The Language We Use Matters
Words have power. Their meaning shapes our perceptions of reality, drives our behaviors, and defines our beliefs. Language derives its power from the emotional response it elicits. In day to day life, we may rarely consider the hidden power of our words, but there is a reason why clinicians choose their words carefully when discussing…
7 Tips for Managing Stress in Recovery
One of the biggest challenges in recovery is figuring out new ways to cope with life’s stressful situations without a substance. Many who have developed a substance use disorder relied on the drink or drug to manage many forms discomfort. Over time, the substance became the primary coping strategy and the ability to naturally cope…
Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms and Treatment
Around the world, alcohol is used to socialize, celebrate, and relax. While it is a legal substance, alcohol has a strong impact on those who drink it and experts recommend restricting alcohol consumption to avoid unnecessary health and safety complications. Dietary guidelines suggest men limit their alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day (14 per…
Set Goals, Not Resolutions in 2022
Each New Year offers the opportunity to reflect on the past and brings with it hope for the year ahead. The onset of the New Year usually comes with passionate declarations of what we wish to change moving forward. Most New Year’s resolutions involve developing a healthier lifestyle, saving money, or losing weight1. For those…
Recognizing an Unhealthy Relationship with Alcohol
Figuring out whether you or someone you know has an issue with alcohol can be complicated. After all, we receive a lot of mixed messages surrounding alcohol use. On one hand, alcohol is a legal substance that is regularly featured in most adult’s lives. On the other hand, we’re educated on the risks of consuming…
Preventing Relapse this Holiday Season
The holidays are often warmly viewed as one of the most joyous times of the year. While the holiday season can be filled with many heart-warming moments, it also comes with some unique challenges. For people in recovery, facing the holiday season without the familiarity of substances can feel overwhelming. However, being in recovery for…
The Importance of Gratitude in Recovery
Every year, around the holidays, gratitude becomes a hot topic. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratus which means ‘pleasing; welcome; agreeable’. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Gratitude is more than a state of mind,…
What to Expect in Life Skills Therapy
It is no secret that chronic substance abuse often leads to a wide variety of consequences. From severe medical complications to a loss of significant relationships, addiction and alcoholism leave no area of life untouched. As use related activities begin to consume all available time and energy, some people may begin to lose the ability…
The 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery
You may have wondered what does the word recovery really mean. The definition of recovery, found in the Oxford English Dictionary, is “a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength,” or “the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services…
Substance Use in the Workplace
Approximately 60% of people struggling with a substance use disorder are currently employed1. Employees who report to work under the influence, hungover, or going through withdrawal can be responsible for a loss of productivity, decline in employee morale, and are more likely to be involved in workplace accidents. Additionally, employers are assuming a significant portion…
Frequently Asked Questions
