Finding Comfort in Recovery
While it is important to go out of your comfort zone in recovery, it’s also helpful to find a sense of comfort. This doesn’t mean complacency—it means figuring out what makes you feel most supported, safe, and secure. Support Systems When you feel a basic sense of safety and comfort in recovery, it can give […]
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a medication used to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorder. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be used as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of medications—often in combination with therapy—to treat addiction. Naltrexone works by binding to and blocking the opioid receptors in […]
Building Self-Awareness in Recovery
Self-awareness is an important part of recovery. Learning about both what triggers and what centers you can help you make healthy choices for yourself. Self-awareness also helps all your relationships with other people, improving quality of life and increasing your motivation to stay sober. Reconnecting to Yourself After Active Addiction It can seem like self-awareness […]
National Stress Awareness Day
Today is National Stress Awareness Day. As we approach another winter in COVID and the holidays, stress levels might be high. This day is a reminder of the ways stress impacts us physically, mentally, and emotionally—and what we can do to reduce it. When we’re stressed, we often feel powerless. We can’t control whether lots […]
What Substances Can Medication-Assisted Treatment Be Used For?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications—often in combination with therapy—to treat addiction. Medications like Buprenorphine or Naltrexone help curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that people can focus on recovery. Currently, there are medications for both opioid and alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone, for instance, can be used to help with either opioid or […]
Sober Stories: Angel
TW: Suicidal thoughts What led you to enter recovery? I had known for a long time that I was an alcoholic; I was just never ready to do anything about it. But then when alcohol wasn’t working as well as I needed it to—and I couldn’t cope with my life circumstances […]
Having Hope in Recovery
When you are diagnosed with an addiction or mental health disorder, it can feel discouraging. You know you are stuck with this for life. But to me, active addiction is the hopeless part of this journey. Chronic substance use changes your brain so that you seek a substance that no longer gives you pleasure; it’s […]
What are Partial Hospitalization Programs?
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are a level of care in addiction treatment. These programs offer more intensive treatment than regular outpatient programs, but unlike with residential treatment, you don’t live at the facility while receiving care. PHPs are typically several hours, three to five days a week. They are great for those who may need […]
Daniel Radcliffe
The actor Daniel Radcliffe got sober for the first time in 2010, a month after filming the last Harry Potter Movie. Radcliffe says he struggled with becoming famous at a young age and getting recognized wherever he went. “In my case, the quickest way of forgetting about the fact that you were being watched was […]
Why is Relapse Considered Part of Recovery?
Addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is considered part of recovery. Many people do so one or more times before finding long-term recovery. The less shame they have around it, the more likely they are to seek help and find sobriety again. A person whose cancer comes back is not shamed for it, and […]