Once someone has reached a crossroads in their life and made the noble decision to seek help for a substance use disorder, there are some decisions to be made. Recovery programs offer various levels of care so deciding which is appropriate is largely determined by the severity of the substance use problem. Treatment is available […]
Treatment Program
Recovery After a Relapse
Everyone knows how hard it is to change an old habit. Our brains are extremely elastic, with the reward system stubbornly clinging to memories of behaviors we would prefer to overcome. When it comes to substance use recovery, making the needed adjustments in thought and behavior patterns can be challenging, especially in the early months. […]
How Do I Ask for Help?
I need help. Those three little words can be extraordinarily vulnerable and can feel extremely uncomfortable. Why is it so hard? Unfortunately, so much of our culture has led us to believe that asking for help is weak, or that we aren’t capable or able to handle our life if we need support. So, how […]
The Dry Drunk: Addressing and Moderating Addictive Behaviors and Anger
Overcoming addiction is an incredible accomplishment and one that can leave us feeling empowered and liberated, if not exhausted. But as the return to the routine of life unfolds, there may be feelings of rage, depression, or unpredictable emotional states that leave us binge eating, binge-watching television, turning to sex, overworking, or engaging in other […]
Trust the Process
Sitting in a room of strangers and discussing depression, grief, trauma, or familial problems can sound like an absolute nightmare, particularly for those with substance use disorder, who often feel separate from their fellows. If you look at the structure of a 12-Step program, you’ll see that while working individually with a sponsor is touted […]
Is it Apathy or Something More?
Apathy is a word we hear a lot around recovery, however, it might be something that we don’t entirely understand. There is an inherent idea that compares it to depression or casts it as only a symptom of another mental health diagnosis. Apathy is a challenge all on its own and it can be difficult […]