Whether you have an alcohol use disorder or you just feel like it might be a good idea to cut back, you may feel conflicted about quitting alcohol. The costs of drinking might be apparent to you, but no one drinks without getting something out of it. It might help you relax, cope with emotional… Continue Reading 9 Things That Happen When You Quit Drinking
Getting enough quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself, especially if you’re recovering from addiction or a mental health issue such as an anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or others. Even a few nights of too little sleep can lead to significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal… Continue Reading 7 Ways to Sleep Better in Recovery
One of the most important aspects of a strong recovery is having social support. This can include friends, family, and mutual aid groups. This presents a bit of a challenge for people just starting out in recovery. Often, they find their old friends were just drinking buddies and they don’t have much else in common.… Continue Reading How to Choose Friends in Addiction Recovery
One thing you will likely notice about life in an addiction treatment center or even in a sober living home is that routines are important. There’s a regular time for everything. You get up, you eat, you go to group, you meet with your therapist, you get some exercise, and you go to bed at… Continue Reading 4 Reasons a Regular Routine is Good for Addiction Recovery
AA is probably the best known way to quit drinking. It is 80 years old and has millions of members worldwide. Most people are familiar with the basic ideas behind 12-step programs, including the higher power, the moral inventory, making amends, sharing, and sponsorship. If you need help for addiction and aren’t sure what to… Continue Reading 12-step Alternatives Can Be Just as Effective
Valentine’s Day can be challenging for some people, especially if you’re early in recovery. It’s a time for wine and champagne with your significant other, which means an avalanche of posts on social media by friends and family who want everyone to know how happy they are to be in such a wonderful relationship. That… Continue Reading Celebrating Valentine’s Day Sober
A breakup, or worse, a divorce is one of the most stressful challenges you can face in addiction recovery. A breakup might entail feelings of rejection, disappointment, bitterness, resentment, animosity, and grief. You may have to make significant changes in your life, such as finding somewhere else to live or reorganizing your social life. The… Continue Reading 8 Ways to Deal with a Breakup in Addiction Recovery
For many women, motherhood is the motivation they need to finally get sober. One day, they’re just being young, having fun, maybe a bit too much fun, then they find out they’re pregnant and decide to deal seriously with their substance use. Having a baby can be a wakeup call, but it doesn’t make sobriety… Continue Reading How to Stay Sober as a New Mom
The holidays have come and gone, but depending on where you live, you may have three or four months of winter weather left. Winters can be hard for many people and that’s especially true if you are recovering from addiction or mental illness. Here are some common challenges winter poses to your recovery and how… Continue Reading 4 Winter Challenges for People Recovering from Addiction
The new year is a time for taking stock of where you are and where you want to go. If you’re recovering from a substance use disorder, the new year might be a good time to renew your commitment to sobriety or challenge yourself to take the next step, whatever that is for you. When… Continue Reading 5 New Year’s Resolutions for People in Recovery