Everybody needs a motivational boost from time to time. We can easily fall victim to depression or self-pity in early recovery that keep us from feeling excited about all that sobriety has to offer. If we can stay inspired, we won’t lose the spark that keeps us going in our recovery. Inspiration seems to come…
People rarely consider cannabis, or marijuana, to be a drug that requires treatment. However, the disease of addiction is indiscriminate. Although physical dependence does not develop, people can become just as psychologically addicted to cannabis as any other substance. A man or woman who has the disease of addiction can face major consequences and lose…
We strive for feelings of peace and serenity in our recovery. When we are at ease with ourselves and the outside world, we don’t feel the familiar compulsion to use alcohol and drugs because we no longer need to “fix” anything in our lives. Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-Step recovery fellowship, open each meeting…
Alcoholism and addiction are generally spoken of as two different things. The differences, however, had more to do with social factors rather than the disease of addiction. When looking at the reasons why a person develops alcoholism and addiction, there are virtually no differences. Historically, the first recovery programs were designed for the treatment of…
Alcohol’s status as a legal intoxicant makes it no less dangerous than most illicit substances. Chronic consumption of alcohol can be devastating to the brain and body, leading to serious health complications or early death. Excessive alcohol consumption is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The effects of acute alcohol…
Addiction is powerful. We can put together some time sober, but inevitably the urge to pick up a drink or a drug strikes us. In early recovery, this is a constant source of anxiety, agitation, and worry. We must remember that cravings are temporary. If we can get through the moment of obsession without drinking…
“A grateful alcoholic never relapses” is a common saying in the recovery community that has been shown to be true. Approaching each day with a sense of appreciation puts us in much less danger of ruminating on the bad things in our lives and helps us maintain our sobriety. Here are three tips to practice…
Inhalants are a class of drugs abused by inhaling as the sole route of administration. Solvents, aerosol sprays, gases, and nitrites may contain certain substances capable of producing psychoactive effects when inhaled. Inhalants generally have brief short-term effects, but produce long-lasting damage to the brain. Inhalants cause large amounts of toxic chemicals to enter into…
Many people, especially men and women entering treatment, do not have an in-depth understanding of the disease of addiction. Instead, their knowledge about addiction comes from common misunderstandings and myths about the disease. Here are four common myths that may change your mind about addiction: You Can’t be Addicted if You Take Medication as Prescribed…
Amphetamines have grown in popularity among students in recent years for their ability to stimulate the brain and body, reduce fatigue, and increase concentration. Amphetamines are often legal by prescription for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, but they have an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction. Amphetamines rapidly change the chemistry of the…