Recovering from a substance use disorder is challenging, but finding the right support and environment plays a critical role in fostering positive behaviors. Sober living homes are an excellent resource for individuals needing support to adjust to life after treatment. These facilities encourage clients to maintain sobriety and offer safe, supportive environments for people to seek guidance or assistance throughout their journey. Seeking support at a sober living home often provides more independence than some programs, such as inpatient treatment, giving clients more freedom and control over ..read more

Although substance use disorders (SUDs) have become more prevalent across all populations, veterans are at a significantly higher risk due to stressors they face before, during and after military service.  Understanding the issue and its root causes can help both struggling veterans and their families find ways to get the care they need.  Understanding Substance Misuse Among Veterans According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 in 10 veterans seeking care meets the diagnostic criteria for an SUD. The following are some of the biggest contributing factors to substan ..read more

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, text or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also chat online at https://988lifeline.org/. 998 is always free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If this is an active emergency, please call 911 for emergency medical services right away.  Veterans face many unique challenges upon returning home after deployment. Many struggle with stress transitioning back into civilian life and have trouble coping with trauma from what they’ve witnessed or experienced. They may turn to illi ..read more

As a family member or friend of someone struggling with addiction or substance use, you may have had an instinctual feeling that they’ve relapsed. Alternatively, realizing they’ve relapsed may have blindsided you. This can be a frustrating and stressful experience, particularly if you’ve been closely involved in their treatment and recovery process.  Watching your loved one go backward to a difficult point in their life can create resentment, anger and confusion. Though relapse is a common part of recovery, with relapse rates as high as 70%, intervention is key to helping them recla ..read more

Learning how to tell if someone is using drugs can help you get lifesaving help for a loved one. People with substance use disorders typically try to hide their symptoms, making it more challenging to notice when someone needs specialized care. However, you can recognize the warning signs more easily when you know what to look for.  How Do I Know if Someone Is Addicted to Drugs? Behavioral changes can help you determine if a loved one has an addiction. You can spot physical, mental, emotional and social signs of drug use to decide whether someone close to your heart is struggling behind ..read more

Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on November 21, 2023 Positivity is a powerful tool for anyone. Yet, positivity can mean the difference between healing and hopelessness for those struggling to break free from addiction. Positive affirmations are simple statements that break through negative thinking and help people believe in themselves. These supportive comments can empower individuals to pursue a healthier, better tomorrow. During recovery, a person’s mental well-being is just as important as their physical health. Sadly, this time is often filled with self-doubt and g ..read more

Choosing to recover from substance use is courageous, but staying committed to your sobriety takes strength and perseverance. While mistakes might be expected on the road to recovery, you can overcome these setbacks with suitable support and coping methods. Knowing how to stay sober after inpatient care can help foster positive practices and habits for maintaining your sobriety.  What Is Maintaining Your Sobriety? Maintaining sobriety is a commitment to recovering from addiction through healthy coping mechanisms. It is accepting that, while recovery is challenging, you’ll persevere throu ..read more

When an individual does drugs, others can often tell because they display several noticeable signs. These signs can be physical, like changes in weight, behavioral, such as isolating one’s self or engaging in risky behavior, or psychological, like consistent depression or irritation. One of the most common physical signs that a person may be abusing drugs is having dilated pupils. Along with alerting others that an individual may be struggling with substance abuse, dilated pupils can also help reveal what specific drug they are using. Learn what drugs make eyes dilate with ..read more

Detox and rehab are essential steps on the road to recovery. While both are valuable programs, detox and rehab focus on different aspects of recovery, offering various benefits to individuals seeking healing. Detox vs. Rehab The difference between detox and rehab comes down to the specific aspects of recovery they address. Detox focuses on the physical effects of addiction and withdrawal, while rehab focuses more on emotional, cognitive and social effects that are part of the healing process. Detox The goal of detox is to purge the body of toxins and help it return to a healthier state. The h ..read more

Inhalant addictions are serious conditions that must be addressed to protect an individual’s life and health. Many inhalants are common household products and are often overlooked when considering addictive substances, increasing the need for awareness. What Are Inhalants? Inhalants are volatile vapors or pressurized gases that are often flammable and have mind-altering properties when inhaled. These household, commercial and industrial substances were not created for the purpose of inhalation. They are easy to buy and find at home or the workplace. Because they are so accessible, people of a ..read more