It seems natural that so many people succumb to the allure of sleeping pills, given their broad availability and the misconception held by medical experts that they are a blessing. Sedative hypnotics, or sleeping pills, are frequently recommended to treat insomnia. Unfortunately, a lot of people get addicted to drugs and become dependent on them. Around 9 million Americans took sleeping medications regularly in 2013 to get better sleep at night. Since 1999, the number of drug overdose deaths has been on the rise. One of the primary causes is the use of sedatives. Without the proper care and a ..read more

Hope you’re catching some good vibes and finding new reasons to smile every day. You know, one of the fascinating things about recovery is the fresh slate it offers us. A new beginning to rediscover old passions or dive into new ones. It got me thinking. How many of us have shelved a hobby or a passion, thinking we’re “too busy” or “it’s too late”? But recovery time is like a second chance. A do-over. An opportunity to find joy in the little things that make our hearts sing. Whether it’s painting, hiking, dancing, or even just gardening – these activities aren’t just time-fillers. They’re so ..read more

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration when spent with family. But, if you’re attempting to have an alcohol-free vacation, you can take action to keep up your sobriety on Thanksgiving if you find it difficult.  Maintaining sobriety during festive holidays, such as Thanksgiving, can be challenging due to various factors. Social events often involve alcohol, and there might be pressure from others to drink. Thus, there may be pressure to create a perfect holiday experience, leading to stress and the temptation to use substances. Early preparation and proactive measures empower ind ..read more

You know, throughout my time in this field, one thing has always stood out: We humans are inherently social beings. We thrive on connection, on being heard, and on sharing our experiences with others. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of recovery. In my early days of understanding the recovery process, I too had my reservations about group therapy. Sharing personal struggles with a room full of people? It seemed overwhelming. But as I observed and later participated, I quickly grasped the magic unfolding in those sessions. It wasn’t just about speaking to strangers. It was about ..read more

Raising teenagers can be tricky since they are often consumed with their place in society and the opinions of their peers. In a time when many drugs are seen as “safe” and “legal,” and teen drug use and illicit consumption have become increasingly widespread, many parents believe it is almost impossible to keep their teenagers from using drugs. Nevertheless, parents are inherently more capable than they realize. Teenagers make wise choices daily because they know their parents might find out or object. It is possible to reduce your child’s intention to use drugs and alcohol by getting and sta ..read more

Do you believe in the transformative power of travel? For many, leaving familiar surroundings is just the ticket needed for a fresh perspective. New environments, cultures, and experiences can often spark inner revelations. I recently had a chat with John from our community, who explored some local retreats and nature reserves after his time in rehab. He spoke passionately about the therapeutic power of strolling through our local woods and embracing the beauty in our own backyard. As John’s experience shows, it’s not always about seeking far-off places. Sometimes, a simple weekend retreat o ..read more

Reintegration – that’s a hefty word. It’s like trying to fit a piece back into a puzzle when the entire picture has changed. Getting back into society after rehab is more than just returning to daily life. It’s about confronting an evolved world, fresh challenges, and the undeniable weight of people’s perceptions. Let’s talk about James, a fellow member of our community. He recently shared his journey back into society after rehab. The challenges? Many! From answering curious questions at family gatherings to battling the silent judgments at work. He said, “It felt like wearing a label, and ..read more

Depression and addiction can team up like a dark cloud that follows you around, not just on one bad day, but every day. And using a self-help guide or watching a lighthearted movie following the suggestion of sincere loved ones isn’t always an excellent way to deal with it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, clinical depression, often known as major depressive disorder, is a severe mood disorder. Severe symptoms affect a person’s ability to think, feel, and carry out mundane tasks. While not everyone with depression misuses substances, it is not unusual for the two to coexi ..read more

Polysubstance abuse, also known as polydrug abuse, refers to the concurrent use of multiple substances, often drugs or alcohol, by an individual. This can include the use of various illicit drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol in combination.  Read on to learn about polysubstance abuse, the most prevalent substance combinations that are misused, the hazards connected with polysubstance abuse, and how therapy can benefit those who are at risk of developing a substance addiction. Polysubstance Abuse Polysubstance abuse involves the concurrent use of multiple substances, such as alco ..read more

You see, we often talk about “surviving” addiction, as if the whole point is to make it through to the other side. But what if I told you that recovery could be about more than just survival? What if it could be about thriving—about building a life so good you can’t imagine going back to your old ways? That’s right, let’s not aim for the bare minimum here. You’re not in this just to make it through another day; you’re in this to live a purpose-driven life. To be honest, the best defense against relapse is a life you love, one you won’t want to jeopardize. So how do we start thriving, you ask ..read more