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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. Sometimes, the urge to use can come on so suddenly and intensely that it feels impossible to resist. However, it’s critical to remember that you do have the ability to get through cravings, and—most importantly—they will not last […]

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. A gentle, yet powerful system of coordinated body, breath and mind exercises, Qi-Gong traces its roots to […]

If you’re newly sober, nutrition may be the last thing on your mind. And while you certainly shouldn’t deny yourself a yummy cookie or a plate of fries every now and then (it’s certainly better than a drink or a drug!), being mindful about what you eat can help make the recovery process easier. In […]

For many people in early sobriety, the first few days or weeks can feel anything but fun. It’s hard learning how to change old, familiar behaviors and navigate life without alcohol or drugs. While it may not come naturally at first, you will begin to have fun in recovery. As long as you don’t give […]

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 […]

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 […]

When it comes to recovery from addiction, having a pet isn’t necessarily the first kind of treatment that comes to mind. But in fact, pets can be great companions to help build a routine, reduce stress, and keep you grounded while in recovery. Numerous studies have shown that pets are good for both mental and […]

  Recovery is a personal journey. During early recovery, it’s a time to heal, establish boundaries, seek and accept support, mentally and spiritually grow, reflect, and continually assess one’s own well-being. Overall, recovery is often characterized as a process in which someone re-establishes their identity. So, when does diligent and dedicated recovery allow for romance? […]