For many men and women attempting to overcome addiction and alcoholism, relapse is a part of their recovery journey. However, this does not mean that relapse is a necessary part of addiction recovery. Although relapse is common, with enough open-mindedness, honesty, and willingness, it is entirely possible to one to overcome addiction without relapsing at…
DetailsRelapse is not a necessary part of recovery, but it is very common. Many people require several attempts at sobriety before finally being able to overcome addiction and alcoholism. The most important thing to know about relapse is that it is not a sign of failure. Relapse simply means that one must summon the courage…
DetailsGrounding techniques comprise a variety of practices that can limit negative thoughts and emotions by connecting one back with the present moment. Grounding techniques are often used for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and dissociation, but can also be helpful in managing anxiety, panic, and addiction cravings. One of the great things about the…
DetailsMany men and women struggling with addiction enter into treatment because they have lost control of their drug use, but they are still unwilling to accept abstinence as the only solution. It is not uncommon for one to believe that they can return to moderating their drug use after being treated for addiction. However, addiction…
DetailsThe best way to ensure that one maintains sobriety after treatment is by continued involvement with a long-term recovery programs. There are many abstinence-based recovery programs, and it may be difficult to determine which one will be most effective. Exploring the variety of options available can be an enjoyable experience in early sobriety, and help…
DetailsMany men and women suffering from addiction feel that they would be more comfortable going through the detoxification process in the comfort of their own home. Self-detox, however, is an extremely dangerous prospect. Many substances can create such a strong physical dependence that the withdrawal symptoms could lead to major health consequences or death. To…
DetailsRecovery from addiction requires that we maintain an awareness of other expressions of addiction. We may remain free from drugs and alcohol, but turn to other behaviors and activities that give us feelings of pleasure. The disease of addiction is not specific to substances, but can also extend to activities such as sex, gambling, or…
DetailsMen and women suffering from addiction rarely only use one substance. When an individual uses two or more addictive drugs simultaneously or concurrently, it is known as “Polysubstance Abuse.” It is possible for an individual to develop two simultaneous addictions to two different drugs or to become psychologically dependent on different substance. As addiction develops,…
DetailsHappiness is difficult to define, but researchers have pinpointed two different types of happiness: eudaimonic happiness and hedonic happiness. Most happiness comes from striking a balance between the two forms, but, in individuals suffering from addiction, happiness is almost completely dependent upon hedonic forms of happiness. Hedonic happiness relies, in part, on external stimulation and…
DetailsMany men and women struggling with addiction use more than one substance, and often combine different substances to achieve a stronger high. Many users are unaware of the interactions that can be caused by mixing two or more different substances. Cocaine and alcohol are two substances that, when combined, can be extremely dangerous and potentially…
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