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 »
Addiction takes a toll on the mind and body — namely, the digestive system. Gut health impacts overall well-being in numerous ways, many of which are still being studied and analyzed by scientists. Binging alcohol creates challenges for the digestive recovery of already-detoxed users. Furthermore, individuals in recovery may be prone to intense mood swings
Anxiety Eating at You? Refuel With a Nutritious Diet for Recovery Read More »
Even when the risks are abundantly clear. Even when a loved one appears unchanged from the outside looking in. Even with years of group meetings and one-on-one counseling. Even when the battle through addiction becomes a matter of life and death — losing still happens. Dealing with the unkind prospect of losing a peer, co-worker, or
Addiction Can Feel Like a Battle. How Do We Deal With Someone Losing? Read More »
You’ve been there before — the desire to use storms back with a vengeance, leaving the recovering individual in a double bind. Mistakenly, many who have never experienced addiction oversimplify the intricacies of breaking from sobriety. Regardless of how deeply an individual cares to avoid relapse, the choice often grinds them between two seemingly equivalent
Maintaining a relationship through recovery from alcohol and/or substance use disorder takes hard work, effective communication, and explicit boundaries. As important as it is to project positivity and optimism, when it comes to setting boundaries the very real prospect of walking away from a relationship turned toxic must be addressed in theory as well as practice. If
Addition by Subtraction: How Removing Yourself Can Spur a Loved One’s Recovery Read More »
Over a span of 20 years, technology has revolutionized our economy, communication, socialization, and more. Coping with recovery from alcohol and/or substance use disorder in the midst of recent progress in digital communications increases the accessibility of resources, while simultaneously adding previously non-existent distractions. Innovations such as mobile healthcare, social media, and streaming services fail
How Technology and Addiction Work in Tandem Read More »
As an extension of mental health, recovering from addiction takes commitment, dedication, and honesty. Sharing these values with another person who has been through the same experiences can prove highly cathartic and reassuring to one’s peace of mind. Partnering with such a kindred spirit elevates the accessibility of recovery, allowing partners to coach each other
Need to Boost Your Recovery Game? Take It To the Next Level With a Recovery Coach Read More »
