Practicing self-compassion does not come easily. Addicts and people in recovery experience self-loathing and negative feelings towards themselves. Guilt, shame, and feeling like a failure or disappointment are persistent thoughts in the mind of an addict. Abusing drugs and alcohol becomes a means to cope with and manage these feelings, as well as any pain […]
Category Archives: Recovery
06
May
May
Addiction and mental health issues can be painfully disempowering, and lead us to fall silent regarding our needs, wants, and wishes. It can lead us to believe that we are deserving of any disrespect, judgment, or insults we receive. It can cause us to not speak up for ourselves and to not stand up for […]
04
May
May
Life in recovery is often liberating, joyous, and brings much-needed peace. But in addition to these positive and affirming feelings, many others may come with it. When considering past behavior, actions, and time wasted, there may be self-loathing or humiliation. But these feelings of self-resentment are a trap, and work must be done to alleviate […]
03
May
May
Many of us have heard that spiritual healing is an integral part of recovery. But getting started can feel so daunting. Do we need another person to guide us? What if we haven’t practiced any “spiritual stuff”‘ before? How do we know if we are doing it the “right” way? How do we even begin […]
30
Apr
Apr
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease, which is characterized by drug-seeking behaviors. These compulsive behaviors continue to persist despite dangerous consequences. Furthermore, addiction leads to permanent changes within the brain. Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a mental illness and a multifaceted brain disorder. Substance Use Disorders Impact Everyone SUDs may be […]
Addiction, Recovery
Competitive Attitudes Influence Drug Use While Apathetic Attitudes Are Protective Factors
29
Apr
Apr
A new study recognizes that competitive and hostile people are more likely to use drugs or alcohol. Engaging in substance use depends upon risk factors like past life experiences, family history, and social environment. This study confirms that personality traits, such as competitiveness and aggression, are also risk factors for engaging in substance use. However, […]
26
Apr
Apr
People who endure traumatic events can experience issues when something in their environment triggers distressing memories associated with the event and their connected thoughts and emotions to these memories. Triggers may set off a re-memory, or flashback, that transports the individual back to the event of the original trauma. What Are Triggers? Personally formed through […]
25
Apr
Apr
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes how journaling positively impacts one’s health. Journaling helps people in a variety of ways, including keeping a food and activity diary for those individuals dealing with diabetes or other physical diseases dependent upon diet and exercise. Furthermore, keeping a diary allows one to pinpoint reasons for […]
Mental Health, Recovery
How Can Finding a Career and Financial Success Cause Stress in Early Recovery?
24
Apr
Apr
Employment is a goal for everyone in society. We want to contribute, to earn a living, and to be successful. However, during early recovery, finding employment, maintaining a career, and achieving financial success may become a difficult and frustrating journey. Unfortunately, these feelings of angst and adversity may lead to a relapse or return to […]
23
Apr
Apr
When someone is dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD), they engage in activities and exhibit actions that they would not do if sober. They may hurt the people they most care about, engage in manipulation tactics, lie and deceive, and break the law. Once an individual enters recovery from a SUD and maintains sobriety […]
