Health is rarely a consideration when we are living in active addiction. Intravenous drug users, specifically, are at a greater risk for these health complications. When we inject drugs, we create the potential for serious damage to our circulatory system that can cause irreversible damage. The circulatory system is a network of organs and vessels…
DetailsAddiction diminished our ability to properly communicate with others. When we enter into treatment, we may feel overwhelmed by strong emotions and unable or unwilling to properly communicate our needs. If we want the best possible outcome from our time in treatment, however, we must be willing to open up and effectively communicate with others.…
DetailsIn a state of active addiction, we tried and failed to control our drug and alcohol use. No matter how hard we tried, we could not face the reality of the fact that we had lost control of our ability to use substances without our lives spiraling out of control. Surrender and acceptance go hand-in-hand.…
DetailsWe were always playing a character in our addiction. Our walls went up and we chose what to let other see, rarely giving anyone a glimpse at our true self. Alcohol and drugs allowed us to feel comfortable with ourselves for a brief moment in time, but when we were not using, we could rarely…
DetailsRelapse is far too common in recovery and doesn’t discriminate. Men and women with years of sobriety have found themselves fall back into addiction, often much worse than it was before they became sober. Relapse is never a reason to give up on sobriety, and everyone can get back to a happy and healthy state…
DetailsAn entire subgroup of therapy has sprouted from an understanding of the potential for emotional growth through human-animal interaction. Equine therapy, which utilizes interactions with horses, has been proven to be effective in helping to treat ADD, anxiety, autism, depression, trauma, and many other behavioral and mental health issues. The therapeutic benefits of horseback riding…
DetailsLiving in addiction is chaotic, and we rarely care to have a healthy, routine sleep schedule. After so much time spent without a healthy sleep pattern, it can be difficult to develop one in sobriety. Sleep is incredibly important in the recovery healing process. Too much or too little sleep can have devastating effects on…
DetailsMany men and women in active addiction allow their health to fall by the wayside. We find our lives being driven by drugs and alcohol, and end up caring very little about our own physical health. Proper nutrition and healthy eating habits are rarely considered before sobriety, but we find these to be crucial when…
DetailsBefore sobriety, we rarely gave much thought to taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasure of life. However, in recovery we begin to take notice of the small joys and beauty in our lives. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness of the present moment allows us to feel better and carry a sense of awe with…
DetailsOpioids are one of the most addictive substances a person can use. The current opioid epidemic is due, in part, to many people who begin using prescription opioid painkillers, but move onto harder drugs like heroin after they develop physical dependence. Their addictive nature comes from their ability to change brain chemistry very quickly, as…
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