For many people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, mindfulness is an essential tool that helps them become aware of what triggers their cravings and how to respond to those triggers. The continual cycle of addictive behaviors is broken as the person learns to accept and deal with their feelings rather than giving in...Read More
Whether you create art yourself or simply enjoy observing it, art brings discovery, meaning, and joy to many people. For those in addiction recovery, engaging with and creating art can be key to maintaining wellbeing. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology reports that creative art therapies are a very successful form of...Read More
A New YearFor many people, the beginning of a new year is a time to make resolutions and start new traditions. It is a time to reassess your outlook on life and set personal goals. If you are in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, it might be a good time for you to renew...Read More
Whether you are in recovery, new to sobriety, or have years of sober living under your belt, New Year’s Eve may be a difficult time to maintain your sobriety. It’s a time, for many, of excess–of partying, drinking, getting high. Can you enjoy New Year’s celebrations when you’re trying to remain clean and sober?We think...Read More
Holiday StressThe holidays can be a festive and heartwarming time of year. For many people, holiday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations with friends are times to eat, drink, and be merry. But the holidays can also be a very lonely and depressing time for those who have no place to go. Both situations can cause...Read More
Substance abuse and addiction is a growing problem among the elderly (adults aged 60 and over). Senior citizens are becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs at alarming rates. In fact, senior addiction is one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States.A Hidden EpidemicAn article published by the University of Buffalo reports that...Read More
Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to relax. It can make you feel peaceful and calm. When being outdoors in nature is used as a form of therapy for individuals that have a substance use disorder, it is known as ecotherapy.Ecotherapy ExplainedEcotherapy is a type of holistic therapy. The basic tenet of ecotherapy...Read More
You’ve probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), but one alternative to these 12-step programs is gaining in popularity.About SMART RecoverySMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, provides an option for those who aren’t comfortable with the religious or spiritual aspects of traditional 12-step programs. Based on scientific research, this...Read More
As more states legalize the use of marijuana, it is important to keep in mind that the drug has both short- and long-term effects on the human brain.Marijuana and Its Chemical Compound – THCMarijuana goes by many different names: pot, weed, 420, grass, herb, Aunt Mary, black gold, Mary Jane, and magic smoke are a...Read More
Many people know they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol and know they need help. Sadly, many people won’t seek addiction treatment for fear of losing their jobs. They worry they could be fired if they take the time they need to go to a recovery treatment center. What they might not know is...Read More