5 Tips to Stay Connected With Your Support Network
Reporting new substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health symptoms can feel uncomfortable. Maybe you fear broken trust, worsened relationships with ...

Framework Recovery not only provides men suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) an individualized framework needed to become sober, but empowers them to stop living a life controlled by fear. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s a tailor-made solution. It’s where you find the treatment that fits your needs, your goals, and your lifestyle.
At Framework Recovery, our goal is to provide the clearest path to successful and sustainable sobriety for you or a loved one. We believe recovery is more successful when outpatient treatment programs such as partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), monitoring, counseling and sober living homes (SLH) coexist together.
Housing provides a critical layer of accountability, encourages our guests to build a community and through that, understanding of what they are going through. At an SLH, a resident will find men that are going through the same things they are, struggling with problems they have had or will have in the future. Developing life skills and generally preparing themselves for a promising future of sobriety.

Reporting new substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health symptoms can feel uncomfortable. Maybe you fear broken trust, worsened relationships with ...
Although residential care can provide 24/7 monitoring and support, some individuals require more flexibility. There is much value in both inpatient an...
Participating in individual therapy can be beneficial to your mental health. One-on-one therapy can be beneficial, but if nothing is driving you to su...
A combination of substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality...
Acute, chronic, or complex trauma can be difficult to overcome. If chronic trauma occurs over time, you may be at an increased risk of developing post...
There is no cure for substance use disorder (SUD). If SUD is left unmanaged, a substance relapse can wreak havoc on your entire family unit. Most peop...
Completing an addiction treatment program can feel very rewarding. However, a substance relapse can be common around one year after completing treatme...
Early recovery can be busy. However, for some, maintaining a structured routine can be difficult, often leading to boredom and sometimes resolution. I...
Many people find success after completing their recovery program. However, substance use disorder (SUD) is a lifelong disease that requires ongoing co...
Early recovery can be hectic. The transition back into a normal way of living can feel isolating. Getting swept up in school, adapting to a new work c...
Untreated substance use disorder (SUD) can impair relationships with loved ones. For example, a child-parent bond can be damaged due to consistent dru...
Addiction and mental health disorders commonly co-occur. Although there is no way to predict which comes first, seeking treatment for a dual diagnosis...
Family is very important, and is potentially the primary reason you may have arrived at an addiction treatment center. This is done not only because o...
Active addiction can cause harm to family relationships. Recovery can be even more difficult to manage with unwanted substance exposure. For example, ...
Severe substance use disorder (SUD) or psychiatric conditions can put you at an increased risk of death, whether from having an overdose or suicide. I...
It can be difficult to maintain sobriety in both early and late recovery. Drug and alcohol cravings, unwanted substance exposure, and peer pressure ca...
Active addiction can lead one down a dreadful road of destruction: theft, manipulating loved ones, neglecting responsibilities, excessively spending m...
Not everyone has a safe place to return to after completing their addiction recovery program. Although moving forward with a sober living home can be ...
Reaching out for additional support can be difficult for those who experience social anxiety. However, alumni support can be very beneficial to one...
Discontinuing contact with those who continue to abuse substances can be very important to lasting sobriety. However, it is not always easy to end unh...
Early recovery can come with various obstacles, especially without additional support. Recognizing that some individuals find that making sober connec...
When searching for a reputable addiction recovery center, the last thing a person might do is review a potential treatment center’s staff retent...
Contrary to what some may believe, excess screen time can trigger substance use or feed drug or alcohol addiction. For those in addiction recovery, se...
When an individual loses control over their addiction, this can cause problems in many different areas of their life. For example, substance use disor...
Active addiction tends to wreak havoc on every aspect of an individual’s life. When a person puts harmful substances above all else, they will e...
Active addiction can cause a serious financial burden on families and society as a whole. Therefore, learning how to budget is an important lesson in ...
Moving forward in early recovery can feel daunting, as developing a social support network is critical for relapse prevention. However, some individua...
Drug interactions can be life-threatening as they increase the risk of a relapse or overdose. Safe medical detoxification is critical to transition in...
Even though an addiction treatment program has been completed, this does not mean one has been cured. Obstacles are bound to lie ahead in recovery, as...
Addictive behaviors that stem from active addiction can strain family relationships. Knowing that severe substance use disorder (SUD) can negatively i...
It can be challenging to cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unmanaged trauma triggers can significantly interfere with on...
Severe addiction can wreak havoc on several areas of your life. When you have hit rock bottom and experienced disappointment from loved ones, you may ...
Maintaining long-term sobriety can be challenging. This can be especially true for those with a dual diagnosis. However, residing in a sober living ho...
Living with unmanaged post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase your risk of developing co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Participat...
The transition into early recovery is not always an easy experience. You may have anxiety about finishing your treatment program, fearing facing chang...
If you are in dire need of overcoming severe substance use disorder (SUD) or a co-occurring mental health condition, you may quickly choose standard t...
Discontinuing substance use can be difficult, even with support. After a person enters recovery, balancing work, addiction treatment, and relationship...
Trauma can come in many different forms. It is commonly linked with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions such as anx...
It is common for those facing problems with severe addiction or a dual diagnosis to avoid involving loved ones in their treatment program. This can be...
Substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders can wreak havoc on one’s life. It is common for a person to feel completel...
Early recovery can be lonely. When someone lets go of toxic relationships with people who continue to abuse drugs or alcohol, they often end up feelin...
Addiction recovery involves a series of positive changes. However, it can be difficult for some people in recovery to become acclimated to their new w...
Addiction treatment centers generally provide abundant support. However, transitioning from a strong support system to an independent lifestyle can be...
Both early and ongoing recovery can present many obstacles. For instance, unfortunate events or chronic trauma can derail one’s recovery. Howeve...
It can be challenging to maintain recovery. Unfortunate life events and unmanaged stress can hinder one’s ability to maintain mental wellness. S...
In the world of addiction recovery, the truth is that certain triggers, unwanted substance exposure, and daily stressors can lead to relapses. However...
After completing a treatment program, many people with substance use disorder (SUD) feel vulnerable transitioning into early recovery. However, 12-Ste...
It can be very challenging for some people to get over past traumas. It is common for those who don’t understand the effects of trauma to say, ...
Even after a treatment program ends, addiction recovery can be a challenging process. Outpatient therapy can be beneficial, but some people still find...
It can be challenging for someone to manage severe substance use disorder (SUD) without support. Developing an individualized treatment plan can help....
Although completing an addiction recovery program can feel rewarding, staying on track to a healthy recovery can be challenging. Many people with subs...
It is common for some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) or a dual diagnosis to feel hesitant to move forward in recovery after completing ...
The same treatment regimen may not work for everyone. This can be especially true for those facing challenges with a dual diagnosis. Personalized care...
Since recreational marijuana use was approved in several U.S. states, marijuana abuse has steadily increased. Therefore, peer pressure is a prevalent ...
Both early and late recovery can come with several challenges without support. Consequently, if symptoms are left unmanaged, many individuals with sub...
Addiction recovery can be hard without the right tools or additional support. It can be difficult for one to manage the three stages of relapse. Knowi...
The process of finding a recovery center that provides effective treatment options can be stressful. Surrendering to treatment can be an overwhelming ...
With how hectic life can be for both young and older adults, many individuals find it difficult to stay alert during a lecture or stay up to study. Ba...
When an individual is going through mental anguish due to various life factors without support, they may endure several other life challenges. This ca...
Early recovery can be quite busy, as many individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) are required to make positive changes to achieve lasting sobri...
Managing addiction or a co-occurring mental health condition can be challenging. Certain triggers and unwanted substance exposure can make it difficul...
Living with a poorly managed dual diagnosis can feel defeating. Anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD) can be difficult to overcome without utilizin...
It can be tough to balance daily stressors with an unaddressed mental health condition. Outpatient therapy may not be enough for everyone. An untreate...
It is highly common for some individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) or a co-occurring mental health condition to relapse within the first year ...
Not everyone responds to treatment the same way, and that is to be expected. Everyone goes through treatment at their own pace. A dual diagnosis can b...
Staying dedicated to addiction and mental health treatment can be tough. Maintaining a strong recovery can also be challenging. Unwanted substance exp...
What Does It Take to Maintain a Healthy Recovery? Coping with external factors such as unwanted substance exposure, unhealthy triggers, and negative p...
Marijuana is a mind-changing psychoactive substance. It is commonly used for medicinal or recreational purposes in many different U.S. states. However...
The stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction disorders can hinder one’s motivation to seek treatment. Sometimes, the language surrounding...
Living with an unmanaged substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health disorder can be very stressful. Searching for the right treatme...
It can be challenging for some individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health conditions to sustain abstinence from dr...
Balancing outpatient treatment with academics can be difficult for some students. Fortunately, outpatient addiction treatment provides some flexibilit...
It can be challenging for some individuals to stay on track while in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Early recovery typically requires one to make si...
After addiction and mental health treatment have been completed, it is common for some individuals to face a series of challenges. It is common for th...
The effects of substance use disorder (SUD) can be challenging to manage without proper guidance. If an individual chooses to continue to abuse drugs,...
After treatment, many individuals are often required to find a job, secure a stable living environment, deal with legal matters, and assume parenting ...
Figuring out which treatment option is most effective can be an overwhelming process. It may be helpful for one to develop an individualized treatment...
For some men, treatment can seem dull or lacking. This is why a comprehensive and individualized approach to care is vital for success. It can be help...
Peer pressure, unwanted substance exposure, and certain triggers can be difficult for a young adult to cope with. Certain challenges can make it espec...
Many young adults are busy trying to plan their future. It is common for a young man to feel intense pressure to hit every adult milestone in their ad...
Many individuals feel embarrassed or guilty for engaging in past behaviors. Thus, staying honest in treatment can be difficult. If one starts to fall ...
It is easy for those of all ages facing challenges with their mental health to lose hope gradually. Balancing work, family, and treatment can feel ver...
A busy day full of countless responsibilities at work can feel deeply overwhelming. When work stress builds up, it often leads to a great deal of tens...
Once an addiction and mental health treatment program has been completed, the transition into recovery can be a vulnerable next step. It can be diffic...
Surrendering to treatment can feel overwhelming. Maintaining treatment can be even more stressful for many hard-working students. Life for a young adu...
Misusing harmful substances while in treatment can derail one’s progress. A substance relapse while in recovery can also bring on deep feelings ...
Life before addiction treatment may feel stressful, hectic, and very disorganized. Many families may find it challenging to encourage loved ones to su...
Past addictive behaviors or poor etiquette associated with poor mental health can put a serious strain on relationships with loved ones. The long road...
Many individuals face challenges with their mental health. This can be due to various reasons. For example, several factors can play a large part, suc...
Upon completing addiction and mental health treatment, it may be best for one to develop a recovery plan. If an individual is still experiencing compl...
Recovery can be a challenging road for some individuals. This can be especially so for those who are having difficulty coping with both substance use ...
Once an individual receives a diagnosis, it is common for one to feel overwhelmed. Not everyone knows where to start. It can be easy for one to jump i...
Trauma can follow an individual for the rest of their life. Persistent trauma or intense trauma left untreated can eventually lead to post-traumatic s...
Drugs and alcohol are harmful substances that are commonly abused by many individuals. Substance abuse and misuse can take a negative toll on both an ...
An individual who abuses drugs and alcohol for a prolonged period on a daily basis is at an increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD)....
Experiencing frequent misconceptions and occasional delusions can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult to decipher frequent distortions with untreat...
Living with depression can bring on sudden deep feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Even with knowing the right tools to manage the condit...
Many individuals recovering from addiction and co-occurring anxiety have difficulty connecting with others. This can be due to various underlying reas...
For some individuals, living with untreated anxiety can almost feel like one is trapped in a persistent nightmare. Just about everything in one’...
Many individuals misuse drugs for various personal reasons. It is common for some individuals to abuse stimulants to self-medicate their untreated men...
What Is MBCBT? Research indicates that MBCBT integrates various elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness-based stress reduction into ...
Many young adults feel persistent pressure to accomplish their major life milestones. These may consist of graduating college, finding a career, new h...
For some individuals, untreated schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD) can significantly disrupt their lifestyle. This can make it highly diff...
Once treatment has been completed, some individuals experience a great lack of motivation when transitioning into recovery. This can be due to having ...
Many men facing problems with addiction are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). It can be tough to fight intense cravings...
Many individuals are quick to assume a loved one is limited to clinical care options for substance use disorder (SUD). Although traditional medication...
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be difficult to overcome without professional help. Some men with PTSD face challenges and even neglect thei...
Many men use marijuana to suppress intense feelings of irritability and anger. Although some strains of marijuana have been known to release relaxing ...
The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel debilitating for some individuals. This mental health condition not only affects one fam...
The challenges associated with an individual’s dual diagnosis can be difficult to manage alone. Addiction can negatively impact many different a...
It can be difficult to live with the negative effects of addiction. A dual diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health ...
Surrendering to mental health and addiction treatment can be an overwhelming choice. Before doing so, it is crucial to research the right-fitting care...
The transition into recovery can be a vulnerable stage for some men. This can be especially so for those facing challenges with a dual diagnosis. Not ...
Healing while in recovery can be a vulnerable time. This can be due to the many sacrifices made to promote long-term sobriety and mental stability. It...
Depression can be very difficult to live with. This can be especially so for men who are struggling with depression and anger. It can be hard to cope ...
Managing addiction as a young man can be quite difficult. Many young men are busy balancing their daily priorities, such as work, college, and relatio...
Depending on the severity of one’s condition, it can be difficult for some individuals to maintain abstinence from harmful substances. It can be...
Many men face challenges coping with their mental health. Research has found that men are often less proactive when it comes to nurturing their mental...
Overcoming addiction can be a serious challenge for some individuals. This can be especially true for those facing problems with substance abuse and c...
Addiction can be extremely difficult to live with if left untreated. It not only affects the individual who is facing problems with substance use, but...
Addiction treatment and early recovery can be a vulnerable time for some men. This can be due to negative stigma from friends, family, and peers. In o...
What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy? Sometimes an individual may need a loyal companion to explore the wilderness with, attend sober events, or just simpl...
What motivates an addiction disorder is rarely ever just the substance. It’s often compounded with additional underlying mental health and envir...
It can be challenging for some men to cope with the negative symptoms associated with their anxiety. Signs of academic anxiety may arise from triggers...
The thought of turning life around after addiction may seem nearly impossible. Many individuals who face challenges with substance use may feel lost o...
Many individuals lack a healthy and stable environment once they enter early recovery. Depending on the severity of one’s condition, the start o...
Addiction can affect anyone from just about any background. Therefore, not everyone’s story is the same, so alcoholism can be difficult to under...
Once treatment has been completed, it can be difficult for an individual to maintain long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It is very common fo...
Although women consume less alcohol than men, alcohol use disorder (AUD) can affect both men and women in different ways. Many professionals have prov...
Trauma comes in many different forms. It also can affect people of any gender, age, or nationality. Unfortunately, suppressing negative thoughts relat...
Many individuals question the same thing, “Will rehab cure my loved one’s addiction?”. Although it is common for some individuals to believe...
Surrendering to addiction treatment can be overwhelming for a majority of individuals facing challenges with addiction. Staying committed to their ind...
The Role of Fear in Addiction Recovery Many people without substance use disorder (SUD) may not understand that fear is a significant factor in seekin...
What Is Community Support? Addiction can be a very alienating experience. Most people you meet aren’t able to relate to your experiences. If the...
Many men experience childhood trauma and learn to suppress these experiences. They are taught to be strong and resilient, not displaying “weak” em...
What Is Random Drug Testing? Random drug testing is pretty much what it sounds like. While in a recovery facility, you might be drug tested without pr...
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a common treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health di...
Some men may experience nervousness toward the end of addiction treatment. This is understandable. Often, men don’t know what to expect once the...
Trauma can come in all different forms. Anyone can be affected by trauma at any age. Unfortunately, the effects of trauma can make it difficult to mov...
If you have an addiction or co-occurring mental health condition, you may find it difficult to transition from hospitalization to a different level of...
Transitioning from addiction and mental health treatment into full recovery can be an intimidating step for some men. Applying the sober living skills...
It can be difficult to have a firm grasp on reality when a person is in an altered state of mind from schizophrenia. With schizophrenia, one may exper...
Addiction not only affects individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) but tends to affect their environment as well. For example, many men who go t...
Despite progress within gender spheres, men are still expected to appear tough and not show any signs of weakness. For this reason, many men who are g...
Cities in California such as Los Angeles and San Diego are known for their extensive social scenes, especially in downtown areas that offer a wide sel...
Halloween is coming up at the end of the month. It is a fun time to start preparing for a spooky, sober, exciting celebration now. Unfortunately, many...
It can be difficult to overcome addiction alone. This can be especially so for those with substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental healt...
Accepting there is a problem and taking the step toward treatment is the beginning of the road to recovery. Not only can this be an extremely memorabl...
For many people, talk therapy can feel claustrophobic. This can be especially true for men, who are often socialized from a young age to avoid talking...
Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is often a long uphill battle. In an ideal world, you would come out of treatment a completely new person a...
Working through substance use disorder (SUD) is a difficult battle. Sometimes, however, a pre-existing or new mental health condition can make an indi...
Getting treated for substance use disorder (SUD) is often just the first step on your long journey to sustained wellness. After detox and rehabilitati...
Working through primary care pathways can sometimes feel like you’re being lumped together with all the other types of patients. It can be diffi...
Once you complete treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), local community resources can become vital to the next step in your recovery. Community ...
Sometimes, when entering treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), individuals have to make tough personal decisions for the sake of their sobriety....
Dealing with substance use disorder (SUD) is hard enough on its own, and even taking the first step toward recovery can feel overwhelming. Trying to c...
When considering treatment options for substance use disorder (SUD), it’s easy to get lost in all of the acronyms and medical jargon. You may co...
Synthetic/designer drugs are increasingly common in the United States. They can often be found at parties or clubs, especially on college campuses. An...
Working in a high-pressure environment can be difficult. When the stress begins to mount, some people turn to stimulants to maintain the pace and crea...
Trauma is commonly linked with addiction. Although many people have experienced a trauma that may have led them to seek substances, they often have a ...
It can be difficult to overcome substance use disorder (SUD) without professional support. Depending on a person’s situation, medications or tra...
An individual may experience many health benefits when listening to their preferred genre of music. Music can elevate one’s mood, stimulate memo...
Coping with the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental illness can feel overwhelming. Managing a dual diagnosis alone can c...
Everyone who has sought mental health treatment has a unique story. In general, most people hope to gain a healthier mindset and learn new skills. Oft...
When trauma occurs, it can cause people to become emotionally detached and disconnected from the outside world. Many psychological effects can come fr...
The causes of addiction can vary greatly. Everyone has their own story behind what led them to their addiction. Some people turn to addictive substanc...
Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes we do not recognize the impact of certain decisions until the consequences are revealed. The outcome is not always ...
Congratulations! Graduating from your inpatient treatment program is something to be proud of. You likely now have increased awareness and a repertoir...
Addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is a disease in your body. When reward pathways are triggered in your brain, the ne...
As standards of masculinity have developed throughout the course of humanity, they have been influenced by different cultures along with centuries of ...
Recovering from addiction can be extremely difficult if done alone, especially as mental health conditions can interfere with treatment. Therefore, su...
It is that time again. Your apartment kitchen cupboards are empty, and your family cannot stop at the store to help you with groceries. Exhausted, you...
Suffering from a mental health condition can be heavy emotionally, especially if left untreated. Complications can make the person suffering live a li...
Everyone enters addiction treatment at different points throughout their recovery journey. Regardless of whether it’s someone’s first time...
Many people believe that substance use disorder (SUD) develops from chronic alcohol or illicit drug use. While these substances remain incredibly harm...
During treatment, and especially when transitioning back to life outside of treatment, individuals working to establish their sobriety will need to en...
The journey to sobriety is never a straight path. Everyone has different underlying causes and risk factors that contributed to the development of the...
Sometimes in recovery, it may not seem like you have a lot to be grateful for. However, sitting down and counting your blessings may surprise you and ...
When you are faced with something unpleasant, human nature makes you inclined to fight or run. However, there is a third option for responding to some...
Addiction can rob you of so many things, including the opportunities to grow and learn how to take care of yourself. Not unlike Peter Pan’s Lost Boy...
The negative thoughts that start with “I can’t” force you into giving your power away. However, when you take your power back and change the nar...
Fear as a Powerful Emotion Fear is an emotion capable of influencing and giving rise to others, such as anger. When anger is expressed in unhealthy wa...
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotline at 988. Stigma dictates that men should never expr...
Being a part of a sober living community means learning to be responsible and do your part. How you live, how you behave, and how you interact with ot...
Healing from substance abuse involves many facets. One of those facets is addressing your eating habits. You should create a framework for your healin...
Life lessons are learned best through trial and error. Addiction recovery is a process, not an instant path to perfection. Each day offers a new begin...
Therapy in recovery is about learning many skills, including how to more effectively communicate. Being able to listen to what others are saying and s...
During active addiction, friendships are often based on those in your life who will enable your substance use. In recovery, you learn to build healthy...
For individuals in early recovery, staying sober can be a challenging task at any time of the year. However, the holiday season can bring about additi...
Yoga is often seen as something that women do or perhaps an activity that men do to meet women. In recovery, yoga is a powerful tool for healing that ...
There is a stigma that men asking for help portrays them as weak. Truthfully, the bravery of asking for support during times of difficulty shows great...
Once you have completed the initial hard work of recovery, being sober can be exhilarating. When leaving recovery, you may be tempted to jump back int...
Whether by choice or by necessity, recovery can often leave you alone during the holidays. This can make an already very difficult time of the year th...
Just as every skill you learn throughout the recovery process is important, it is essential to develop simple life skills. Understanding how to cope w...
Trauma is common among individuals who have struggled with substance use disorder (SUD). Society often stigmatizes trauma as a female-based problem th...
Fear is a common emotion that individuals experience throughout their lives. It is so common that it often becomes normalized or even goes unnoticed. ...
Holistic treatment methods can be beneficial when implemented with other therapeutic forms in your recovery process. When in outpatient treatment or a...
Developing a framework for relapse prevention is done through careful examination of each individual’s needs. Each person has a different approa...
When you are in early recovery, you are still learning to regulate your emotions. Anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences throughout thei...
After initial treatment for addiction, there is still plenty of healing that needs to happen. Family relationships can be particularly difficult to na...
Whether you are new to recovery or have been in recovery for a long time, cravings can hit, and hit hard. When you are caught off guard by an intense ...
There are many types of therapeutic modalities that are helpful for different people for a number of reasons. One therapeutic modality that has been v...
Depression is often portrayed as someone who is sad, lethargic, and lonely. This may be true for many people, even many people at certain points in th...
Some people see being diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis on top of having a substance use disorder (SUD) as a disability, while others see it as...
Returning to work after any time off is difficult, but returning to work after treatment for addiction is an entirely different challenge. Your recove...
The word sobriety has a stigma of being dull or boring. Perhaps it conjures up images of sitting around alone or limiting your social life to seeing m...
If the shame does not get you, the guilt will. Guilt and shame are like a two-headed beast of negative thought processes that seem to be ever-threaten...
There is often so much focus on the first 30 days of treatment for addiction that not much thought is put into what happens afterward. You go from act...
When you hear the words “childhood memories,” most people think of happy, carefree days spent laughing and playing. For too many people, however, ...
Fear of failure can keep you from achieving your goals, but fear of success can actually threaten your long-term recovery. Why are some people afraid ...
In sports, sometimes scoring a point or two or winning a single game is enough to establish your spot on the team. In recovery, though, you need to ea...
The behaviors associated with addiction often lead to guilt, shame, and regret. You may even have shame surrounding your addiction itself. Simply beco...
When one person uses substances, the focus is typically on them and getting them help. How often does anyone look around that person to assess the nee...
Most trauma is witnessed by or directly experienced by the individual, but there is a type of trauma that is so far-reaching it can impact generations...
Building a recovery that is right for you means choosing the right materials and building the framework of continuing care that best suits your needs....
There is a vicious cycle involving substance abuse and the trauma of violence in the home or community. Using substances leads to violence, and witnes...
Summer is nearly upon us, and with the least amount of COVID-19 restrictions in place that we have seen for over two years, being social and still bei...
The consumption of alcohol has its roots in America since colonists first arrived from Europe. The abuse of alcohol has also existed since Europeans f...
When you re-enter the real world after living in a sober living home or completing inpatient treatment, you’ll no longer be constantly surrounde...
“You are what you eat” isn’t just an annoying idiom your parents would use to get you to stop eating sweets when you were younger. T...
Recovery is a continuous process that lasts a lifetime. Completing treatment at a facility will not magically cure you of your substance use disorder ...
Many people find comfort in emotional support animals because of the loyalty and unconditional love they offer. Studies have shown that pets can reduc...
A first impression should never be your last impression. It’s natural to pass judgment on anything at first glance, but it’s important not...
The 12 Steps are a set of principles and actions that underpin the foundation of mutual support groups for individuals recovering from addiction. The ...
When you’re in a healthy relationship, you can feel it. You’re able to speak freely and behave in a way that is true to your beliefs and g...
You may have heard the term “accountable” when listening to the news or reading about the government’s responsibility to its citizen...
Companionship is a necessary element of human life, and being single can be challenging even in the best of times. Yet, there are several reasons why ...
Addiction is a challenging brain disease that often requires intensive treatment and long-term planning for a successful recovery. Individuals whoR...
Gender issues and feminism often refer to how women are mistreated due to the gender norms upheld by our culture. This is because American culture typ...
When you suppress your emotions, they tend to build up and expand inside of you. Often, the only way to let out pent-up emotions is by being vulnerabl...
Recovery is about reinventing yourself and your life. Living a healthy, sober life will require you to change how you live. These changes may be drast...
The Consequences of Disrespecting Privacy and Boundaries You may be worried about your loved one in recovery, but seeking information about his mental...
At some point in your life, you’ve probably experienced fear. Maybe when you were a kid, you were afraid of the monsters under your bed or of cr...
Your recovery is a continuous journey that you will be on for the rest of your life. As an alumnus of a treatment facility, staying connected and gett...
A recovery journey extends beyond achieving sobriety; it involves reinventing and making lasting lifestyle changes that promote both health and happin...
While spending time in a recovery community may foster a supportive network, eventually, you will have to venture out into the real world and put what...
Whether cats, dogs, bunnies, or hamsters, our furry friends can be excellent cuddlers, superb listeners, and energetic playmates. While any animal can...
Substance use disorder (SUD) often stems from a traumatic event or — events — that can affect an entire family. This may be especially true if you...
Most likely, at some point in everyone’s life, they experienced some sort of trauma — however, not everyone who experiences trauma experiences the...
Living a life of gratitude, thankfulness, and selflessness are essential life perspectives that can help you during your recovery process. When li...
Food can have addictive qualities — especially delicious snack foods high in fat, sugar, and carbs that give your body little to no nutrition. It ma...
You were not the only person your addiction affected. Your family, friends, and loved ones have all been impacted by negative behaviors that your subs...
Throughout your recovery journey, you may have to reopen old wounds to process and understand them. Talking about your traumas and their effects on yo...
Self-care is an important factor in overall wellness. It is especially important when it comes to someone’s recovery. It is beneficial to commun...
These days, many people are used to immediate gratification. We live in a society where we can fulfill our needs or satisfy our curiosity instantly an...
Coping with a substance abuse disorder (SUD) can often feel isolating. Some people experience feelings of shame or guilt that keep them distanced from...
For those in active addiction, dealing with conflict is likely an impossible task and possibly one of the underlying causes of their substance use dis...
Trauma is something the majority of Americans (including adults and children) have in common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NI...
Substance use disorder (SUD) is often accompanied by other co-occurring disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive ...
Substance use disorders are often accompanied by other mental health disorders. Even if you have not been diagnosed with other mental health disorders...
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. The consumption of alcohol can both exasperate mental health dis...
During your recovery journey, you will learn to rely on a support system consisting of close friends, family members, and peers. Even though it is cru...
If you have a loved one who suffers from substance use disorder, you may feel like a powerless voice against the person’s addiction. How do you get ...
Admitting that you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol can be challenging. With many substances like alcohol and marijuana normalized, it can be ...
Community is a significant aspect of the recovery process. Sobriety is not something that we should do on our own–it often takes a group effort....
Dogs are often considered to be “man’s best friend.” These animals are known for their loyalty and love towards humans, but dogs can offer more ...
Traumatic events shape the people we become. Whether it’s a childhood experience or something you faced as an adult, these situations can change how...
Deciding to seek help for your addiction is a significant step. However, finding treatment programs that work for you can be challenging. As you learn...
What are the long term consequences of prescription Opioids? There is a class of drug substances known as opioids or opiates. Included in this class...
Prescription drug abuse during Covid 19 pandemic is on the rise and becoming a major public health problem. According to national surveys, approxima...
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment can be difficult and many addicts are reluctant to consider it, in spite of short and long term side effects of the...
It is easy to understand that Benzodiazepine addiction is more common in people with some types of anxiety disorders, mood disorders or sleep disorder...
When the use of opioids such as Vicodin and OxyContin soared in the 2000s, the use of benzos such as Ativan, Xanax and Klonopin increased as well. Opi...
It is fairly easy to get addicted to a drug that makes you feel so much better very fast when you are going through periods of anxiety or having a pan...
Long-term use of benzodiazepines are not recommended and can cause severe physical and psychological effects. Addiction or physical dependence, tolera...
Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs, a class of drugs used to replace barbiturates for insomnia, anxiety and seizures. They have hypnotic (sleep-...
Both experts and former alcoholics say that there is no cure for alcoholism. It is true that the long-term effects on the body and brain are serious, ...
Alcohol initially improves the person’s mood, but a long period of regular heavy drinking depresses the nervous system. Alcohol abuse undermines...
Alcohol and Your Health Each year, almost 80,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes. About 17 million Americans suffer from an alcohol use diso...
Most alcoholics are in denial and refuse to acknowledge that their social drinking turned into something much worse. If you can honestly answer positi...
Humans have been drinking alcohol for the last 10,000 years. Mesopotamians invented beer as soon as they had more grain than they needed for food. Dri...
Adderall is a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy but in the wrong hands or when taken improperly can lead to physical depen...
Can family members enable me to continue using drugs? A family can be composed of biological parents/children, adoptive parents/children, or possibly ...
Substance abuse is a continuing epidemic within the United States and studies indicate that it increases during the holidays. Men and women are starti...
The ten most effective types of therapies are listed below. Coming to terms with needing treatment can be hard. Every individual will be different as ...
A certified counselor can help you through treatment in many ways. While you’re going through treatment, there is an overwhelming amount of fear...
When we start the process of getting sober, most of us go through detox. This can last anywhere from one to seven or more days. After detox, where d...
Clinical Recovery I’m not a clinician and don’t pretend to be. I’m speaking from my own experience as someone who has gone through and understan...
Long-term substance use will evolve into a dependent relationship physically, emotionally and mentally. The idea of not having those substances to cop...
In a time of crisis, we want to reach out to those that are close to us to ensure their safety. For those that are struggling with alcohol and drug ad...
Social distancing has become the newest phrase used worldwide these days. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the United States (and the rest of the ...
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has people experiencing something new every day. Now, we’re all asked to maintain social distancing and to shelter in p...




