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 […]
Comparing Residential and Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Both residential and outpatient addiction treatment offer quality options for regaining your life and living addiction-free. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding which option best fits your needs and lifestyle. Your decision should ultimately be informed by the advice of a medical professional with a consideration for what will produce positive, long-lasting results. Learn […]
How to Treat Substance Use Disorder
When we talk about substance use compared to substance abuse, we generally discuss the difference between misuse, dependency, and addiction. Alcohol, marijuana, and prescription medications are among the most misused and abused substances. In the past, there has been a focus on potential gateway drugs. This term suggests that the use of less dangerous or […]
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 […]
Early Warning Signs of Heroin Relapse
Completing a heroin addiction treatment program and cleaning are huge steps toward living a healthier and happier life. Relapse, however, is an all too common reality of recovery and the lifelong journey toward sobriety. It’s important for yourself and those you love who have gotten help for their addiction to be able to spot the […]
How Red Ribbon Week Helps Fight Drug Addiction
Since its establishment in 1985, the Red Ribbon Week campaign has focused on awareness and education, advocacy, and providing free resources. Millions of lives have been touched worldwide as schools, families, local, state, and national governments, and more have amplified the messages of Red Ribbon Week, used their resources to disseminate information and education, initiated […]
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 […]