American Addiction Centers Blog

To those battling a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental illness, may not feel like there’s necessarily a new you just because it’s a new year. And maybe you’re also dealing with the loss of a loved one or a job due to COVID-19. Compound those challenges, and each day may feel overwhelming. Dealing […]

How often have you clicked on the Zoom app recently? Since the pandemic took hold, this user friendly meeting platform has played a vital role. When and where in-person contact no longer proved feasible, Zoom filled in as the go-to venue for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. But here’s something to ponder. What […]

A Sober Start: 1 in 4 Americans had an atypically sober New Year’s Eve, reveals survey • 1 in 3 sober people admit it’s difficult to be around others who are drinking. • Over half say lockdown made them discover new forms of alcohol-free entertainment. • 1 in 2 admit they went to bed before […]

For most people in early recovery, learning how to navigate daily stressors without relying on alcohol or drugs is the ultimate test. Without substances as a vice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the smallest of life’s challenges. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to help minimize this discomfort and manage your emotions, including […]

It’s January, and each year, millions of us commit to better ourselves. We embark into the new year with optimism and resolve. Dedicated to our cause and confident in our strength of will, we step into new frontiers of personal growth with graceful sure-footedness. Whether it’s changing unhealthy habits or establishing positive routines, our New […]

Overdose deaths in the United States have increased since the start of the pandemic. There are those who have been sober for years and have relapsed. And then there are those who have been battling an active and ongoing addiction to drugs. It’s unfortunate just how much COVID and the new reality we are required […]

An astounding 83 percent of American workers report struggling with job-related stress. Though massive, this amount is not surprising – especially in light of COVID-19 and its resulting need for workplace adaptations. While difficult for everyone, navigating work worries can be particularly challenging for people in recovery, as stress and addiction are closely linked. However, […]

As we move into winter, medical experts predict that Covid-19 cases will spike in the upcoming months. People tend to congregate more indoors in the wintertime, and most regions in the U.S. are still experiencing rapid community spread of this novel coronavirus. However, despite this wintry mix of unfortunate news, the prospect of widespread vaccination […]

Let’s face it; 2020 hasn’t been a particularly good year by any metric. For Americans, having to contend with the first pandemic in nearly a century, routine protests, and a stressful election season has taken a toll on mental health ratings. Reports of mental health and wellness have dropped nearly nine points since 2019, the […]

New Year’s Eve, like so many other holidays, is often steeped in drinking culture. Many attend parties where drinking is expected, and celebrate the New Year at midnight with champagne. For those in early recovery, it may feel like New Year’s Eve is a holiday that doesn’t mix well with sobriety. However, being sober doesn’t […]

Relapse can happen to anyone. More than likely, it happens to everyone who has battled an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Relapse is using a substance of dependence once again after not using for a period of time. It’s a common occurrence that users should be aware of. Stand-up comedian and Writer with Late Night […]

Most of us would agree that the presence of an animal can improve one’s mood and relieve feelings of loneliness. But when it comes to treating serious mental health issues such as addiction and co-occurring psychological disorders, even the most ardent animal lovers might be skeptical about how helpful our four-legged friends can be. Nevertheless, […]