The Importance of Staying Stress-Free for Those in Recovery The month of December can be difficult for those in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. With the season full of holiday festivities and parties, it can be difficult to remain stress-free and sober. Although traditions may vary based on family, culture, or religion, one thing…
What Do Mindfulness and Meditation Have to Do With Addiction and Substance Abuse? Mindfulness and meditation practices have become increasingly popular in recent years. For some people, the ideas of such practices may still seem a little “out there.” But for others, especially professionals who work in addiction recovery and substance abuse, meditation and mindfulness…
Debunking Myths That Might Hinder Someone In Recovery Although addiction and substance abuse are widespread, there are still many myths that dominate our cultural understandings of them. Some myths are related to stigma while others are simply incorrect facts. Often times, myths about drug and alcohol abuse come from the ways that movies, TV shows,…
It is well-known that childhood trauma and addiction have an important connection. Since the results of substance abuse can temporarily mask pain caused by early childhood traumas—both emotional and physical—many with unhealed trauma turn to addiction. When a person has a traumatic experience, especially as a child, the individual’s brain is rarely able to process…
Now that summertime has ended and the fall months have begun, October rolls in. It often feels ruled by an anticipation of Halloween and its festivities. For those in recovery, this season (and holiday seasons in general) can be a source of anxiety because of Halloween’s association with parties, alcohol, and late-night activities. But by…
When it comes to addiction and substance abuse, we often only think of the individual who is addicted. But studies show that people with close relatives with substance abuse disorders and addiction suffer high amounts of stress that can affect their emotional and physical health. So, in addition to the millions of people who…
Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life. Everyone experiences situations, emotions, and thoughts that cause stress responses. Sometimes the stress factors are small or mild, such as being rushed and stuck in traffic. For others, the stress is more severe and lasts longer. While it is true that everyone experiences the…
Nutrition, Substance Abuse, and Addiction With substance abuse and addiction, an individual’s body is drained of the nutrients needed to support individual cell health. This lack of nutrients in the cells further depletes a body’s reserve nutrients and can even lead to the breakdown of a person’s organs. When an individual ceases abusing substances, they…
There are many ways to help one transition from a treatment to life back at home. In the early stages of recovery, routine-building is one way to build confidence for getting life started again. It’s essential to focus on strategies that help you to stay sober and on the track to healing. Routines, which…
According to recent research, almost half of Americans have a close friend or family member who is or has been addicted to drugs. Both drug and alcohol addiction are unfortunately all too common in the US, and they are not always treated effectively. In fact, another study found that although around 21 million Americans suffer from…