Several apps are available that can help people in their addiction recovery journey. They offer a range of tools to support you 24/7. This can be especially important when you're feeling stressed or tempted. While apps should never replace therapy, they can be a great addition to your treatment plan. They offer between-session support and help you practice new skills. 13 Apps Great for Recovery Support 1. I Am Sober I Am Sober is a free app that provides sobriety-tracking tools, allowing you to monitor the number of days you've been sober. It also includes features like daily pledges and remin ..read more

Gambling addiction is a treatable condition with several effective interventions available. You can start by getting a comprehensive evaluation from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or addiction specialist. They’ll diagnose the severity of your addiction and design a treatment plan suited to your needs. We recommend finding a therapist who understands the disorder's specifics. You can use online resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to find a treatment facility nearby. Treatment Options for Gambling Addiction Depending on your needs, your treatment ..read more

Addiction is a spectrum and the signs can vary from person to person. Although someone may not display the textbook signs of addiction, they may still struggle with a gambling problem. Trust your instincts and if someone’s relationship with gambling feels off, don’t dismiss it. Gambling addiction isn't always obvious. It can often be a secret slowly consuming someone's life. It’s better to get help for an addiction early than let it spiral out of control. It's a condition that’s more common than you think, but fortunately, help is available. Signs of Gambling Addiction The signs of gambling ad ..read more

Finding the right AA sponsor is an important undertaking. It’s completely normal and understandable to take some time to connect with someone. Let’s go over some strategies to support you during this process. Where to Look for the Right AA Sponsor I recommend exploring the AA website and directories for sponsor listings. This can be beneficial if you have specific preferences or prefer a sponsor with a similar background or set of experiences as your own. You can also dedicate more time to talking to trusted members. Seek recommendations from other AA members you respect and feel comfortable w ..read more

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, is a serious mental health condition. It's more than just feeling sad or down for a few days—it impacts how a person feels, thinks, and functions daily. While the exact cause of depression is complex, it's likely a mix of things like genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, and even other health conditions. What's important to know is that depression is nobody's fault. It's a real medical condition, not a sign of weakness or a dramatic condition. The good news is that depression is treatable. With a combinati ..read more

It can be challenging to navigate social situations that include drinking, particularly when you're actively trying to moderate your alcohol intake. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to make positive changes in your life. Here's a plan to help you find the right balance between staying sober and socializing, along with tips on handling those inevitable moments of peer pressure. The Goal: Have Fun Without Alcohol It's about finding activities and environments that feel supportive and enjoyable without relying on alcohol. Explore alternatives that keep you included and social, like mockta ..read more

It’s great that you’re thinking about the next step in your recovery journey, and you’ll be happy to know that sober living is a solid choice. It offers many benefits for people who need help returning to their normal lives. However, a sober living arrangement can have some downsides. Here are some things to remember to see if sober living is right for you. Sober Living Pros and Cons Sober living provides a safe, secure, and substance-free environment. You’ll be surrounded by other people committed to recovery, which can give you a sense of community and belonging. They provide various activit ..read more

Wanting to build a healthy family dynamic while supporting your dad’s sobriety is a complicated situation—but it’s not impossible.  Here's a breakdown of some key strategies, along with resources that can help you: Building a Healthy Home for Your Recovering Dad Building a healthy family dynamic can help prevent stressful situations which may lead to a relapse. Here are a few things that might help you and your family: Family therapy: This can help address underlying family issues and improve healthy communication. Explore rehab options: It might be helpful to join a rehab program if you ..read more

It can be scary to start using a potentially addictive drug right after treatment, but drugs like Suboxone may become part of your recovery. But your concerns are valid, and it’s normal to feel that way, especially when you’re in early recovery. In this article, we discuss how to help you feel more comfortable using Suboxone. As well as some tips to help you use it responsibly. Minimizing the risk of addiction You don’t want to replace one addiction with another, and your doctor knows it. They’ll be responsible for giving you the proper dosage, so you won’t have to worry about getting addicted ..read more

It sounds like you're in a tough spot. Your instinct to help your friend is right, but, understandably, you're concerned about doing this without harming your friendship. Here's how you can approach the situation in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Focus on Building Trust in Your Friendship Before confronting them about their use of Xanax, make sure your friendship feels solid. Show them you care by being present and supportive without focusing on substance use just yet. It's much easier for your friend to open up about difficulties if they know they won't be judged or abandoned. Create a saf ..read more