Recovery |

One of life’s most simple yet powerful pleasures is a good belly laugh. You know the kind: it starts down deep and just makes your whole body shake, and maybe even prompts a few joyful tears! Laughter is a vital boost to our well-being, and there are many ways to get a few chuckles, giggles,...

So, it happened. You’ve relapsed. Maybe because of extreme circumstances or because of a compulsive urge that took control. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that recovery isn’t worth trying again. Here’s how to regain your purpose of sobriety. Why People Relapse Though you’re far from being just another number, unfortunately, statistics show that relapse...

Social media can be one way to maintain a connection with people who share your interests and circumstances. At Willingway, we’re happy to provide a presence on Facebook and Instagram to help foster a community among individuals celebrating sobriety and create a gateway to others seeking treatment they can trust. But when is social media...

In those moments when we feel like no one understands what we’ve been through, the power of story can reconnect us. It’s less reliance on the old adage “misery loves company” and more the importance of knowing we’re not alone in our recovery journey, and that everyone has the incredible fortitude to rise from suffering,...

Few emotions are as complicated as grief, and each one of us deals with it differently. A greater challenge to recovering from grief is when people can’t seem to move through it and choose maladaptive behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol to cope. But there are better ways to heal. What Is Grief? According...

Everyone experiences burnout. Certain life circumstances—such as workplace pressure, caring for a busy family or an ailing senior parent, or consistent financial trouble—can wear you down. If it’s important to maintain sobertity in addition to everything else, it’s only natural to feel stretched thin. So how do you cope with burnout in recovery? Understanding the...

In the U.S., fewer than 10 percent of the 30 million people with addiction seek treatment. Why this statistic rarely changes is complicated, but often hinges on the quality of treatment, the social misconceptions of addiction, and knowing what you or a loved one deserve for essential care. When searching for a rehab facility, here...

Do you know that shame and guilt aren’t the same feelings? More importantly, shame can actually hamper your recovery process, while guilt can create a new path of healing, especially once you’re able to release it. How might this happen? Understanding the Differences Between Guilt & Shame In 2012, professor and researcher Brené Brown, now...

Faith is frequently at the crossroads of addiction and recovery. But is it an all-or-nothing proposition? Will the power of faith, however you choose to define it, reinforce your goals and help make sobriety easier? It depends on your perspective. What Defines Faith? For many people in recovery, participating in 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics...

Ahhhh, sleep! Few things make you feel as wonderful as a full amount of rest that provides energy to spare. Unfortunately, a lot of factors interfere with how well we sleep—and most of the time, we try to ignore them. A better focus on sleep hygiene is worth prioritizing. Sleep: The Giant Reset Button We...