There is not a blanket solution to treating addiction. Achieving abstinence from drugs and alcohol does not mean a person is “cured.” There is a lot more to it than that. Drug and alcohol use impacts virtually every aspect of a person’s life. Sustainable recovery requires changes in thinking, lifestyle, environment, and more. Each client’s…
Talking about addiction can be a difficult topic, but one of utmost importance. It is easy for children to stumble across misinformation when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Parents can be proactive by setting a positive example and ensuring that their children are equipped with the knowledge to make healthy choices. October 23-31 is…
No one said that recovery would be easy. Change can be difficult for anyone, regardless of whether or not they have struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism. However, it is worth it when you realize how your life has changed for the better. One of the challenges of long-term recovery is staying positive and not…
Drugs and alcohol impact your body inside and out. Aside from contributing to poor decision making and risky behavior, substance misuse can also take a physical toll on your body. Overall, you may notice that you just don’t feel well. Waking up with a hangover, pounding headache, feeling exhausted, or experiencing nausea or vomiting can…
Completing an addiction treatment program can be a very rewarding experience and you may feel like you can conquer the world. However, relapse is still a very real risk, especially in the early stages of recovery. Treatment is only half the battle – now you must focus on maintaining your sobriety and lifestyle of recovery.…
A good night’s sleep is essential to your health but can be hard to come by if your mind is racing, you are stressed, your adrenaline is pumping, you have insomnia, or for many other reasons. As a result, some people turn to alcohol to help them relax and drift off. While this may seem…
Addiction treatment is not a cut-and-dry process, especially when co-occurring disorders are involved. When a client is struggling with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, this can make recovery more challenging – but not impossible. Many people want to know which developed first, addiction or mental illness, but there is not always…
Drug abuse and addiction is not a new problem. It is one that has existed for decades. However, in recent years it has been brought into a more public spotlight. President Obama has been very forward in his efforts to make addiction treatment a priority. He himself struggled with drug use in his younger years…
Oftentimes women are seen as the caretakers of the family. They worry about the health and well-being of everyone else and may put their own needs on the back burner. May 8-14 is National Women’s Health Week and a great time for women to make their health a priority. It is time to recognize that…
In recent years, gender-responsive treatment for substance use disorders has made a greater emergence. Treatment professionals recognize the differences in challenges that men and women face when dealing with addiction. Focusing on a single gender allows professionals to tailor services to the individual needs of the person or group. When discussing relationships, sexuality, spirituality and…
