Tag Archive

There’s no two ways about it: We are living in unprecedented times. From extreme and catastrophic weather events to shifting political and economic landscapes, everyday life can feel unsafe, chaotic, and challenging. With so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to decipher what’s a “normal” reaction to circumstances and what are warning signs that your […]

Guilt and shame in recovery are common feelings for many people as they examine the impact their addiction has had on themselves and those around them.1  As you rebuild and repair relationships and your life, you should know that it can be very helpful to your recovery to know how to navigate these emotions.1 The […]

Plenty of articles talk about sober dating in terms of when it’s OK to start dating again and various do’s and don’ts of dating after rehab. Some pieces even offer a list of apps designed to help those in recovery connect with one another. But aside from apps, how can you get the ball rolling? […]

Why is it Important to Have Fun in Recovery? Simply put, fun is a form of self-care that can ultimately help you avoid relapse. But let’s dig a little deeper to better understand what this means. Relapse happens over time and in various stages. That is, you typically don’t just wake up one day and […]

Benefits of Pet Ownership During Recovery When it comes to addiction treatment and recovery, pet ownership usually doesn’t make the top-10 list of therapy recommendations. However, based on a host of studies and anecdotal reports about the perks of pet ownership, maybe it should. Pets—including everything from cats and dogs to lizards and rabbits—can offer […]

Are you thinking about having a few drinks before going to sleep? Think again. If you’re looking forward to a restful night, even moderate drinking may undermine those plans. As it turns out, research shows that alcohol negatively affects sleep patterns. But doesn’t alcohol induce calmness and contentment? Having a couple of drinks to dampen […]

Alcohol use disorder is a progressive, chronic, and potentially fatal disease that causes serious damage to a person’s physical and emotional health. But even people who are able to drink safely need to be mindful about how the substance affects their body and mind. Despite being widely accepted as a societal norm (it’s estimated that […]

Cravings are a normal part of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, especially when you’re newly sober. However, it’s critical to remember that you do have the ability to get through cravings, and—most importantly—they will not last forever. The next time you find yourself fighting an intense urge to have a drink or a drug, […]

Feeling stressed? Take a series of slow deep breaths; then repeat. That’s the recommended front-line defense to help us relax and cope with tension. This simple technique is fundamental to Qigong, also known as qi-gong or qi gong. Qigong traces its roots to ancient China. Based on Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, Qigong supports […]

Treatment and recovery from a substance use disorder is a layered process. While therapy, support networks, and relapse prevention strategies are critical components, the importance of rebuilding one’s nutrition is often overlooked. Many people who have used substances over a long period may experience malnutrition and disordered eating patterns.1 Proper nutrition has been shown to […]