Anxiety is a common side effect of sobriety, and many people feel anxious, agitated, or even have panic attacks in the first days and months after quitting alcohol. Others originally turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of combating their anxiety, and this can make returning to it even more difficult. But once you…
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…
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.…
One of the beautiful things about being in recovery is that it gave me a second chance in life. One of the things I decided to do with that second chance was to go to college. I was apprehensive though. I knew that a lot of partying goes on in that environment, and I was…
Before I got sober, I was terrified of sobriety. How was I going to fill my free time without drinking? I was certain I was going to be bored to tears. I was wondering does sobriety have to be boring? I also thought that I didn’t need it because I hadn’t lost my job or…
Recovering from an addiction is a journey that stretches over months and then years, and even though the possibility of relapse will never truly go away, embracing spirituality can help you to stay clean or sober. Spirituality in recovery can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you get in touch with yourself or your…
Addiction is a powerful psychological disease that traps millions of men and women every year. Data shows that an estimated 1 in 10 Americans will suffer through some form of substance abuse or dependence in their lifetime, and while these numbers may be helpful in telling you that you aren’t alone, they can’t help you…
Why are 12 step programs so effective in treating alcoholism, drug addiction, and many other addictions? What is it about the 12 steps of AA that have touched the lives of so many in recovery? Understanding 12 Step Programs and the 12 Steps of AA The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are the basis of…
When you consider treatment, you likely have some questions regarding inpatient vs outpatient treatment. How do you know which option is the best choice for you? How do the professionals at treatment centers such as Oceanfront Recovery determine the ideal treatment options for their clients? These excellent questions are easily answered when you learn about the…
The first months of recovery are never easy. There is a focus on progress and even the feeling of changes going on. When this finally stops, it seems you are working towards rebuilding trust with loved ones and things are coming together (finally). You are allowed to miss your addiction. For a little while at…