Grief and addiction are closely connected, and the death of a loved one is a common emotional trigger for substance use and relapse. Many people who experience bereavement turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain of loss, escape overwhelming emotions, or simply get through the day. While grief is a natural response to … Read more
Here is a comprehensive list of Addiction and Mental Health Awareness Events that are recognized each month throughout the year. January Addiction Events Dry January Dry January is a month-long public health challenge to take a break from alcohol use and be mindful of regular drinking habits. It is viewed as a wellness reset and … Read more
New Year’s resolutions can feel like a formula for failure, especially if we’re trying to change unhealthy habits like consuming too much alcohol. Enter Dry January, a social movement widely attributed to a campaign started by a nonprofit organization in the UK around 2014. Dry January was such a resounding success in the UK that … Read more
With so many great addiction and mental health books for recovery, it’s difficult to find the best ones that fit each reader’s wants and needs. Just as each person’s substance use and mental health recovery journey are unique, so are the tools and treatment approaches they respond to when healing. Recovery books are a valuable … Read more
It’s easier than people think to develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or become a high functioning alcoholic or functional alcoholic. Regular alcohol use, even when it wavers on abuse, is a socially accepted part of American life. People regularly attend events that include alcohol, such as work conferences, holiday office parties, sporting events, and … Read more
Polysubstance Abuse, or using more than one drug at a time, is increasingly common. The average adult in the United States is taking 4 medications at any one point in time. So it’s not surprising that 2 million serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occur every year in the U.S. – resulting in 106,000 deaths annually … Read more
Stress runs high between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, making it a difficult time for those struggling with addiction and recovery. That’s why we wanted to share some tips for staying sober during the holidays. Harvard describes holiday stress as, “an acute reaction to an immediate threat” where “the brain’s prefrontal cortex goes into overdrive.” … Read more
Searching for the perfect addiction rehab program can be overwhelming for most people. Whether you’re searching for yourself or someone you care about, asking the right recovery related questions can help you find the most appropriate treatment. The truth is, each person who chooses to begin recovery has their own set of unique goals and … Read more
In the journey from substance use addiction to recovery, every person experiences changes in their mindset, perspective, and behavior. These are known as the Stages of Change, based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change. The Stages of Change Model provides a broad outline of what most people can expect during addiction treatment and recovery. The … Read more
Most people agree that completing an addiction treatment program can be difficult, but it is ultimately worth it. And learning ways to improve life after rehab forms the foundation for a long-lasting recovery. Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder for alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is often one of the hardest decisions … Read more