It can be challenging for Christians to admit to an addiction. So often, we’re brought up with too many “Thou Shalt Nots” and not enough grace. If Christianity is just a checklist of things to do and not do, what is the point? Christ came to Earth to make it possible for us to change. He also gave us reason to change, to be better, kinder, and more generous people. He offers hope beyond tomorrow, a future without pain or sorrow, a place of peace and love. He called us to serve and support each other, not tear each other down. He asked us to be like him and to call all people into the fold. Th ..read more

Having a loved one navigating the trials and tribulations of addiction treatment can be wrought with emotions. Meanwhile, if your loved one is returning home from treatment soon, these emotions may be exacerbated. On the one hand, you may feel extreme peace and comfort since your loved one decided to pursue sobriety and recovery. Yet, you may also feel discouraged and anxious, especially if this is not your loved one’s first time in treatment. In addition to effectively navigating these emotions, learning how to support your loved one as they return home from treatment is essential.  At ..read more

Early recovery can be one of the busiest and most stressful times of an individual’s life. This stage typically requires one to make several different changes to promote a healthier lifestyle. Knowing early recovery can be a vulnerable stage for some individuals, life does begin to slow down after developing an effective yet structured routine. It is important for one to maintain relapse prevention strategies to establish a long-term recovery. Joining the Band of Brothers Alumni program and participating in various community events can help one maintain mental stability for a better quality o ..read more

Our thoughts shape our reality. If we think we’re a failure, then we close ourselves off from any evidence to the contrary. We only see our mistakes and shortcomings. Addiction is difficult to beat, and we often have to try many times before we find the right combination of techniques to battle addiction in every circumstance and after every kind of trigger. When we backslide, all we see is that we failed. We call ourselves weak and useless and say we will never succeed. We miss our progress and think it’s all or nothing. This negative thinking can cause us to give up and give in. Learning to ..read more

Using drugs and alcohol while pregnant can be harmful to the mother and the baby for many reasons. Drug use during pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, disabilities, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS or infant withdrawal symptoms). Why is drinking and drug use a problem? What do infant withdrawals look like? What can you do to get clean to protect yourself and your baby? (freepik/Freepik) The Problem of Drinking or Using While Pregnant Nutrition: Mothers on drugs and or alcohol often experience reduced appetite ..read more

Those who participate in addiction and mental health treatment programs can benefit from having a wide range of therapeutic interventions and approaches available to individualize their treatment and recovery journey. Oftentimes, treatment centers utilize a combination of evidence-based and holistic modalities to complement the healing process. One type of clinical modality known as neurofeedback therapy has been especially effective in boosting mental wellness during treatment. Learning more about neurofeedback therapy, including what it is and how it works, can empower individuals to utiliz ..read more

Friends and family of someone who abuses alcohol or drugs are often the first ones to notice self-destructive behavior. They’re also the ones most likely to be hurt by these behaviors, making any intervention an emotionally charged minefield. However, there are ways to approach an intervention that maximize your chances for success. (freepik/Freepik) Hire an Interventionist Hiring a professional who has done many interventions in the past is a good way to keep the conversation on track. They can guide you before the intervention on what to say and how to keep hold of your emotions so you ca ..read more

“I am alive because I fight for sobriety. I am present because I am sober. I am worthy of a sober life. Through Jesus Christ, I can heal and have peace.” A mantra is a motto, saying, or phrase you repeat to yourself to ignite encouragement and focus on your journey to sobriety. Mantras are a form of positive self-talk to change your thought patterns, interrupt intrusive thoughts, and help change your perspective. Mantras can exponentially change your moods and increase willpower in addiction recovery. (user18526052/freepik) Everyone can benefit from repetitive, daily mantras while overcomin ..read more

When an individual is recovering from substance abuse, mental health disorders, and other distressing symptoms, intense shifts in emotion and mood can be expected. Navigating such emotions can be challenging, making it important for individuals to identify and implement effective tools for emotional regulation while undergoing treatment. Meditation, in particular, is a valuable tool that is capable of bringing calmness to the mind and body in the present moment. Understanding the role of meditation in emotional regulation can empower individuals to incorporate this practice into their day-to ..read more

The impact of substance abuse can be monumental, no matter your background, age, race, or gender. But that doesn’t mean that everyone will experience addiction and addiction recovery in the same way. A woman’s addiction recovery may entail a different set of struggles than their male counterparts. Gender differences play a role in how an individual responds to treatment and copes with the transition of giving up drugs or alcohol. This is why many addiction recovery centers offer gender-specific treatment options. Your experience with addiction may vary in severity and is influenced by many va ..read more