Do you know that shame and guilt aren’t the same feelings? More importantly, shame can actually hamper your recovery process, while guilt can create a new path of healing, especially once you’re able to release it. How might this happen? Understanding the Differences Between Guilt & Shame In 2012, professor and researcher Brené Brown, now...

Faith is frequently at the crossroads of addiction and recovery. But is it an all-or-nothing proposition? Will the power of faith, however you choose to define it, reinforce your goals and help make sobriety easier? It depends on your perspective. What Defines Faith? For many people in recovery, participating in 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics...

Ahhhh, sleep! Few things make you feel as wonderful as a full amount of rest that provides energy to spare. Unfortunately, a lot of factors interfere with how well we sleep—and most of the time, we try to ignore them. A better focus on sleep hygiene is worth prioritizing. Sleep: The Giant Reset Button We...

One of the most complicated issues regarding addiction treatment for veterans is a pervasive code of silence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that “Zero-tolerance policies, lack of confidentiality, and mandatory random drug testing that might deter drug use can also add to stigma, and could discourage many who need treatment from seeking...

We know that over the course of human history, children have suffered through tremendous events. But it’s only been in the last few decades that scientists have tried to understand how adverse childhood experiences affect adult behaviors and what can be done to improve health. What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences? From 1995 to 1997, an...

As more states legalize marijuana, especially for medical use, it’s easy to be confused about whether this drug is safe or has risks like many other substances. Here’s the bottom line: just like tobacco or alcohol, marijuana might be legal in some places, but there’s a lot to learn about its impact, especially for people...

We’ll just say it out loud: when you first enter addiction recovery, it’s often overwhelming. Everything is new and different. There’s a rush of emotions. Dealing with everything requires a different set of skills. But after about a month or so, you start to gain important clarity. And that’s when you can set goals for...

It’s no surprise that some people with trauma often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. To treat addiction effectively, it’s critical to acknowledge traumatic incidents in a way that’s affirming, supportive, and healing—instead of letting them fester and cause more harm. The Dangers of Hidden Trauma The Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center provides this...

Hydrocodone is an opioid medication often prescribed to treat chronic pain. As an opiate, it’s also a popular street drug. Prolonged use, whether as directed by a health care provider or illicitly, can be habit forming and requires professional treatment to reduce the effects of hydrocodone withdrawal. Understanding Hydrocodone Pronounced “high-droe-KOE-dohn,” this drug is a...

The people we surround ourselves with—our circle of influence, if you will—really matter for our continued well-being. But what about individuals who help us aspire to improve and grow? Where does that influence come from, and why? Let’s explore why personal heroes are important for your recovery. What a Hero Is—and Isn’t. When we were...