As you go through recovery, there are a number of things you can use to support your progress. Spiritual tools can help you develop a new sense of purpose, alleviate anxiety, and connect with your peers. Depending on your personal beliefs, you can use meditation, prayer, community, and self-care to support your sobriety. Meditation If you’re searching for ways to incorporate spirituality in recovery, meditation is an effective tool. In addition to its spiritual benefits,…
10 Clever Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Recovery
Going through rehab can be stressful and lead to anxiety. Some people even say anxiety caused their post-rehab relapse. Because of this, it is important to figure out ways to reduce anxiety during and after your treatment process. Best Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Recovery Even if you don’t have a clinical level of anxiety, it is important to find ways to decrease your symptoms. The following ways to reduce anxiety can boost your happiness…
What Does it Mean to Develop Emotional Sobriety?
While quitting alcohol or drugs is a reason to rejoice, physical sobriety is simply a single step. The only way you can remain sober is through emotional sobriety. Through this kind of sobriety, you change the emotional and mental processes connected to your substance use habits. What is Emotional Sobriety? When you have an addiction, it involves more than drinking too much or using drugs. Instead, addiction involves a range of physical, emotional, intellectual, and…
We Are Not a Glum Lot: Having Fun in Sobriety
If you’ve spent any time reading the Big Book, you’ve probably come across the section, “We aren’t a glum lot.” When newcomers arrive in a recovery program, they may expect to learn coping mechanisms for their addiction, address trauma, deal with co-occurring disorders, and navigate therapy. While all of these pieces play a significant role, it’s also important to understand that you can have fun in sobriety. There is Hope After Addiction Dealing with addiction…
4 Stages of Progressive Substance Use
Most people don’t decide to develop a substance use disorder. Over time, they may progress through the stages of substance use and become unable to control their drug or alcohol consumption. When this happens, it is important to get professional help. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, the right treatment program can help you get sober. Substance Use Doesn’t Happen Overnight When someone enters the stages of substance use, they…
Top 2 Reasons Why Substance Use Disorder is on the Rise
According to recent studies from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 50% of the US population over the age of 12 years old have used illicit drugs at least once. Since the year 2000, over 700,000 drug overdose deaths have been reported. There’s no question that substance use disorder is a rising problem. But what is causing the accelerated growth of this issue? Two reasons seem to stand out among the rest. 1….
8 Ways to Stay Sober Over the Holidays
The holiday season brings with it fun parties, family get-togethers, and work gatherings. But it is also one of the most popular times of the year for people to consume alcohol. Commonly known as the “Holiday Effect,” special occasions are a time when people drink more. One study even found that Americans double their drinking habits between Thanksgiving and New Year. It is seen as a time when people are allowed to overindulge and increase…
Identifying Levels of Care for Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Rehab in Houston
The level of care someone needs for alcohol or drug treatment changes on a case-by-case basis. There are a variety of stages in each option that will help individuals overcome these challenges at the pace they need. Considering the level of care you or your loved one needs, the main options range from outpatient individual therapy and partial hospitalization programs to residential treatment or inpatient care. The more you understand each of these levels, the…
Why is Fentanyl Rainbow Colored?
There is a rapidly growing epidemic in the United States associated with the opioid known as Fentanyl. This drug has been a major issue, causing a large number of overdoses as misuse abounds. It’s time to talk about this rainbow-colored drug, its risks, and how we can beat this epidemic. What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid known for being fifty times more powerful than heroin and a hundred times more potent than…
The Addictive Brain & Cross Addiction: Safe Medications & Medications to Avoid
Once you are in recovery, it’s critical to watch out for potential triggers. The addictive brain can be triggered by common over-the-counter and prescription medications. By learning about safe medications and medications to avoid, you can support your long-term sobriety. What is Cross Addiction & How Does it Affect the Addictive Brain? Cross addiction is the way your brain can become triggered by different chemical agents. When taking certain medications, you expose the hypothalamus or…
