Addiction |

We’ve all experienced cravings for one thing or another—a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, even a cigarette. More About Cravings With these substances, our bodies go through physiological changes when we regularly consume them. Each prompts a chemical reaction in the brain: take it away, and our systems begin to wonder where it...

There are many tough conversations parents and guardians need to have with children. One involves drug and alcohol use and the perils of addiction. Maybe your 2nd grader heard something on the playground. Perhaps you’ve noticed your teen’s behaviors are more unusual. Maybe an offhand comment about a relative at a family gathering raised questions...

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...

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...

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. It Raises Several Questions Depending on your background and how much you understand about the disease of addiction, reactions will vary. For some people, finding out that the...

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...