Addiction is a complex issue. Some argue that it is solely a brain disease, some who argue that it is entirely spiritual, and some who argue against addiction being a disease at all. The truth is that addiction is a disease, albeit a complicated one. It affects the mind, body, and spirit in ways that…
DetailsCravings are an unfortunate fact of life in early sobriety. We will experience times when we feel like our desires for the familiar comfort of drugs and alcohol are overwhelming. Eventually, we will reach a point in our recovery where we are not tempted by drugs and alcohol, but in the early stages of recovery…
DetailsHeroin overdoses have become much more common and much more dangerous in recent years with the introduction of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the Center for Disease Control, “heroin-related overdose death increased fivefold from 2010 to 2016, and from 2015 to 2016, heroin overdose death rates increased by 19.5%, with nearly 15,500 people…
DetailsThe first thirty days of sobriety can be the most difficult. We are in a position where we want to overcome alcohol and drug addiction but have yet to develop the coping skills and engagement with a recovery program necessary to live happily, joyously, and freely in our sobriety. The first thirty days of sobriety…
DetailsResidential Treatment provides a safe place, free from external stressors, for us to learn more about our addiction, our recovery, and ourselves. We begin developing necessary tools and coping skills that will help us manage our recovery and sobriety as we reintegrate into society when residential treatment has ended. There are several options for us…
DetailsImprove Your Health by Going Swimming Swimming is one of the most versatile and effective exercises we can do. If we are lucky enough to be near a pool, the ocean, or any body of water, we should take full advantage of the work out opportunities offered by swimming. Not only is swimming a fun…
DetailsMarijuana is often considered to be a harmless drug. In the short-term, marijuana is much less harmful than other substances, but chronic and consistent use overtime can lead to some major health problems. Research into the effects of marijuana has found that the developing brain, in particular, can be negatively impacted in the long-term. One…
DetailsFear is powerful. It can keep us lost in the past or too focused on the possibilities of the future for us to enjoy the present. When we overcome fear, we are able to overcome much of our anxiety and depression in recovery. Although we may never be rid of our fears, through recovery we…
DetailsMany people entering into recovery are conflicted by the prospect of giving up drugs and alcohol forever. They may recognize that they need help and be entirely willing to stop for some time, but the thought of never using drugs or drinking again can be a frightening prospect. We are taking on the lifelong journey…
DetailsThere are many well known stories in Zen Buddhism meant to teach a specific lesson. One such story may be specifically meaningful for men and women suffering from addiction, as it deals with the power of habit and our inability to live meaningful, directed lives when we are at the mercy of our “habit energies,”…
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