When society views drug addiction as a disease and disorder rather than a crime, people struggling with addiction are more likely to seek the help they need. Unfortunately, most states have laws on the books that make drug use and possession a crime, and people fear stepping forward for help because they may face criminal…
With the start of the new year comes people making New Year’s resolutions. If you are on the path towards sober living, the new year is the perfect time to set some sober goals for yourself. Starting the year with these goals in mind will help you stay on the path of sobriety throughout 2021…
People who are lonely often struggle with other conditions, including alcohol addiction. Loneliness is a huge trigger for depression, and depression can cause people to turn to alcohol to numb their feelings. This endless cycle can be hard to break, and understanding the connection between alcohol and loneliness can help people start the right path…
Addiction recovery is a complex process that involves more than just detoxing from drugs. To fully recover from addiction and gain the skills needed for a truly sober lifestyle, individuals need to delve more deeply into the habits and mental processes that led to the addiction in the first place. One-on-one therapy is a critical…
Addiction recovery does not end when you complete your substance abuse treatment program. It is a continual process of growth beyond drug or alcohol addiction. As a result, it is a battle every day to avoid relapse and live a life of sobriety. Avoiding relapse includes identifying the signs of relapse and acting quickly to…
Thanksgiving Day is a time for family and football, mashed potatoes, and turkey. And, yes, for some people, it’s also a time of drinking. For someone who is in recovery, that’s a big problem. You want to have a sober Thanksgiving, but the pressures to give in and return to your old ways of substance…
It’s hard to go a day without hearing some reference to the nation’s drug epidemic. The central players in that epidemic are classes of drugs known as opioids and opiates. What’s the difference between opioids and opiates, and what does it mean for treatment? Opioids and opiates have many similarities, the most important of which…
Witnessing someone suffer from the pain of addiction is difficult. You want to help, but sometimes you just don’t know how. Finding a way to help an addict in your life can be one of the most important factors in an individual’s recovery. One of the ways to help an addict may be for you…
Addiction isn’t usually on the top of our minds when we have a drink, take prescription medication, or use illegal drugs. That’s because it’s not something that happens right away. Little by little, your brain adapts, altering your judgment and perceptions. Before you know it, you can be trapped in the cycle of addiction, with…
Alcohol is an ever-present part of our society. It can be found at sporting events and concerts, at birthday parties and holidays, and as an after-work activity. For some people, though, drinking can go too far, and they end up lapsing into a period of alcohol dependence. But what is alcohol dependence, and how is…