Neuroplasticity: What It Is and What It Has to Do With Addiction
What is Neuroplasticity? The brain is one the most complex organs in the human body. It is composed of synapses, or small structures that neurons use to communicate with each another. Over time, some synapse connections can grow stronger, while others weaken as we get older. Because our brains are so adaptable, they change according […]
Sober Summer: 7 Tips for Fun in the Sun
What Dangers Does Summer Bring for Those in Recovery? Summer brings its own challenges for those in substance abuse and addiction recovery. More people get together outdoors and have special events like weddings and birthdays. With these activities, there’s more temptation to enjoy a few drinks and enjoy the summertime sun. After all, no one […]
How to Rebuild Your Immune System During Addiction Recovery
Many people recovering from addiction are unaware of their immune health. It can be a tough topic to address, especially when there are so many other things to work on. But your immune recovery is an essential part of your new life. Substance abuse over an extended period of time has harmful effects on a […]
Living in Recovery: How Aftercare Can Help
What is Aftercare? Aftercare programs are one of the most important parts of the recovery process. They include any type of care offered after the detox or residential treatment. Now that you’re sober, aftercare programs focus on how to keep it that way. They offer tools, strategies, resources, and support networks to make sure you […]
Social Anxiety and Addiction Recovery
What is Social Anxiety? Anxiety and fear are natural human reactions designed to keep us safe from perceived danger or threats. When we feel threatened or stressed, our bodies start to feel physical sensations of anxiety. This is a normal—and even healthy—response to perceived danger. But what happens when we experience these reactions without any […]
What’s the Best Way to Set and Meet Goals in Addiction Recovery?
Knowing how to set goals is a valuable skill in all areas of life. But it is especially important when you are recovering from substance abuse or addiction. The process of setting realistic and achievable goals will give you milestones to look forward to on your recovery journey. These milestones make an open-ended and sometimes […]
Getting Outdoors in the Spring Season: How Can it Help the Recovery Process?
Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. With the changing weather, outdoor and leisure activities are more appealing than ever. But activities associated with leisure are often a sticky topic for those recovering from substance abuse and those newly committed to sobriety. For these folks—and maybe you’re one of them—leisurely activities might […]
Reentering the Workplace After Addiction: How to Rebuild Your Life
The Challenges of Finding Employment After Addiction Despite the great progress society has made, there is unfortunately still a stigma against addiction and individuals who have struggled with substance abuse. Some potential employers won’t even consider hiring someone in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. As a result, it can be challenging to navigate the […]
Exercise, Stress, and Addiction Recovery
How Does Exercise Help with the Recovery Process? For many people, high levels of stress are just a normal part of life. But did you know that there is a strong link between stress and addiction cycles? Physical, emotional, and mental stress can all contribute to the patterns that often lead to substance abuse and […]
Creative Healing: 3 Ways to Keep Healing After Recovery
Why is it Important to Continue the Healing Process? Many people think recovery is finished when you’re done with your treatment. Whether it be detox, residential treatment, or a set of therapy sessions, these formal treatments are only the beginning. One recent study in the journal of Addiction Research and Theory describes the process of […]