Whether you’ve been clean and sober for three months or three years, it’s always worthwhile to take the time to celebrate your recovery. Recovery is often referred to as a journey, not a destination; for this reason, it’s something that should continually be progressing. Just because there isn’t a concrete end point doesn’t mean that there aren’t helpful markers along the way. Today, we’ll explore key milestones in your sobriety.   Counting Days, Months, and Years of Sobriety Perhaps the most widely-known sobriety milestones rely on the number of substance-free days accrued over time. These are often commemorated through chips, […]

In the world of recovery, we know that self-help alone is not enough to overcome addiction. Lasting sobriety is something that is best achieved with the aid of trained professionals and individualized treatment plans. However, after your time in rehab has concluded, you may benefit from a wide array of self-help options to keep your recovery fresh. These should always serve as a supplement to your other treatment. Read on to learn more about some of our top recommendations.   AA and NA Meetings It probably comes as no surprise that our top suggestion for helping yourself in early recovery […]

The Dangers of Boredom in Recovery Summer boredom may be normal for the general population, but it can be exceptionally dangerous for those in recovery from a substance use disorder. People who have experienced active addiction have forgotten how to sit still, and the activities that used to absorb their time may not seem as exciting anymore. Because of this, it can be tempting to return to the familiar – specifically, the extremely high highs provided by drugs and alcohol.   Why is Summer So Challenging? The first problem with summer is that young adults who are on their summer […]

After reflecting on behavior from when you were actively addicted, you may experience feelings of shame and guilt. This is extremely common and means that you’re working the steps correctly. However, remaining in this negative headspace can be detrimental to your mental health in the long term. High self-esteem is something you’ll begin to build in rehab. As you overcome the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol, you’ll also leave behind the person you were in active addiction. This second chance enables you to choose positivity by changing the tone of your innermost thoughts.   The Importance of Positivity It […]

Recovering from addiction involves more than just attending treatment and going home. In fact, it’s often said that the real work of recovery begins after your program is complete. For this reason, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about returning to day-to-day life after residential addiction treatment. Transitioning from the highly structured environment of rehab to your daily life presents many unique challenges that can seem overwhelming in the moment. For those seeking additional support and guidance throughout early recovery, sober coaching can be extremely beneficial.   What is Sober Coaching? Sober coaches, also called sober companions, are individuals in […]

Studies show that most people will experience some form of trauma during their lifetime. Unfortunately, trauma and addiction go hand in hand. While a lot of conversation centers around how traumatic events drive people to addiction, that’s not the full story. Today, we’ll discuss how addiction itself is a traumatic experience that must be overcome.   Addiction is Traumatic Psychological trauma is broadly defined as a disturbing or distressing event that overwhelms one’s ability to cope and causes feelings of helplessness. Generally, circumstances involve betrayal, loss of control, pain, confusion, abuse of power, and loss. With those factors laid out, […]

In the field of addiction, abstinence describes the process of completely avoiding certain potentially addictive substances (drugs and alcohol) or behaviors. If someone does not use a substance or engage in the behavior, they are said to be abstinent. Even centuries ago, before addictions were considered medical conditions, this method was the recommended treatment for drug or alcohol dependence. Today, we know that it is still the safest way to prevent a relapse. Read on to learn more.   The Root of Abstinence Perhaps the strongest argument for the abstinence model of recovery is its reflection of the disease model […]

For people in active addiction, relaxation is often about using. When drugs and alcohol are no longer in your life, it can be challenging to re-learn how to unwind each day. If you remain tired and stressed, never taking time to center yourself, it’s possible to fall into a negative cycle that often leads to relapse. Luckily, there are many ways to renew your spirit and decompress, and many of them are completely free!   How Do You Feel at the End of the Day? After a long day at work or school, certain emotions and physical states are common. […]

One of the biggest challenges for those in addiction recovery is the limited list of options for the management of acute and chronic pain. While most issues are fully covered by typical over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory agents, sometimes one requires more substantial medication. This is particularly true when undergoing a serious dental or surgical procedure. Those with a history of substance use, particularly those with opioid use disorders, should not use hydrocodone, oxycodone, or other highly addictive opioid painkillers, which are typically prescribed in these cases. Today, researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine have made massive […]