Recovery

12-step programs have been around for many years and help people manage sobriety. Throughout the years, since the inception of AA, there have been many advances in the field of addiction recovery. Today, more evidence-based treatments exist to help individuals become sober and stay sober. Some of these include specific therapies such as motivational interviewing,…

When an individual uses substances over a long period to the point of addiction, the impacts extend beyond them to their family. The effects that addiction can have on relationships soon diminish the trust and communication within families. In addition to being troubled by addiction, the family may also struggle with their emotional difficulties. Continued…

Addiction is an issue that has been around for decades. But since the arrival of COVID-19, substance abuse rates have soared in the U.S., with 13 percent of Americans reporting an increase in drug or alcohol use. This surge has been linked to the stress, fear and uncertainty of the pandemic and shows no signs…

Recovery is a lifelong journey that, at times, can be difficult to endure. Some of these challenges might have you spending unnecessary time, effort, and worrying over things that have happened or not yet happened. There is nothing to gain by living in the past. What you have now is sobriety; therefore, learning to embrace…

After years of using substances, your emotions can become numbed and imbalanced. Consistent substance use also involves avoiding emotions. Alcohol and drugs used to cope with feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, and depression further perpetuate your emotional numbness. Recovery, however, is all about reconnecting with your emotions and finding balance. As such, you will have…

“Real men don’t cry.” “Tough it out.” “Man up.” We’ve all heard these phrases before. While they’ve become commonplace, these expressions reinforce outdated expectations of what men should and shouldn’t do. When it comes to mental health, this has led to the misconception that men don’t have, and aren’t even supposed to have, the same…

The road to recovery is a personal and fulfilling journey that varies based on the individual. While you share similar experiences with other friends, family, and peers, you also likely have your own set of needs and goals. Ultimately, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor should it be. Your unique background and aspirations are…

You’re only as strong as the company you keep. As such, a big part of successful recovery relies on a strong support network. Building a strong network includes being active in participating in meetings and other healthy social settings. However, while in early recovery, you may experience thoughts that can create fear and doubt about…

The first step toward seeking therapy is through understanding why you are avoiding it. While research shows that men are less likely to seek help than women, it also shows that men often delay getting help until there is a crisis. Men also tend to be concerned about privacy and sometimes require greater reassurance that…