At any time, someone may become so overwhelmed by certain emotions they revert to unhealthy habits. For someone previously addicted to drugs or alcohol, this tendency isn’t greater or worse—just different. Resiliency has a lot to do with how we react to negative circumstances. The definition of resilience is “the capacity to recover quickly from...
It’s heartbreaking to stand by as someone you love struggles with addiction. It’s devastating to know there’s only so much you can do. Right now, it’s important to understand you have the right to take care of yourself first. Just as you’re advised to do when flying: apply your oxygen mask before assisting others with...
Our fast-paced, immediately-accessible lifestyles can present easy distraction from the things that matter most. For this reason, Willingway doesn’t allow personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as cell phones, laptops, or smart watches, during inpatient rehabilitation. On your initial journey to sobriety, you’ll experience a number of mental, emotional, and physical changes necessary to break the...
To help continue a solid road to recovery, your counselor’s continuum of care plan may include transitioning you from inpatient rehabilitation to an extended stay or sober living program. While your initial treatment helped you achieve a chemically-free baseline, there are still aspects of behavior, environmental influences, and perhaps even more complex medical issues that...
A common question about substance abuse is whether it’s hereditary. Yes, there can be a genetic predisposition to substance abuse. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) states that “at least half of a person’s susceptibility to drug or alcohol addiction can be linked to genetic factors.” However, understanding the other half of that equation...
While many people overcome their fears to triumph over drug and alcohol addiction, recovery can also be a frightening experience. Choosing a Sober Life Choosing a sober life requires perseverance. Your decisions to stay the course are authentic, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be moments when you feel isolated. Creating a network of resources...
Although it may be hard to admit, your adolescent son or daughter, or another teenage loved one, may have a substance abuse problem. Typical Teen or Trouble? It’s important to know the difference between indicators of drug or alcohol use and typical teen behavior. Early detection and intervention are two critical tools to helping young...
If you’re experiencing sleeplessness after substance abuse treatment, you’re not alone. Many Americans have sleep deficits. Unfortunately, because you’re in recovery, you have a greater chance of suffering from insomnia than most people, at least temporarily. Sleep deprivation can be serious, so it’s important to develop a bedtime ritual, adapt good sleep hygiene, and embrace...
After dealing with the challenges of addiction and braving the journey to recovery, it’s heartening to think life has new possibilities. This is important for you to remember each day as you choose sobriety. It’s also a necessary component for rebuilding the bonds between you and the people you love. It’s often hard to think...
When you’ve completed rehabilitation for substance abuse disorder, it’s a major life event. Does this mean that everyone needs to know about it? That’s totally up to you. There are many reasons why you may need to reveal this transition, and yet other situations don’t require any explanation. You’ll have to evaluate each circumstance and...
