Creating healthy routines is a valuable part of addiction recovery. A routine is a way to automate healthy behavior. Instead of having to decide if and when you’re going to do the various things in your recovery plan, you create … Read More
Tricks Your Mind Plays on You When You Have a Substance Use Disorder
Fundamental differences exist between a mind with a substance use disorder and one without one. Part of it is genetic and part of it is a matter of circumstance. Research also suggests that substance use itself changes the brain in … Read More
Things Your Addicted Loved One Has Trouble Explaining
Chances are if you have tried talking to someone you love about their struggles with addiction, that you’ve been met with some resistance. Often people suffering from substance use disorders have difficulty sharing their experience due to feelings and fears … Read More
3 Myths About Addiction Recovery
There are many myths and misconceptions about substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery. Some of them are well-meaning, others are wishful thinking, while still others are ignorant and judgmental. Misconceptions about addiction and recovery add to the stigma of addiction … Read More
3 Tips for Deeper Friendships
Social connection is one of the most important aspects of addiction recovery. Whether you’re spending time with friends, family, or people from your sober network, social connection is one of the best ways to reduce stress, improve your mood, and … Read More
Tempering Expectations for Addiction Recovery
It’s hard to know what to expect in addiction recovery. Those deciding to seek help for a substance use disorder have to believe that life will improve after treatment. Otherwise, they will never overcome the internal resistance to ask for … Read More
What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?
Detoxing from opioids is one of the biggest challenges in addiction recovery. Opioid detox is not typically dangerous, although there have been rare cases of people dying, usually from dehydration. However, it is considered to be the most miserable detox … Read More
What Makes People Finally Get Help for Addiction?
There are many reasons people resist seeking help for addiction. One of the biggest reasons is that they don’t believe that they need it. Forms of self-manipulation, including rationalization and justification, convince them that they don’t really drink and/or use … Read More
Is There Any Such Thing as an Addictive Personality?
There’s a popular belief that some people have what is known as an addictive personality. Maybe they go from one obsessive hobby to another or maybe they quit drinking only to become addicted to exercise, religion, or food. Although addiction … Read More
How to Sleep Better in Recovery
Getting enough quality sleep is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make when recovering from addiction. Studies have shown that lack of sleep significantly increases your risk for mental health issues such as major depression, anxiety disorders, … Read More