Recovery
Tips for the Best Summer in Recovery
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, many of us are looking forward to all the festivities of the summer months. For people in recovery, especially early recovery, summer can be a major relapse trigger. The good news is that there are some simple ways you can embrace your summer in recovery,…
Read MoreSimplifying Self-Care: Tips for Practicing Self-Care in Recovery
Self-care has been trending for years. The term ‘self-care’ has taken on a life of its own, covering a plethora of activities from expensive spa trips to guided meditation practices. While the concept of self-care has become somewhat engrained in our culture, the idea can feel completely foreign to people in early recovery from a…
Read MoreAlcohol Use Disorder: When Drinking Becomes a Problem
Like other substance use disorders, alcoholism – also called alcohol use disorder (AUD) – impacts the pleasure centers of the brain. This means that when you regularly use alcohol, the brain begins to associate consuming alcohol with feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and lowered inhibitions. Over time this can result in cravings and, in some cases…
Read MoreFive Hard Truths About Early Recovery
Recovery is a transformational process. From repairing wounded relationships to gaining confidence and self-esteem, the gifts of recovery can seem never-ending. However, those gifts don’t arrive at our doorstep just because we made the decision to enter recovery; we have to work for them. Countless hours of hard work and a steadfast dedication to self-growth…
Read MoreStaying Motivated in Early Recovery
You made the decision to change your relationship with substances, entered a treatment program, and are now facing the prospect of re-entering society as a newly recovering person. Trying to navigate an entirely new lifestyle, utilize recently learned coping skills, and resume your usual responsibilities might feel overwhelming. The motivation that initially pushed you to enter recovery may start…
Read MoreHow to Cultivate Self-Love
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re inundated by images of idealized love and we may find that our expectations of our romantic relationships are becoming increasingly unrealistic. For individuals recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD), relationships (especially romantic ones) can be complicated. Active substance use wreaks havoc on romantic and platonic relationships alike. Some of…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More7 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…
Read MoreAlcohol 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…
Read MoreThe 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,…
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