Every April, many communities observe Alcohol Awareness Month, an annual initiative for raising awareness about alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding alcohol use in general, the potential risks associated with its misuse, and the need for comprehensive education and prevention strategies. Let’s dive into what Alcohol Awareness Month is and how you can help spread the word to help people with AUD access the support they need. The Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month Established in 1987 by the National Council on A ..read more

Today’s seniors are drastically different from those of generations past. They’re living longer, more active, and independent lives (older adults are projected to account for 57% of labor force growth between 2022 and 2032) [4]. They’re also struggling with alarming rates of drug abuse and addiction. [3] What was once considered a problem for younger generations has become a crisis among senior citizens.   Substance use in the elderly is likely to cause mental, physical, and social problems that negatively affect the quality of life for this new wave of seniors and can make it even m ..read more

Trauma and substance abuse are conditions that may not seem related but can occur in people who experience one, the other, or both. Traumatic events can leave psychological and physical sequels that latch themselves in our minds, leading some to use substances to make these thoughts drift away rather than having to face them head-on. Let’s explore the relationship between trauma and substance abuse to understand where it comes from and what we can do to manage their symptoms, gradually overcoming them to live a more fulfilling life. The Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse Trauma is an even ..read more

Whether you’re in recovery from alcohol or substance use or just want to stay away from drinks during this spring break, you’ll likely have a hard time finding sober travel destinations that give you the breathing room you need to keep alcohol at arm’s length. Although it’s pretty hard to avoid being around alcohol completely, there are a few cities that give you plenty of opportunities to do something other than drink. To help you narrow down these cities, we list 7 sober-friendly cities you may want to consider for this spring break.  1. Austin, Texas: A Cultural Hub Austin is renowned ..read more

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a subject closely linked to substance abuse. Both are often the result of a poor coping mechanism for dealing with stressful situations, used to serve as a distraction or create a feeling of control, and have overlapping risk factors. With so many similarities, it’s not surprising that there are also several close correlations such as their underlying risk factors or rates and the presence of one with the other. What is self-harm? Self-harm is when a person deliberately injures themselves. The difference between self-harm and suicide is that most self-harmer ..read more

While cruises are known for the parties and the excesses that come with them, there’s a growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives among people in recovery and the general population. As a response to this trend, a unique and increasingly popular vacation option popped up: sober cruises. A sober cruise is a cruise that doesn’t offer alcohol. These sober cruises have a special itinerary that focuses on social connection, health, and wellness without any alcohol involved. If you’re in recovery from alcohol use or just want to explore alcohol-free vacation options, sober cruises may just be wha ..read more

Learning to love yourself again is a powerful step towards healing and reclaiming your life. When you recognize your own value and treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and respect, you are better equipped to navigate the challenges of recovery and find fulfillment in your sobriety. Why learning to love yourself again matters Neglecting ourselves and lacking self-love can manifest in various ways, many of which can be destructive.  Self-isolation. If you don’t feel that you deserve happiness or good things, it can cause you to withdraw from your friends, family, and loved ones. Withd ..read more

Artificial intelligence is making its way into everything these days, from hospitals to law enforcement — and even addiction treatment. AI-powered technologies can collect vast amounts of data, analyze patterns, and make predictions based on the information gathered, making them an invaluable tool in pre-empting the changing needs of someone in recovery.  How can AI be used in addiction treatment? While person-based treatments like support groups and counseling have shown significant success in relapse prevention, they are not without limitations. The human element can be subject to biase ..read more

Vaping? That’s so 2023. Nicotine pouches are the latest nicotine trend — as well as the source of a rising health concern.  What are nicotine pouches? At first glance, nicotine pouches look like silica packets or chicklet gum — small, white, and rectangular. These “gum pillows,” or “upper deckies” as they are nicknamed, are housed in equally innocuous containers with surprisingly mundane packaging that looks more like your standard pack of mints or breath-freshening gum rather than the potential source of new drug addiction.  Instead of wicking away moisture or hiding bad breath, the ..read more

Residential treatment centers, also known as inpatient rehab facilities, offer a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. These live-in centers provide multi-professional intervention, evaluation, and treatment of withdrawal symptoms, community spirit, and family support. Understanding what these facilities offer is crucial if you or a loved one are embarking on the journey to sobriety. Unique Benefits of Residential Rehab Centers When it comes to addiction recovery, residential rehab centers offer a distinct set of advantages that can make a significant difference in your journey to sobr ..read more