Are you familiar with the stigma that accompanies addiction? Do you know ways to combat that stigma? Stigma is a familiar experience for people with health conditions such as HIV, cancer, depression, anxiety, other mental illnesses, and especially addiction. Researchers have found that, compared to intervention on removing the stigma surrounding other forms of the … Read more
For people in detox treatment and early sobriety, relapse is the number one thing to avoid. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates among recovering individuals range from 40 to 60 percent. This shows how common relapses happen and how difficult maintaining sobriety is on the journey to recovery. Understanding how relapses happen … Read more
Many people struggle with quitting drugs and alcohol largely because they are stuck in denial. For some, it is hard to admit that their addiction is a problem. Even if their finances and family relationships suffer due to addiction, many choose self-deception instead of honesty. For others, personal freedom and choice are barriers to accountability. … Read more
The relationship between sex, addiction, and sobriety is complex. Among the many stress triggers in life, sexuality may be a hidden one. Sexual desires and orientation can contribute to addiction. Drugs and alcohol use can increase risky sexual behaviors. Sometimes people use drinking and drug use to achieve their highest level of sexual activity. Many also use … Read more
When you stop using drugs or alcohol, your impulses and cravings to use do not immediately go away. They will linger and make you uncomfortable. Such a response happens because, when you are using these drugs and alcohol regularly, they have reshaped the physiological structures, thus causing a reward response from your brain when you … Read more
Why are some people more likely to become addicted while others are not? Does this have to do with genetics? For years, scientists have discussed the biological link between genetics and their influence on addiction. Thanks to more recent genome sequencing techniques, there is more information to help shed light on the connection between genetics … Read more
Social life is essential for someone who is recovering from addiction. Let’s face it: going to treatment was hard, and you need to have some fun. However, your social life will now look different. You must work on rebuilding your social life now that you have had the opportunity to develop healthy habits and avoid … Read more
When overwhelmed by strong negative emotions like frustration and anger, do you drink and use drugs? You might find the use of substances a relief, but the effect of drugs or alcohol is only for the short term. Once that sense of relief has passed, it often becomes tempting to use these substances again. The … Read more
Non-alcoholic beer is quickly becoming massively popular across the globe. This is, in part, fueled by the rise of craft beer as a standard thing. But, it’s also being pushed by health-conscious individuals including recovering and “recovered” alcoholics. For many of us, non-alcoholic beer can seem like an easier way out of having to avoid … Read more
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, rehab can be one of the best choices you can make. A rehabilitation clinic works to give you the tools to overcome addiction, to build new healthy behaviors, and to build a new life for yourself without drugs and alcohol. The thing … Read more
