Addiction recovery success is often reinforced by an individual’s support network. For many people, the foundation of that network is family. Make no mistake: one person with a substance abuse problem affects the entire family. It’s a disease without boundaries. In order for true healing to happen, all members should go through some form of...Read More
Let’s be honest: if you need substance abuse treatment, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. It’s always going to be a challenging, life-changing decision. During the holidays, we often associate an idyllic greeting card experience with resolving all of our problems. We extend a lot of “if onlys” wishes upon the wonder...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
No matter how nonjudgmental of a person you may be, finding out that the person you’re dating is in recovery can be a tough truth to navigate. Depending on your background and how much you understand about the disease of addiction, reactions will vary. For some people, finding out that the person you’re dating once...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
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...Read More
While many people overcome their fears to triumph over drug and alcohol addiction, recovery can also be a frightening experience. 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 can help you avoid...Read More
