Tag Archive

Addiction not only impacts those who are battling the disease themselves, but it impacts the lives of their friends and loved ones. The emotional roller coaster that these families seem to continuously ride on with very few stops in between can be overwhelming. Substance addiction affects all of us if it affects just one of […]

We are approaching our third year into this pandemic. That sentence alone stirs up some sort of emotion with most, if not all of us, at this point. Whether an individual struggles with a substance use disorder (SUD), an alcohol use disorder (AUD), or nothing at all, the marathon that is the reality of COVID […]

After completing a treatment program for alcohol and/or substance misuse, individuals are advised to remain connected to supportive family and friends, as well as to support groups. This includes returning to a safe home environment or attending a sober living facility, depending on the situation, circumstances, and needs of the individual. Doing so allows those […]

From the outside peeking into someone’s else’s world, it may seem that the outsider sees and understands what that individual is up against solely based upon a glimpse into that life. But only the individual living that life truly knows the totality of their own battles and struggles. Whether they’re a lawyer, an author, a […]

There are concerning instances when some individuals struggling with a substance addiction first get sober. Even though they work through recovery, some replace the time spent previously dedicated to misuse of alcohol or drugs with different compulsive or otherwise problematic behaviors in another area of their life. For example, excessive exercising, compulsive gambling, or perhaps […]

While many may be steadily working their way through Dry January, some may be innocently overlooking other sources that contribute to alcohol consumption such as what’s found in some foods. Wine, beer, sherry, and liqueurs have been used for years in a number of recipes. But before you put a stop to eating chicken cacciatore […]

January not only marks the beginning of a new year, but it seems to be deeply imbedded in the human psyche that we all have new opportunities because of the new calendar year. And although any time in a twelve-month period is a great time to seek help when battling an addiction to alcohol, making […]

It seems the pandemic has contributed to changes in substance use with both teenagers and adults alike, but perhaps not necessarily in the manner in which we would expect. Nearly two years into this airborne virus, and it more than likely feels just as daunting now for many of us as it did in the […]

Certain experiences become pivotal moments that change the course of an individual’s life forever. It may be as tragic as a car accident that leaves the driver permanently paralyzed. Or as inspiring as meeting a musician whose work you admire. Or as empowering as it is to walk each day in sobriety after years of […]

What Is SMART Recovery? SMART Recovery is a group-based, volunteer-led recovery model offering support meetings, skills learning, and scientifically based treatments to help participants overcome addiction.1  Founded in 1994, SMART Recovery,  which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a nationwide, nonprofit organization serving as a secular alternative to AA and NA groups.2,3 SMART Recovery […]