Myths Surrounding Addiction And Recovery It sometimes is hard to understand how or why other people get addicted to drugs. They might mistakenly associate those who are addicted to drugs with a lack of morals. Or they believe that those who are addicted to drugs lack willpower. That drug addicts can stop using by choosing to. In reality, having an addiction is a complex disease and quitting takes more than a strong will or good intentions. What Is Drug Addiction? Drug addiction is characterized by drug use and drug-seeking behavior that is difficult to control and compulsive despite detrimental consequences. Most people will voluntarily take their first drug. However, repeated […]

Understanding the Dynamics of Dual Diagnosis in Addiction Recovery Co-occurring disorders or more commonly known as a dual diagnosis is a term used to describe someone who has a substance abuse disorder and a mental health diagnosis. It is common for someone with a mental health problem to self medicate with drugs and alcohol even though drugs and alcohol are known to worsen the mental illness symptoms. Professionally, the fields of recovery from substance abuse and mental health have entirely different cultures. This tends to make finding integrated care challenging. If you have a co-occurring disorder then, you will want to seek out a program that integrates its care at […]

What Are You Thinking During Recovery?   9 Tips and Tricks to Stop Obsessing Whether you’re an addict or the loved one of an addict, obsessive thinking has probably plagued you more than once. Once your mind fixates on something or someone, whether it’s the next fix, how you’re going to hide your drug or alcohol addiction, what the addict is doing or not doing, money problems, legal problems, relationship problems, or problems at work, it can be so challenging to stop the patterns of obsessive thinking. This is a common affliction in both addicts and their loved ones as it is part of the disease of addiction. Obsessive thinking can […]

Self-Care 101: Learning to Have Fun without Drugs, Alcohol, or Guilt You’re clean and sober – now what? No more parties, no more drinking at the beach or barbeques, no more tripping while listening to Floyd… Does this mean you will never have any fun again? Absolutely not! Being clean and sober is an opportunity to learn to have fun for the first time in your life. When you are of your right mind and body, it enables you to be entirely in the present moment, no matter what you’re doing. And as you practice being truly present, you’ll develop the ability to create happiness and joy in every situation. […]

Drop the Rope and Stop Playing Tug of War with Your Addict.   No bones about it – addiction is a gnarly disease that is very challenging to cope with, especially when the addict is someone close to you and lives in your home. It is so easy to get caught up in the drama that addiction can bring that you may find yourself in a tug-of-war with the addict, yet it is no game and certainly no fun. Are you tired of nagging, scolding, complaining, and dominating? If you find yourself doing things for the addict that they should be able to do for themselves, trying to control everything […]

Part Three of a Three Part Series Busting Through Shame:  Being of Service Congratulations if you’ve made it this far in the shame busting process! You were willing to exam the wreckage of your past and took responsibility for it. Those are significant accomplishments and something many people, whether in recovery or not, are afraid even to attempt much less complete. You’ve done well, and most likely it shows in your face and your life. You’ve begun to experience the many benefits of recovery like serenity, peace, and joy as well as miracles in your life – great relationships, renewed career, and a prospering bank account. And shame is no […]