Everyone knows Alcoholics Anonymous but fewer are aware of Al-Anon, a sister support group intended for the loved ones of those suffering from alcoholism. Al-Anon is a support group designed to help the friends and family members of alcoholics recover and move on, and if you’ve never been, it can be intimidating to go, especially…
Understanding the signs of Xanax addiction requires understanding why it is prescribed, and the powerful risk of Xanax abuse. People with a Xanax addiction need to know how to choose an ideal treatment program to help with their specific addiction treatment needs. The experienced team of specialists at Oceanfront Recovery understands the signs of Xanax addiction, and how to…
Substance use disorders and mental illness affect people of all backgrounds, from homeless individuals to blue-collar workers, to high-level executives, and other professionals. The highly-qualified staff at Oceanfront Recovery understands that some professionals likely fear that they are among just a few professionals that struggle with addiction. This is a myth about professionals with a substance use…
One of the most important decisions an addict can make is to choose what rehab to go to. In addition to wanting to find the right fit, there is the cost to consider. For many of us, this is a very large expense, so you want to make sure you choose the best facility for…
While drug and alcohol addiction are devastating for both men and women, studies show that addiction affects each of us differently, including the fact that we are often drawn to different types of drugs. So does gender matter in recovery? While I was in treatment, I learned that my response to certain drugs, and the…
Addiction is a disease, and just like many other diseases, relapse is possible. Relapse usually isn’t something that occurs suddenly, however. There are several triggers that precede relapse, which are events or issues that make you want to use. Recognizing what these triggers allow us to do our best to avoid them. Life’s Stressors While…
When I first started drinking, I thought I had everything under control. I only drank on the weekends and my weekly $15 bottle of tequila was only costing me $60 per month. I had a good job and money in the bank, so I thought I could afford it. However, as time went on, I…
Most of us think of alcoholics as a stereotype, a person who can’t keep a job, who prioritizes alcohol over everything else, and who is actively and visibly drunk much or most of the time. While this stereotype can and does apply, as much as 19.5% of the 17.6 million people who qualify as alcohol…
My brother, John, is an alcoholic. He’s been drinking for 23 years. John has lost everything due to his alcoholism, his wife and children, his job, and his home. He lives on the streets, staying at the local men’s shelter whenever he can get the $2.50 together that is required. Since he has no income,…
One of the most important things I learned in treatment is the importance of setting goals. Goals are key to achieving our aspirations and even our dreams. Setting goals has helped me to prioritize, enhanced my confidence, and motivated me to grow as a person. Here we talk about setting realistic recovery goals for recovery.…