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 »
A funny thing happens in long-term recovery: the all-consuming pain of our darkest moments takes on an unexpected tint of illogical. Maybe it’s the nostalgic framing of nearly every memory. Maybe it’s our own impossibly limited inability to estimate the course of the future. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism. Long-term alumni might break into inexplicable
Humor and Recovery: Defense Mechanism or a Sign Of Growth? 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 »
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 »
