of the present moment allows us to feel better and carry a sense of awe with…
Opioids are one of the most addictive substances a person can use. The current opioid epidemic is due, in part, to many people who begin using prescription opioid painkillers, but move onto harder drugs like heroin after they develop physical dependence. Their addictive nature comes from their ability to change brain chemistry very quickly, as…
Going to a treatment facility is a frightening prospect. We have made a resolution to rid ourselves of our addiction, but we don’t know what to expect. The effectiveness of our treatment depends largely on our willingness to allow ourselves to be helped and engage in our treatment plan. Here are four things to try…
Everyone is concerned with their appearance. In active addiction, we are often unable to see the damage we have caused to our looks. It can be quite a blow to finally see ourselves the way that others have seen us. The natural progression of sobriety usually repairs the harm we have done to our appearance.…
12-Step recovery programs focus on spirituality as a tool to achieving sobriety. Newcomers to 12-Step recovery programs often see the word “God” and assume that the program must be religious in nature. While spirituality and a belief in a higher power are necessary to the program, there is a strong distinction between “spiritual” and “religious”.…