High-Functioning Addiction One of the greatest challenges is recognizing when you or someone you love has a substance problem—especially when they seem to handle daily life just fine. Unfortunately, some people can be what medical professionals deem “high-functioning” but still struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Misconceptions Hide True Problems There are many preconceived notions...

Prescription sleep aids aren’t supposed to be addictive, but when people have problems with chronic insomnia, they often use these drugs in ways that differ from doctors’ recommendations. They might also use them to get high. A commonly misused sleep medication is Ambien. If someone becomes reliant on Ambien, they’ll likely need professional treatment to...

Once considered a novel pastime called “audio blogging,” podcasts are now a popular form of entertainment, news, and inspiration. At this writing, there are more than one million podcasts, and approximately 68 million people in the U.S. listen to a podcast every week. What’s the Appeal? Podcasts are easily accessible and transportable. Many people appreciate...

Here’s a fast fact: exercise and substance use both activate the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. So if you’re considering new sober living choices, the natural “runner’s high” you get from regular movement is one of your best tools for long-lasting recovery. Exercise: Good for Body and Mind How can something so simple have...

While many people eagerly anticipate the togetherness and good cheer of the holiday season, it’s important to understand that not everyone feels joyful and bright this time of year. If you or a loved one has trouble with substance abuse and think substances are the only option to make it through the next few weeks,...

There you are, standing by the buffet table at your grandmother’s house, when Uncle Fred slips up beside you and says, “So! You’re fresh out of rehab! How ya’ feelin’?” Now what? Whether you’re gathered with family during the holiday season or helping your cousin move across town, don’t be surprised if people want to...

About Depression There’s a strong connection between depression and substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in the nation. The American Academy of Family Physicians referenced a 2018 National Center for Health Statistics report that indicated one out of every 12 American adults has...

While we don’t want to split aspects of health by gender, it’s important to note that men often have specific challenges to overcome regarding addiction treatment and recovery. The more we understand these issues, the easier it is to provide a clear path. “Manly Men” Don’t Need Help In our society, there’s a prevailing attitude...

Tips for Working the 12 Steps So you completed inpatient rehabilitation facility treatment and learned about a 12-Step program. Maybe you even have a program sponsor from whom you receive helpful guidance for your recovery. Ultimately, though, “working the steps” is a soulful, individual journey that requires courage, diligence, and humility. Here are some tips...

When you discover your teenager has a drug problem that has gone beyond an experimental phase, determining what to do next is often a frightening and complicated process full of questions. How did this happen? Why didn’t I see the signs? Will treatment help make them healthy? What methods work best? How will a stay...