The term “emotional regulation” refers to your ability to, according to scientists, “modify the duration or intensity of emotions to best respond to environmental challenges.” As you’ve moved through different stages of addiction treatment and recovery, you might have touched on this concept while exploring the root causes of substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol...

Celebrating winter festivities often provides extra joy, even if you’re not frolicking in the snow. And if you’re in recovery, you have another reason to spread good cheer: continued progress with a healthy new direction. So here are some suggestions to make the season bright.  Create a holiday playlist As a gift or for yourself,...

Holistic therapies contribute a great deal to your sobriety success and overall wellness. From spending quality time in nature and meditation to biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation, there are many methods you can use to reduce stress and stay calm. Vagus nerve stimulation is another helpful technique to try.  What’s the Vagus Nerve? Your body’s...

During recovery, when temptation and self-doubt threaten to pull you back into old patterns, cultivating gratitude serves as a grounding force, shifting focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Most importantly, finding reasons to be thankful has proven benefits for your life overall—which makes sobriety even easier.  What Science Says About Gratitude The site Grateful...

According to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report released with data collected in 2023, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Veterans under 45, with men disproportionately affected than women. Contributing factors include:  PTSD and other trauma Trouble with addiction, such as developing substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD)...

Many young people and teens believe a little experimentation with drugs or alcohol isn’t a big deal, especially when they’re trying to have a good time with their friends. However, ecstasy requires a closer look, as it can have serious health consequences. Fortunately, effective ecstasy withdrawal and treatment is possible when managed by addiction professionals. ...

The power of routine and rituals in our lives, especially to help us stay sober, can’t be denied. For many people, spirituality is at the heart of daily actions. Why might this positive approach to wellness help you avoid relapse? There are many reasons.  Spirituality as Sobriety Support In all its many forms, spirituality can...

There’s no reason to doubt that therapy will help in your addiction rehabilitation and recovery goals. However, finding the best approach impacts the success of your progress—and if you’ve tried one method and it wasn’t a good fit, it might be necessary to consider other options. Would motivational interviewing be more effective? Or cognitive behavioral...

It’s tragic to watch someone you care for struggle with drug or alcohol misuse. On one hand, you know they’re fighting a disease they can’t manage without assistance. On the other, you might not feel comfortable getting involved in their health matters. But deep down, you probably understand that your friend with a substance abuse...

When you set your sights on a healing course, trying different therapeutic techniques to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors gives you a strong advantage. This approach helps you design a purposeful life in recovery and all other aspects of your life. If you have yet to try motivational interviewing, there are many benefits you...