6 Tips for Managing Anxiety in Addiction Recovery
Anxiety and substance abuse disorder are often co-occurring disorders and require dual diagnosis treatment. But entering an addiction recovery program doesn’t always relieve your anxiety. If you struggled with anxiety before you began using drugs, the problem will usually remain unless you seek treatment for the anxiety. Even if you didn’t struggle with anxiety before, […]
The Importance of Achievable Goals in Recovery
Recovery is a complex journey during which you untangle unhealthy patterns, become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and learn valuable skills that will support you throughout your life. At first, all of this can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you avoid triggers and cravings while working on your coping skills? […]
How Strong Friendships Support Addiction Recovery
Research consistently shows that people are wired to seek human connection. Our social motivations, such as the need for belonging or the desire to please others, can lead us down the road of substance abuse. But strong friendships can also help individuals succeed in recovery. The Types of Friends You’ll Meet in Recovery We often […]
Dangers of Isolation in Recovery
Working on yourself takes time and focus. When you’re concentrating on maintaining a successful recovery, you may find that you need new social environments. Hanging out with the people with whom you used isn’t going to cut it anymore. But isolation in recovery won’t help you heal faster. In fact, detaching from your support people […]
The Family Role in Addiction Recovery
People who struggle with addiction often feel alone. They may not realize how connected they are with the other people in their family and social systems. Substance abuse takes a toll on loved ones, exposing them to trauma and contributing to distressing emotions. Families of addicts often worry about helping their loved one achieve recovery. […]
Why You Need to Do More than 90 Meetings in 90 days
If you have gone to Alcoholics Anonymous then you have probably heard that you should go to 90 meetings in 90 days. Going to 90 meetings in 90 days has saved many people. But we think it’s important to share some common misunderstandings that can happen to a newcomer who thinks that is all he […]
4 Reasons Why Quitting Heroin Cold Turkey is a Bad Idea
For those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs, the idea of quitting cold turkey can feel attractive. Many addicts think they are strong enough, smart enough, and determined enough to give up their habit on their own, without the hassle of inpatient rehab. Those feelings are certainly understandable, but there are many reasons why […]
How Do You Get Acceptance in Recovery?
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation- some fact of my life- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be […]
The Treatment Alliance and Building Trust
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a bond of trust is “one of the most robust predictors of treatment outcomes in those with co-occurring disorders.” This means that success for individuals seeking help overcoming addiction and other mental health illnesses largely depends on the ability of the client and members of their treatment […]
The Benefits of Making Sober Friends in Recovery
If you are new to the world of addiction recovery, or if you are returning to treatment after a relapse, it is a good time to consider what changes you can make in your life right away that will set you up for success. One of the most essential aspects of a sober lifestyle is […]
