According to research from the RAND organization, when Veterans return home from deployment, nearly 50 percent experience difficulties with their families, and more than 40 percent struggle to adjust to civilian life. Some face additional battles, too, such as PTSD, depression, anger management, substance and alcohol misuse, and the effects of traumatic brain injuries. In...

Habit stacking isn’t simply a catchphrase: it’s an evidence-based behavioral change strategy to help you use existing habits as the building blocks to create more desirable ones—and stick to them. This might be an exciting new approach for you as you continue to build a purposeful life in recovery. Let’s take a closer look.  How...

When we think of stress, it often involves work demands, obligations we can’t ignore, sudden life changes, and other external factors. But sometimes people contribute to our stress in recovery, too, by wanting or asking more than what we’re capable of in the moment. So knowing how and when to say no while reinforcing boundaries...

There are many reasons why someone might use alcohol or drugs to excess. Trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief, and other catalysts are just a few of the underlying factors that come to light during addiction rehabilitation treatment. But sometimes, people use substances to cope with social anxiety and often have trouble building better social skills...

There are a lot of great jokes about parenting. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld said, “A two-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.”  Humorist Erma Bombeck wrote, “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.”  Screenwriter Judd...

Recognizing the need for drug or alcohol treatment is a critical first step: finding the right recovery center is the vital second step. Whether you’re searching for yourself or for a loved one, the questions to ask a rehab center’s admission team should be detailed so you develop a sense of confidence and trust that...

Once one of the most widely-prescribed drugs in the U.S., Vicodin was a fixed-dose combination analgesic containing hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. Then in 2011, the Food and Drug Administration put new restrictions on its formulation, along with that of Vicodin ES and Vicodin HP, and those three particular brands were discontinued.  However, there’s still a...

It’s a common misconception that creativity is only reserved for people who paint, draw, write, sing, and so on. In reality, all of us have the potential to explore creativity in different ways, developing a sense of satisfaction that fuels our recovery success. We offer these tips for tapping into your imagination and innovation.  The...

You don’t have to assume the label of “foodie” to appreciate innovative flavors and different approaches in dining. Some studies even suggest that one of the numerous advantages of being sober is your sense of taste improves. So if you’ve been curious about non-alcoholic beverages, crafters work hard to introduce a wide range of satisfying...

Happy Holidays from Willingway. I’m David Gerber, and this is a Willingway CEO Minute. When it comes to substance use disorders, holidays are a time of tremendous ambivalence. You know you have a loved one who needs help, and yet you’re also hoping that they can make it through to the New Year. But too...