When someone stops drinking, it’s easy to assume the hardest part is behind them. But sobriety is about more than simply putting down the bottle. Without addressing the underlying emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns that fueled addiction, a person may fall into what’s often called a dry drunk state. A “dry drunk” describes someone who […]
Category: Family
How Good Intentions May Be Enabling Addiction
When someone we love is struggling with addiction, our natural instinct is to help. We want to support them, protect them from consequences, and offer comfort during a difficult time. However, in many cases, those good intentions can cross a line into enabling addiction and unintentionally keep that person stuck in the very cycle they’re […]
Addiction and Relationships: Setting Boundaries While Supporting Recovery
Navigating addiction and relationships can be incredibly challenging. Whether you’re supporting a loved one in recovery or managing your own recovery journey, boundaries play a critical role in fostering healthy connections and personal growth. For addicts, boundaries can protect your recovery from triggers, while for loved ones, they create a framework for support without enabling […]
How To Enjoy Summer Vacation in Recovery
Summer is the perfect time to focus on your recovery journey, offering countless opportunities to make new friends, try new activities, and plan for the future. The longer days and warmer weather provide a chance to lift your mood and stay committed to your long-term recovery goals. Although there may be some challenges along the […]
What If Your Loved One Wants To Leave Rehab Early?
The decision to enter rehab can change the course of a person’s journey towards sobriety; but what if the commitment wavers? Understanding why a loved one may feel the urge to leave substance abuse treatment early is important because the treatment process is so essential for recovery. Sometimes, feelings of discomfort, homesickness, or fear can […]
Fentanyl Awareness Day: Combating a National Crisis
Fentanyl Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder of the escalating crisis posed by this powerful synthetic opioid. Dedicated to educating the public and promoting preventive measures, this day highlights the profound impact fentanyl has had on communities nationwide. It is an opportunity for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to unite in their efforts to […]
Challenges of Substance Abuse and Recovery in Women Veterans
In the spirit of Women’s History Month, it’s crucial to spotlight an issue that profoundly affects our veterans: substance abuse. Women have served in the American military for over a century, but their roles have significantly expanded in recent decades, increasing the need for specialized mental health services. Veterans embody a unique subset of the […]
6 Tips To Stay Employed While in Addiction Treatment
Employment plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction. Fortunately, federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and workplace policies are in place to protect the rights of employees in recovery and provide accommodations for their treatment journey. Despite these protections though, it can still be challenging […]
How to Handle The Holiday Season in Recovery
The holiday season can be a challenging time for those in recovery. With social gatherings often centered around alcohol and other potential triggers, navigating this festive period requires a strategic approach to maintaining sobriety. This article hopes to explore these challenges and offer tips, support, and guidance for navigating this tricky time of year. The […]
Honoring Veterans: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Hope
Veterans Day is a time when our nation comes together to honor and express our gratitude to the brave individuals who have selflessly served our country. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices they’ve made, the challenges they’ve faced, and the resilience they embody. However, it’s essential to recognize that many veterans carry […]