One issue that many people are concerned about when it comes to addiction risk is family history. They believe that if one person in the family has it, everyone else is at risk or destined to have issues with drugs or alcohol as well. This is not necessarily true. Family history alone does not predict…
Addiction recovery is a journey. It’s not something that happens overnight. It requires commitment and patience. Not every day will be positive and great. There may be some days where you’re feeling down or defeated. That’s normal. This is true for everyone, regardless of whether you are in recovery. Everyone has days that are harder…
Opening up and sharing your story in front of strangers can seem a bit intimidating at first, but engaging in group therapy can be very beneficial. Everyone experiences addiction a little differently, but there are many similarities as well. Group therapy is a good reminder that you are not alone and there is always support…
Watching someone close to you struggle with addiction can be frustrating, heartbreaking, and frightening. You see the negative impact it is having on their life and the danger they are putting themselves and others in, but they may be in denial. When an individual is caught up in their addiction, it can be difficult for…
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…
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…
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…
Animal-assisted therapy is not a new concept and has been used as an integral part of physical and mental health treatment for decades. Equine-assisted therapy has been found to be beneficial for those dealing with substance use disorders and trauma. Approximately 93 percent of those in treatment at Crossroads have experienced some sort of trauma,…
Women naturally tend to be the caretakers in the family. They place others’ needs before their own to ensure that everyone has what they need to be successful, healthy and happy. Unfortunately, this often means neglecting their own needs and pushing them off until later. In terms of substance use disorders, this can mean that…
In years past, addiction typically affected more males than females, but recently this gender gap has been narrowing. However, one trend that continues to hold true is that women are less likely than men to seek addiction treatment. Some reasons for this include fear of shame and judgment, concern about who will care for their…
