The environment one lives in plays a major role in their development of addiction. Addiction arises from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, but environment can play a major role in whether the genetic trait is activated. Nobody is doomed to become addicted, but environmental factors can be a major determining factor. Environmental…
Every day is a day when we must reaffirm our commitment to sobriety. Many recovery programs incorporate daily activities, such as prayer and meditation, that allow us to reestablish a connection with a higher power of our own conception to guide us through the day with happiness, joyousness, and freedom. This way, we are much…
Successful recovery from addiction is entirely possible for anyone. There is no cure for addiction, but the disease can be managed and sufferers can create lives of happiness, joyousness, and freedom without the use of alcohol and drugs. Many people enter into treatment unable or unwilling to embrace a life of abstinence from alcohol and…
Relapse 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…
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…
The 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…
Many 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…
Recovery 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…
Many 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…
Men 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,…