Many people struggle to maintain recovery. Each person displays strength in their sobriety and, other times, may also feel as if they have fallen short—sometimes, these feelings can be simultaneous. Some days, it is possible to count the challenges to recovery on one hand. Other days, there are not enough hands in the world. One […]
Phrases To Keep Pocketed for Moments of Weakness Read More »
Have you ever thought back to a particular moment in time to relive the experience? Nostalgia draws people in at the most unexpected times—remembering the past helps extend the conscious drive to understand our true identity. However, this can be a challenge for anyone with trauma or who may not want to recall their past.
Write Your Recovery Into Existence Read More »
Frequently in recovery from alcohol or substance use disorder, people mention the concept of “fighting.” It’s all about the battle against addiction or grappling with nagging feelings of temptation. Sure, the way forward isn’t easy. But if all recovery amounts to is scraping and clawing against the omnipresent weight of using, the prospect of recovery may seem daunting to those new
The Audacious Search for Neutrality Read More »
Reading an article or watching an empowering recovery video can elevate one’s mood and efforts to fortify recovery commitments—at least momentarily. However, the portability of some of these lessons limits how lasting these resources are. When the going gets rough, mantras can provide a quickly summoned boost of recovery support. The beauty of a mantra
The Reassurance of Recovery Mantras Read More »
Addiction often builds into frustration for individuals who hold on to their mistakes. The monotony of making the “same” mistake over and over or falling into a pattern of habits wears down one’s patience in the form of anxiety or—for those who resign efforts to affect change—depression. Advocating for the recovery of others coping with
How to Encourage Recovery in Place of Judgment Read More »
When sober, most of us know that driving under the influence (DUI) can pose a huge risk. However, with decision-making impaired by compromised sobriety, this understanding can be maligned. Addiction thrives from a boom-and-bust mitigation of emotions, oscillating between suppression and outburst. During rock bottom, individuals ramp up usage of alcohol and/or substances, experimenting with
DUI Can Have Lasting Repercussions. Plan Ahead and Be Ready. Read More »
Deep in the unspeakable recesses of each person’s mind lie fundamental thoughts spurring action, memory, and habit. Though there are many different motivations behind the functions of subconscious processes — genetics, diet, sleep, etc. — fear offers a window into one of the more effective modes for encoding behavior. Through therapy and personal introspection, adults are able
The Shadow Work in Addiction Recovery Read More »
Forgiveness takes on a spectrum of meanings that shape personality in unexpected ways. While many preach free and infinite forgiveness, some opt for the “fool me twice” philosophy. With such a wide range of opinions surrounding when and what to forgive, contemplating who deserves a second chance for transgressing boundaries and who doesn’t can be
Who Deserves Second Chances, and Who Sets the Standards? Read More »
Staying sober entails some pretty big asks: self-love, honesty, accountability, patience, and independence. Accompanying many of these asks — but independence in particular — is the feeling of loneliness. From the outside looking in, striving for more agency offers a beacon of light tantalizing hope over a barren sea of anxiety, depression, and/or use disorder. Those
Feel Alone in Sobriety? Connect With Recovery Through Community Read More »
Staying alone with one’s thoughts becomes an exercise of mindfulness when in the presence of alcohol and/or use disorder. A 2010 study revealed those with drug and/or alcohol dependency have a greater aptitude for high anxiety than those without dependency or individuals who are prone to abusing alcohol and/or substances. When anxiety spikes, the body
Sometimes Inaction Is the Right Action Read More »
