Did you know that an important feedback loop runs between your body and your mind? The parts of the body are individual but not separate, meaning they are interconnected and strongly influence each other. In addiction recovery, this phenomenon is known as the mind-body connection. Believe it or not, drug and alcohol abuse can negatively … Read more
Whether you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert, socialization is essential for your well-being. Unfortunately, most of their social interactions may have centered around substance use for many people struggling with substance addiction. When you are used to hanging out with friends who use drugs or alcohol, sober socialization may be challenging. However, sober … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly contributed to increased levels of stress and isolation for most individuals. Alcohol sales and consumption have been on the rise, leading to more cases of alcohol use disorders and even deaths. The impact of these pandemic-related increases in substance use over time is immense, so understanding the reasons, risks, and … Read more
Embarking on the road to recovery is an exciting time, but it can also be intimidating. The thought of returning to everyday life means at some point you’ll likely run into situations that may trigger your desire to re-engage with substances. The key is to intentionally prioritize sobriety when engaging in social activities in your … Read more
You may have heard the terms “dual diagnosis” or “comorbidity” when it comes to talking about alcohol use disorder. These are phrases commonly used to describe co-occurring mental health conditions for people who also have an alcohol addiction. The link between alcohol dependence and mental health is complex because both conditions can cause, play off … Read more
Most people know that drinking too much may harm their health, though most don’t know that alcohol addiction may have negative effects on their physical, mental and emotional health. It may also disrupt family relationships and cause lasting emotional pain. Alcohol use has become so normalized in social settings that many individuals and families experience … Read more
Many people may not know that caring for pets can present many benefits for recovering individuals. This is especially true when people are transitioning from a treatment center to their home environment. While family and friends should make up the core group of social support for people in recovery, having a pet is another way … Read more
Have you been using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the pains of past trauma? Do you notice a loved one resorting to substance use because of unresolved traumatic experiences? Trauma is understood as an intense emotional response to some life-threatening or dangerous events such as fatal accidents or abuse. Scientists and … Read more
By the time you’ve reached long-term sobriety, perhaps your fear and thoughts of relapse have become infrequent. What do you do when one day, some familiar craving suddenly pops into your head? You might think to yourself, “How could this be happening?” Does long-term sobriety mean no cravings at all? Actually, it is not uncommon … Read more
Social life is essential for someone who is recovering from addiction. Let’s face it: going to treatment was hard, and you need to have some fun. However, your social life will now look different. You must work on rebuilding your social life now that you have had the opportunity to develop healthy habits and avoid … Read more
