Understanding the specific substances our clients struggle with at Real Recovery Solutions is key to effective recovery. MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are often confused, yet have distinct effects and risks. MDA, known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties, can produce longer-lasting and more intense effects than MDMA, which is renowned for enhancing feelings of empathy and connection. The potential for adverse reactions such as dehydration, hyperthermia, and neurotoxicity is present with both substances, but the heightened intensity ..read more

Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, frustrating, and exhausting. For many people, it’s tempting to turn to substance use as a way of managing their physical and emotional suffering from prolonged discomfort. However, using medication or other substances for this purpose could lead to an increase in the severity and concern of addiction.  Accepting chronic pain can be difficult. It can also be challenging to find ways to manage it without resetting your addictive cycle. Thankfully, there are effective methods to manage chronic pain without turning to substances. By combining vari ..read more

Communication is an essential aspect of recovery and life in general. The act of communicating allows you to convey your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. However, not everyone communicates the same way, so understanding your communication style can be key to building healthy relationships in both personal and professional environments. This knowledge can greatly benefit you in sober living, as it helps to communicate your feelings and situation more efficiently.  Understanding Communication Style Communication styles refer to the methods by which we express our words to others. They are ..read more

Relapse is often seen as a sign of failure in addiction recovery. While encountering a relapse has its setbacks, some benefits can come from this occasion. It is an opportunity to learn. Regardless, we would like to avoid relapses at any cost during recovery. A great way to work towards this is to create a relapse prevention plan. What Is a Relapse Prevention Plan? A relapse prevention plan is a tool that can assist you when you are struggling to maintain sobriety. Relapse prevention plans are specific plans that lay out strategies and tools designed to help individuals avoid triggers that cou ..read more

Setting boundaries is an essential aspect of maintaining sobriety in a sober living environment. Boundary setting involves identifying the behaviors and actions that are acceptable to you and communicating those guidelines to others. Failing to recognize and communicate your boundaries may lead you into situations that trigger your substance use and put a halt in your current progress.  Setting firm boundaries is essential in establishing healthy relationships that support your sobriety. You may feel that you are being selfish by putting boundaries in place, but it is merely a step toward ..read more

As you reach the point of sobriety maintenance, you have a lot to look back on and be proud of. You have made it through a large portion of your journey and likely have worked your way through many of the Twelve Steps. These steps can be utilized throughout your life at any point during your recovery. To avoid relapse, it’s important to continue your journey of recovery after you have finished treatment and moved on from sober living. Sobriety maintenance and recovery require lifelong effort that can never be fully relinquished. A12-Step program does more than just help you get sober. It offer ..read more

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) often occur simultaneously, each contributing to a high level of stress. Those who have encountered traumatic events may develop PTSD. To cope with the effects of PTSD, many individuals turn to an addictive substance, which can lead to the development of SUD. Understanding how PTSD and SUD interact in sober living environments and how best to manage them both is key to making the most out of this experience. We want you to gain maximum benefit from sober living by learning the necessary skills to manage each of these disord ..read more

Whether they’re good or bad, everyone has habits. Habits help to shape your life and can either push you toward success or pull you back from it. Negative habits can quickly become problematic when they feed addictive tendencies. Addiction is a chronic disorder that is characterized by compulsive substance-seeking despite the consequences involved. The onset of addiction often occurs from the creation of a negative habit. A primary reason you may struggle to break away from the cycle of addiction is engaging in negative habits that feed your dependency on a substance. It is essential to identi ..read more

Becoming your best self is a lifelong process that involves continuous growth and self-improvement. It requires self-awareness, discipline, and resilience. These qualities are especially important during the Initial stages of sober living. Achieving the best version of yourself requires certain practices and habits. The following four habits can help to set you on the right track in discovering the best version of yourself. Be True to Your Word Honesty is an important aspect of recovery. Being honest can help you foster trust and respect between yourself and others. When making a promise to so ..read more

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that often develops after experiencing a major traumatic event. The condition is characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, and a persistent sense of fear or danger associated with the traumatic event. PTSD can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also result in the onset of a substance use disorder (SUD), as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and numb their symptoms.  Substance abuse can provide temporary relief fr ..read more