Substance use can have very real and adverse effects on families and relationships. Those affected by a loved one with substance use disorders often carry an emotional burden and have feelings of anger, anxiety, guilt, and shame. They may experience economic stress due to job loss or money spent on substances. All of this can […]
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) published its Working Definition of Recovery in 2012. It includes 10 Guiding Principles, one of which is peer support. The guide highlights several of the benefits of peer support, especially the role of helping others in recovery, when it says, “Through helping others and giving back to […]
How Naloxone Can Save Lives
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One of the most significant health crises in the past 25 years is the opioid overdose crisis. From 2000 to 2019, overdose deaths caused by opioid use increased by more than 400%. From 2019 to 2022, opioid-involved overdose deaths increased from 49,860 to 81,806. Put another way, more than 130 people die each day from […]
Finding Joy in Sobriety
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“I’ve been struggling to find joy in anything since I got sober.” If you’ve ever felt this way, you are not alone. Many people in sobriety feel this way at some time or another. While not a good feeling, it is not uncommon, and there is science behind it. This article will explain why finding […]
Most of the studies around addiction and substance use categorize people into three standard age bands–12 to 17, 18 to 25, and 26 and over. As a result, this may contribute to the common misconception that addiction is more of a “young person” problem. In reality, substance use affects people of all ages, including older […]
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of people throughout the world will experience trauma during their lifetime. At such a high percentage, chances are that you or someone you care about has or will experience trauma. It also means that anyone who has experienced trauma is not alone. There are several treatments for […]
While there are countless metaphors for family therapy, one could be that of a manual wristwatch (you know, not digital, perhaps like the one your grandpa used to wear). In older timepieces like a watch, when one gear gets stuck or broken, all other components struggle to function. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services […]
Does Sober Living Help in Recovery?
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If you or a loved one have completed short-term addiction treatment (30 to 90 days), you may be getting ready for a long-term program or life after treatment. This is a critical step in recovery, and the question of where to live during this stage is important. Sober living could be a good option for […]
“You are not your addiction; to me, you are the symphony of reasons to hope, and that melody keeps me company in your absence.” – Anonymous Support from family can have a tremendous impact on a person’s path to recovery and beyond. If you are supporting a loved one or are part of someone’s support […]
12-step programs for alcohol and drugs have been around for 90 years. Alcoholics Anonymous, considered the first Twelve Step recovery program, began in 1935, with its Twelve Steps of recovery published in 1939. While the program’s philosophy has worked for many people, it may not be a good fit for everyone, and there are increasingly […]
If the thought of entering treatment makes you feel a little nervous and scared, you are not alone. Many people considering entering treatment share these emotions, and for any number of reasons. The thought of the unknown, worries about losing the life you are familiar with, and fears about facing a world and your problems […]
The Importance of an Alumni Program
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Transitioning from an inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment setting is a major accomplishment but can also be overwhelming. If you or a loved one have transitioned, you are probably adjusting to a “new normal.” One good way to ease the transition is through alumni programs. Alumni programs can play a vital role after a person […]