Ending the Legacy of Addiction
Addiction runs in families, of this much we are certain. While almost everyone has at least one relative that has been touched by addiction, it seems that people who struggle with addiction themselves can usually name a few addicts in their family, and at least one immediate family member. Because people with substance use disorders […]
7 Reasons to Find a Sponsor in Recovery
The concept of a sobriety sponsor has been popularized through Alcoholics Anonymous and many references to the 12-step-program made in popular culture. If you are considering entering a treatment program for the first time, or returning to treatment after relapse, you may be wondering if it is the right time for you to seek a […]
5 Reasons Long-term Aftercare is Critical to Addiction Recovery
Many addiction recovery programs and treatment centers have evolved their techniques and strategies exponentially over the past decade to incorporate new research and methods that prove successful for clients with addictions. One clear factor in determining success in lasting recovery is the availability of quality aftercare for people who have recently completed an initial inpatient […]
7 Ways to Get the Most Out of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. At least half of people with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health issue, and many believe the figure is closer to 80 percent. Issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders significantly increase […]
6 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Group Therapy
Group therapy plays a central role in nearly every quality treatment program and for good reason. Studies show that group therapy is a cost-effective way to treat many conditions, including addiction. More importantly, group therapy offers a valuable opportunity to learn and practice skills that are hard to acquire on your own or in private […]
What to Do After a Relapse
Relapse is always a possibility at any point in recovery. Although your risk of relapse drops the longer you’re in recovery, the risk never falls to zero. Estimates of relapse rates vary widely between studies, but a frequently cited estimate from the Journal of the American Medical Association is that between 40 and 60 percent […]
Signs You May Be Heading for Relapse
Relapse is a common danger in addiction recovery. A frequently cited study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that between 40 and 60 percent of people treated for addiction will relapse within a year. In fact, there is an ongoing debate about whether relapse should be considered part of recovery. Proponents of […]
Shame in Recovery: Navigating the Waters of Healing
For many, the physical and mental restoration that is worked towards in recovery is only half the battle; there’s often a lingering effect of guilt and shame that also must be worked through. In 2017, NPR conducted an interview with author Neil Steinberg, whose written several books on addiction recovery. He explained in the interview […]
Holistic Practices for Building a Better You in Recovery
We all have a unique story to tell. We’ve all been through different circumstances – different chains of events that have led us to where we’re at today. Substance abuse is only the tip of the iceberg, because underneath lies a lot of thoughts and feelings that make up who we are. Holistic practices take […]
Post Traumatic Growth in Recovery: Your Guide to Becoming Stronger
We can’t always control what happens to us – and sometimes we’re caught in unfortunate, devastating, downright traumatic situations that leave marks on us- physically, mentally, or both. In some instances, these traumatic incidents occur during childhood – when we feel helpless and vulnerable. In others, we’re adults – but we still feel the pain […]
