In the last few years, there's been a monumental shift in laws, attitudes and social acceptance of marijuana use across the country. Despite the fact that cannabis remains classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act, medical marijuana is now legal in close to three dozen states and ... Read More
Free to Feel Good: Quality of Life & The Transition to Sobriety
Sobriety can be scary, for many reasons. First, because rehab and recovery is not a simple or easy road, though it is a journey that's possible for anyone willing to reach out for help and do the work. Second, recovery may seem like an unknown for individuals who have lived a life with drugs or alcohol for some time. ... Read More
The Challenges of D.I.Y. Recovery: How to Beat the Roadblocks of Quitting Alone
An important thing to realize about addiction is that it isn't an acute condition. In other words, it's not something that you're diagnosed with and treat with a short run of medications before being fully recovered. Addiction is a lifelong disease and has to be treated as such. This means that treatment and care ... Read More
Social Anxiety and Recovery: The Fear of Speaking in Groups and Other Barriers to Getting Help
Some of the barriers to seeking mental or behavioral health treatment, including treatment for addiction, are well-known. Despite the increase in social recognition of addiction and mental health disorders as legitimate diseases, a stigma remains, and it prevents some people from getting the help they need. Other ... Read More
Seizures: Mitigating a Serious Alcohol Withdrawal Risk
If you've abused alcohol for a number of consecutive days, months, or years, the cumulative impact all that alcohol has on your body can dramatically increase the levels of dopamine within your brain — that's the neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable feelings like euphoria, relaxation, and satisfaction. Given ... Read More
5 Coping Strategies When Friends and Family Let You Down
Drug and alcohol treatment is physically and emotionally demanding. Detox takes a physical toll on your body, often creating pain and life-threatening complications. Yet, the emotional struggle and lack of support from family and friends can be even more crushing. Individuals who are in recovery may feel as though ... Read More
An Important Support Base: How to Get Family Involved in Your Recovery
When it comes to successful recovery, having a support system of individuals committed to your long-term sobriety can make a big difference. Getting your family involved in your recovery can help you at any stage of recovery. Family members can help you focus on recovery during rehab and can offer a safe, supportive ... Read More
Talking to Your Employer About Your Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction is invasive. It impacts every area of your life, including your employment. Though the stereotype of a 'drug abuser' may be that they are unable to hold down jobs or maintain responsibilities, that’s not usually the case. A U.S. News & World Report article indicates that an estimated 76 ... Read More
