A recent study proved what many of you already have come to know: faith-based addiction treatment works. Researchers asked a small group of individuals with substance use disorders about various types of addiction treatment and how effective they were – and 92 percent favored programs with spiritual or religious guidance. The study was spurred by a phone call three years ago between Eric Kocian, an assistant professor of criminology, law and society at St. Vincent College in Pennsylvania, and county detective Tony Marcocci. During this time, local officials were just starting to fight bac ..read more

There’s a fine line between helping and enabling a loved one struggling with addiction. But how do you tell the difference? And how do you know when your “help” isn’t actually helping and may even be delaying treatment? Let’s start by looking at the definitions: To help someone means to do something for someone else that they are not capable of doing for themselves. To enable someone, on the other hand, means to do something for someone else that they can and should be doing for themselves. So “helping” by doing a loved one’s chores or completing his or her school or work obligations is ..read more

Facing your addiction and taking a giant leap to get help takes a lot of courage. Recovery is a tough journey and that’s without having to also deal with the many damaging rumors and stereotypes out there about addiction. By knowing the facts, you can have more confidence in your decision to get help. You’ll also be better equipped to educate any loved ones along the way. Here we address some of the most common misconceptions (along with the truths) about addiction. Myth #1: Addiction is a choice.While the decision to use alcohol or drugs is voluntary, people don’t choose to b ..read more

Addiction recovery can feel overwhelming at times and we can all use a few encouraging words to remind us that we’re not alone and that recovery really is possible. In fact, the perfect quotation can help lift your spirits and put you in a positive mindset for the long road ahead. Here are a few inspiring quotes we love – print out the ones that inspire you and tape them where you’ll be sure to see them. "Life is a journey. When we stop, things don't go right." – Pope Francis "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” – Mother Teresa “Cour ..read more

Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body – and it should also rank pretty high on your list of recovery to-dos. Here’s why: You’ll fill a void. If you’re like most people in early recovery, you may find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands – time that you used to spend thinking about, getting, using, and recovering from drugs or alcohol. Exercise is a great activity to occupy several hours, especially if you factor in getting ready for and getting cleaned up after a workout. You’ll increase confidence. Setting small, achievable ..read more

Relapse triggers are a very real part of addiction – but you can take steps to fight back. Your first step: Identify your personal triggers. Next, create a plan to take action so they don’t threaten your hard-won sobriety. Here are a few common triggers to watch out for: 1. HALT: Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness: This acronym was designed to remind you to stop and ask yourself: “Am I feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired?” When these basic needs aren’t met, you’re more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors, including relapse. 2. Social isolation: Isolating yourself from ..read more

Some people call addiction “the loneliness disease.” This is because loneliness can trigger alcohol and drug use – and it can also be an emotion that sticks with you well into recovery. It’s more than just feeling alone, however, it’s feeling that no one understands or cares about you – even when your loved ones are supporting and cheering you on. While these feelings are normal, they are also dangerous to your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing and your long-term sobriety. Now, for the good news: Overcoming loneliness is possible. In addition to working with your addiction ..read more

Failure to launch syndrome, the term used to describe a young person’s inability to leave home and begin an independent lifestyle, is a growing epidemic. In general, young adults with failure to launch will have trouble following through with opportunities and display an overall lack of goal setting. And, after failing to navigate college, they often find themselves out of sync with their peers and in constant conflict with their families. A few more red flags: Low levels of motivation Inability to find or keep a job Poor work ethic and inability to meet deadlines Lack of vision for the futur ..read more

The best thing you can do as a parent amid the current opioid crisis is to talk to your teen about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), kids who learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who are not taught about the dangers. And still only 22 percent of teens report discussing abusing prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription with their parents, notes SAMHSA. What's perhaps more alarming is that more teenagers die from ta ..read more

Just because someone holds down a good job, attends church and community events or has what seems like a healthy family life, it doesn't mean he or she doesn’t have a problem with alcohol. So-called high-functioning alcoholics typically seem to have it all together on the outside – and may even hold high-power positions in the community and at work -- but inside they are suffering from the physical and emotional effects of alcohol. They may even be struggling with such hallmarks of addiction as uncontrollable cravings, unsuccessful attempts to quit drinking and obsessive thoughts about their n ..read more