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...
At the end of the day, all you may need is a good forest bath to help you stay well. Forest Bathing A topic that made national news not too long ago, the concept of forest bathing is just one of many back-to-nature practices that provide therapeutic benefits. And there’s no time like the present...
There’s a strong correlation between 12 Step programs and addiction recovery. Probably the most famous is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), “an international fellowship of men and women who have a drinking problem.” Founder Bill W. developed a book in 1939, now known as the Big Book, which outlined a 12-Step Program for someone recovering from alcoholism...
Throughout history, medical professionals have struggled to understand how people experience pain. The difference between an individual’s perception of pain and a physician’s assessment of that perception have made this a challenging task. The popular care response has been to provide whatever medication comes close to alleviating the most symptoms. This gives the patient a...
For many people, spirituality is often the same as religion. Some individuals rely on faith to provide awareness, cope with challenges, teach them to seek a calling, and show support for others in their community. Spirituality can also be techniques to help you stay present, interact positively in the world, have a guiding purpose, and...
There’s not a tried and true method for preventing relapse: just a series of reminders that help you focus on wellness. Too often, people don’t understand that the work someone puts into recovery only begins with specialized treatment. Afterward, each day requires you to use techniques learned in rehabilitation to stay focused on your value,...
To truly embrace your sobriety and recovery, you may have to change previous habits and behaviors. People compulsively use drugs or alcohol for different reasons, but many of them often indulge while with friends, at parties, during special events such as the holidays or other celebrations, or after work with colleagues. So, to adapt behavior...
Why is exercise good for you? One primary reason is because movement increases the flow of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Endorphins are essential hormones that promote feelings of pleasure and reduce pain. If you’re familiar with the term runner’s high, it’s in reference to the flood of endorphins produced in your body through intense exercise....
When someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it puts you in a difficult position. You’re on the front lines of battle, dealing with his or her behavior in a variety of negative ways: Increasing ill health Uncharacteristic behaviors, such as irresponsibility, lying, stealing, excessive promiscuity, and gambling Safety concerns for your loved...
