According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or commonly referred to as “ecstasy” or “molly,” is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy and pleasure as well as distorted sensory […]
08
Jul
Jul
When we first get sober, it can be a struggle to just to feel okay. Confronted with problems that began while we were active in our addiction, trying feel glad about anything was a challenge. And yet those of us just starting the recovery journey have so much to feel grateful about. As we walk […]
08
Jul
Jul
Friends and family members try hard to support the ones they love in rehab and want to see them as often as possible. However, often times friends and family don’t understand what’s expected of them or how to act once they enter a facility. And even with the best intentions, visits in rehab can sometimes […]
05
Jul
Jul
Aftercare takes place following the completion of a drug/alcohol rehabilitation program. Each aftercare is designed to help the completing client to extend recovery beyond the safe confines of the initial treatment program. While the drug and alcohol counselor helps in crafting the client’s aftercare, the client has an equal say in what will be included […]
05
Jul
Jul
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” Imbalanced chemicals in the brain, genetics, and trauma can cause bipolar disorder. Those who suffer from a mental health […]
04
Jul
Jul
No one enjoys the feelings produced by a state of anxiety, and for some anxiety suffers those feelings can become excruciating. It is tempting to seek out substances that, when ingested, will provide the anxiety relief we so desperately want. Because marijuana is has become popularly accepted as a natural remedy for many ailments, some […]
04
Jul
Jul
It doesn’t matter your socio-economic background, race or religion – losing a loved one is a painful human experience. Dealing with all of the grief surrounding death is brutal and for those in addiction recovery, grief can trigger a major relapse. Grief-related sadness, anger, and pain can cloud our ability to think clearly, and those […]
03
Jul
Jul
When we are newly sober and just beginning the journey of recovery, we are in need of a guide and mentor to help us navigate the unfamiliar waters of twelve step recovery. It is our responsibility to ask a member of our twelve step fellowship to sponsor us. Choosing a sponsor who is well suited […]
03
Jul
Jul
There are many life factors to consider once you’ve made the decision to get help for a substance use disorder or alcohol addiction. One of the biggest decisions is where to go for help. Luckily, there are rehab centers across the nation, but sometimes, the best treatment center isn’t located close by. Or you may […]
02
Jul
Jul
Diet—the food and drink we consume, and how frequently we consume it—is particularly important to those of us in the first 90 days of recovery. There is a lot of research to support the idea that our bodies, often badly malnourished by our drinking and using, are far more likely to heal fast if we […]
