A nurse talks to a surgery patient about how to limit your risk of addiction after surgery

How to Limit Your Risk of Addiction After Surgery

Prescription opioids have been a major driver of the opioid epidemic that claimed nearly 60,000 American lives in 2017. Many people who would not otherwise have been exposed to opioid drugs were prescribed excessive amounts of painkillers following surgeries or other medical procedures, developed a physical dependence, then became addicted. Some of these people turned… Continue Reading How to Limit Your Risk of Addiction After Surgery

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A group of college students research why college students are at a higher risk of addiction

Why Are College Students at Higher Risk of Addiction?

Substance use among college students is surprisingly high. One study found that about 40 percent of college students qualify as binge drinkers, compared to less than 20 percent in the general population. College students also use other substances heavily. The study found that 37 percent used at least one illicit drug and about 7 percent… Continue Reading Why Are College Students at Higher Risk of Addiction?

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A woman rests comfortably after discovering 7 ways to sleep better in recovery

7 Ways to Sleep Better in Recovery

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

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A therapist talks to a man about whether you have to hit rock bottom before you can recover from addiction

Do You Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before You Can Recover from Addiction?

Despite all the media attention the opioid crisis has gotten in recent years, many myths about addiction still persist. One of the more dangerous myths is that someone struggling with a substance use disorder has to hit “rock bottom” before she can have a successful recovery. While many people do have a last-straw moment when… Continue Reading Do You Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before You Can Recover from Addiction?

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A group of friends wave at the sky as they discuss how to choose friends in addiction recovery

How to Choose Friends in Addiction 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

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A woman smiles because she knows she can control her impulses in addiction recovery

How Can You Control Your Impulses in Addiction Recovery?

Impulse control has a lot to do with addiction. It’s no coincidence that many mental health issues that involve impulse control also increase your risk of addiction. ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder all have a significant impulse control component and higher risk of addiction. What’s more, the longer you live with addiction,… Continue Reading How Can You Control Your Impulses in Addiction Recovery?

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A woman drinks tea and reads a book about 4 reasons a regular routine is good for addiction recovery

4 Reasons a Regular Routine is Good for 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

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Two women smile after they learn how the SUPPORT act will affect addiction treatment

How Will the SUPPORT Act Affect Addiction Treatment?

Congress recently passed the Substance Use-disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities, or SUPPORT, Act as a multifaceted way of addressing the opioid crisis. The bill passed both houses with overwhelming bipartisan support, an alarming indication of how bad the opioid crisis has become in recent years. In fact, the… Continue Reading How Will the SUPPORT Act Affect Addiction Treatment?

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