Showing Up in Recovery
One thing about recovery I find really rewarding—and sometimes overwhelming—is the fact that I can show up. When we’re in active addiction, that’s really difficult to do. We are too caught up in cycles of craving and use, and not able to be present or make intentional decisions. When we get sober, we can take […]
What are Reputable Sources About Addiction and Mental Health?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, you probably want to learn more about these topics. Doing so can help you figure out the next steps for yourself, or better support your friend or family member. There is so much content available online, but not all of it […]
Rob Delaney
In February of this year, the actor and comedian Rob Delaney celebrated 19 years sober. As part of his social media post commemorating the day, he said, “19 years ago today I was in jail in a wheelchair with 2 badly broken arms. I’d driven a car into a building while blacked out…I’d been trying […]
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 […]
Storytelling in Recovery
Storytelling can be a really useful part of recovery. For those in 12-step fellowships, a big part of meetings is hearing and sharing stories, but this can be true even if you go another route for your recovery. When I talk with other sober friends about addiction and recovery, the stories flow. Stories breed empathy […]
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 […]
What Are the Benefits of Recovery Housing?
The goal of any addiction recovery program is to achieve sobriety. For many people, pursuing recovery in the right environment is paramount to their success. Not all living situations promote sobriety. That can make recovery housing, also called sober living housing, a great option for people looking for increased independence matched with ongoing support after […]