Fear 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,”…
DetailsMeditation is an extremely effective tool at our disposal to help us stay spiritually connected and maintain our sobriety. Not only does it help us spiritually, but it also can create very beneficial changes to our brains. Research into meditation has show that the practice can help improve our brains in ways that may be…
DetailsRecovery is about more than just not drinking or using. We engage in a process of continual spiritual and personal development to help us achieve a state of happiness, joyousness, and freedom. The more we practice the principles of recovery, the better we become at maintaining our serenity. The best way to ensure that we…
DetailsAddiction is chronic disease that carries with it a high rate of relapse. What separates addiction from other brain diseases is the importance of environment and social context in regards to recovery. Recovery requires that one address physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the disease, as well as social factors that may contribute to one’s…
DetailsAddiction is a complex disease that affects one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. As addiction progresses, it is common for one to fall victim to depression and despair. Men and women suffering from addiction may feel trapped in the cycle of substance abuse and see no way out. They may think that their addiction has…
DetailsAlcohol abuse seems, at first glance, to be less harmful than other drugs. After all, it is legal and most people can indulge without major consequences. When alcohol use turns into alcoholism, however, the damaging effects it causes to the body can be tremendous. Alcohol can lead to immediate death from alcohol poisoning, but more…
DetailsHeroin overdose rates have skyrocketed in the past few years. With the introduction of powerful synthetic opioid like fentanyl, overdoses have become much more common and much deadlier than they were in the past. Overdoses require prompt medical attention and the use of medications like Narcan to reverse the effects, but even immediate treatment may…
DetailsMany men and women suffering from addiction have molded their lives and personalities around their drug use. It becomes “normal,” and giving up the perceived comfort that comes from substance abuse can be a frightening prospect. After all, we often used drugs and alcohol as a means of medicating ourselves from other, deeper problems in…
Details