This week, I’d like to talk about vulnerability. I know it sounds a bit scary, right? But bear with me. When you’re overcoming addiction, being vulnerable helps. Let me tell you about it. When we’re struggling with addiction, it’s easy to put up walls, to hide behind a facade of strength. But you know what takes real courage? Being open, being honest, even when it’s hard as hell. I’ve heard some incredible stories from folks who have been through it all. They talk about how sharing their struggles, their stories, it’s like this weight being lifted off their shoulders. It’s not just about fee ..read more

Substance use disorder (SUD)can destroy people’s lives. While confronting it head-on is a necessary step, sticking to your decision to quit your addiction and undergo detoxification will be inevitably challenging. Only a tiny fraction of the US population addresses this concern. According to research, merely 8.7% of young adults (18 to 25 years old) and 11% of people aged 26 and above with SUD reach out for help. These figures underscore the solitary battles many face. They also emphasize the need for informed decisions on recovery. If you’re trying to cut down on alcohol or want to break fre ..read more

Heading back to work after rehab can feel like stepping into a new world. I remember my first day back at my job. I was a bundle of nerves, worried about what my colleagues would think and whether I could handle the pressure. But, it was also a fresh start, a chance to rebuild my professional life on the solid ground of sobriety. Here’s what I’ve learned about making this transition. Be Patient with Yourself: Understand that getting back into the swing of things takes time. Communicate Openly: Depending on your situation, being open with your employer or HR about your journey can help. Set B ..read more

From afar, Joe looks like your regular guy with a regular job. But upon closer look, something about his face and demeanor — bloodshot eyes, occasional tremors, and a general sense of unease — signals a deep concern. You hear from someone that he’s been trying to quit drugs. Then, you wonder: Can one really overcome addiction without professional help? In this blog, we’ll explore the complexities of overcoming addiction. We’ll highlight why seeking professional help and relying on a supportive community is crucial to healing. Source: Oregon Trail Recovery Understanding Addiction In 2020, ab ..read more

Source: Freepik Rebuilding trust after addiction is like trying to mend a delicate vase that’s been shattered. You can glue it back together, but the cracks will always show. It’s a difficult process, not just with others, but with yourself too. Trust doesn’t come back overnight. It’s made up of small, consistent actions that, over time, start to fill in the gaps where doubt used to live. Here’s what I’ve learned about rebuilding trust. Start by being honest with yourself. It’s about acknowledging your past actions and their effects. From there, make a commitment to change. Apologizing to t ..read more

Recovery is a word we throw around a lot, but there’s so much going on behind it that an ordinary person doesn’t know. Chatting with a friend who’s been through the thick of it, I realized we don’t talk enough about the challenges and the little victories that come with recovery. Here are some truths about recovery that don’t get enough airtime: It’s More Than Just Quitting: Recovery messes with your head and heart. It’s tangled up with mental health in ways we often ignore. Relationships Get Rocky: Fixing the damage done to relationships is tough. It’s about learning to say sorry and really ..read more

Going through the process of recovery is challenging. However, one of the most important things to master is knowing how to control anger. Like finding a guiding lighthouse that steers you clear of turbulent waters, anger management can help you prevent potential relapse. Ultimately, it can help you advance with serenity and resilience.  When unmanaged, an emotion as intense as anger can quickly become a strong impulse for falling back into old habits. This blog will discuss practical techniques for overcoming this complex emotion. Source: Oregon Trail Recovery Why Do We Get Angry? Ang ..read more

Hey there, Recovery’s a tough road, and dealing with pain along the way? That’s even tougher. When you’re hurting, every fiber of your being wants to go back to those old habits because that was your go-to for so long. But deep down, you know that’s not the way forward. It’s normal to feel this way, and honestly, it’s a big part of the recovery journey. Here’s what’s helped me and many of us stay on track: Acknowledge What You’re Feeling: First off, it’s okay to admit you’re in pain. Ignoring it won’t make it disappear. Facing it head-on is step one. Your Support Crew is Key: Talking things ..read more

Nearly 75% of people who’ve dealt with addiction are now on the road to recovery or have already completed treatment. If you’re one of them, congratulations! However, the struggle is not yet done as you may still face financial hurdles. The truth is that managing finances in addiction recovery is challenging.  Honing your financial management skills is essential in protecting your sobriety. This article will give you practical advice on better handling your finances while recovering. Source: Oregon Trail Recovery Assessing Your Financial Situation Addiction is costly. As you heal from ..read more

Is addiction simply a matter of choice? Or is it something far more complex? One common misconception about addiction is that it’s merely a simple desire to use substances. However, this myth overshadows the fact that several factors can trigger addiction.  Life throws us unexpected challenges. Significant life events, stress, trauma, and major transitions or changes often pave the way from occasional use to full-on dependency. This blog will explore how all of these things can lead you toward substance abuse. Source: Oregon Trail Recovery Stressful Life Events Can stress cause addicti ..read more