How Recovery Changes Over Time
Over time when you’re sober, some things about recovery stay the same—and many things change. It continues to be full of surprises, rewards, and challenges. However, those are different as time goes on. In early recovery, your brain and body are going through the first parts of healing while you learn to do everyday things […]
Fear of Missing Out in Recovery
FOMO (fear of missing out) is kind of a jokey term, but the feelings behind it are human and valid. People want to feel like they belong. Connection is important, and it’s helpful for those of us in recovery to prioritize relationships and bonding. This is why support systems are so important. Getting Sober and […]
The Myth That Alcohol Calms You Down
The last couple years of my drinking, I had panic attacks nearly every morning as the alcohol wore off. But until I got sober, I probably would have said drinking relieved my anxiety. This is a common myth; there’s an idea that drinking is a necessity for socializing or unwinding because it lowers inhibitions. This […]
What Recovery Can Teach Us
I’ve heard people say that recovery has useful lessons even for people who don’t have a substance use disorder. Coming up on seven years sober, I truly feel lucky I’ve gotten to experience recovery—and excited about what else I’ll learn. Coping With Whatever Life Brings It’s taught me emotional resilience. During active addiction, I was […]
Brandon Novak Visits Awakenings Recovery Center
Brandon Novak—professional skateboarder, MTV celebrity, and recovery advocate—came to Awakenings Recovery Center on June 17th to give clients hope and inspiration. All current inpatient and outpatient clients attended this wonderful event. At a young age, Novak was discovered for his skateboarding by Tony Hawk and was the first skateboarder to be endorsed by Gatorade. He […]
3 Ways to Enjoy a Sober Valentine’s Day
Before even knowing what alcohol is, we formed a subconscious link between alcohol and celebrating. As children, we watched our parents having a good time with friends over the holidays drinking and celebrating. For men and women who struggle with addiction, the holidays can be an especially challenging time. If you are newly sober, you […]
What is the Difference Between Blackouts and Brownouts?
A blackout is when you lose memory due to excessive drinking; you might not remember where you were or how you got there. According to Healthline.com, “The hippocampus is found deep within the brain. It’s critical to forming memories. The hippocampus can’t develop long-term alcohol tolerance. This means it can’t create memories when a blackout […]
Jason Biggs
On October 11th, 2018, the actor Jason Biggs—best known for his roles in Orange is the New Black and American Pie—shared that he had been sober for a year. Next to a photo of an Alcoholics Anonymous chip, he said, “I first tried to get sober over 5 years ago, when the weight of my […]
What are the Links Between Depression and Alcohol Use?
Alcohol use disorder and depression often co-occur. People who are struggling with symptoms of depression may use alcohol to self-medicate. Then, chronic alcohol use can cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows your system down and reduces stimulation. It interacts with—and throws off the balance of—various […]
3 Mocktail Ideas for This Holiday Season
While many Americans are busy planning their Thanksgiving menus and making travel arrangements to visit family, you may be worried about how to maintain your sobriety. The holidays can be an enjoyable time to spend with loved ones, but they can also be a very stressful time, especially if you are in recovery. Thanksgiving dinners, […]