Recovery |

With all the focus on opioid addiction in the past decade, it might appear that other drugs no longer pose a threat. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Not just a notorious 80s drug, cocaine is still a grave problem in the U.S. What Is Cocaine? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the U.S. Department of Justice...

Once you’ve made the decision to be sober and free from chemical dependency, it’s almost as though you’re a unicorn wandering among a herd of regular horses. You’re similar, but also different. And sometimes people might not treat you the same if they don’t understand your journey. This doesn’t mean you can’t have satisfying life...

Without a doubt, there are days when too many thoughts zoom through our brains at once. The to-do list seems endless, time demands are considerable, and it’s as though we’re splitting ourselves into multiple directions. One way to return (or retreat—however you want to look at it!) to a calm center is through mindfulness. What...

One of the most common misconceptions about addiction is that anyone should be able to quit if only they put their mind to it. As advances in addiction science continue to educate all of us about this brain disease, it’s easier to clarify at what point willpower plays a role in sobriety. Understanding Willpower What...

While antidepressants aren’t categorized as addictive substances, you should still be cautious about stopping or switching medication. Here are some points to remember when discussing a change with your healthcare provider. Why Most People Take Antidepressants The majority of individuals prescribed antidepressants have some form of clinical depression, often the result of a combination of...

Prescription sleep aids aren’t supposed to be addictive, but when people have problems with chronic insomnia, they often use these drugs in ways that differ from doctors’ recommendations. They might also use them to get high. A commonly misused sleep medication is Ambien. If someone becomes reliant on Ambien, they’ll likely need professional treatment to...

Once considered a novel pastime called “audio blogging,” podcasts are now a popular form of entertainment, news, and inspiration. At this writing, there are more than one million podcasts, and approximately 68 million people in the U.S. listen to a podcast every week. What’s the Appeal? Podcasts are easily accessible and transportable. Many people appreciate...

Here’s a fast fact: exercise and substance use both activate the release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. So if you’re considering new sober living choices, the natural “runner’s high” you get from regular movement is one of your best tools for long-lasting recovery. Exercise: Good for Body and Mind How can something so simple have...

Tips for Working the 12 Steps So you completed inpatient rehabilitation facility treatment and learned about a 12-Step program. Maybe you even have a program sponsor from whom you receive helpful guidance for your recovery. Ultimately, though, “working the steps” is a soulful, individual journey that requires courage, diligence, and humility. Here are some tips...

We’re just going to say it: it’s hard making friends as an adult. If you’re in addiction recovery and no longer feel comfortable spending time with your old group of friends, what can you do? Fortunately, there are ways to find more sober friends and activities to enjoy. You’re Not Alone in Feeling This Way...