a therapist talks to a family about why family therapy is so important for addiction recovery

Why Family Therapy is So Important for Addiction Recovery

Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Addiction often has roots in the family dynamic. Poor communication and dysfunctional patterns can lead to distress and trauma and people often use drugs or alcohol to cope. People who struggle with addiction often have parents who struggle with addiction. About half of addiction is genetic, but learned behavior… Continue Reading Why Family Therapy is So Important for Addiction Recovery

a woman talks to a group about a non addictive drug to treat opioid addiction

There’s a New Non-addictive Drug to Treat Opioid Addiction

The FDA recently approved a new drug to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Lucemyra, or lofexidine hydrochloride, is the first drug to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms that’s not derived from opioids. Most importantly, Lucemyra is believed to be non-addictive. There are currently three ways to minimize opioid withdrawal for people trying to quit. One… Continue Reading There’s a New Non-addictive Drug to Treat Opioid Addiction

a group of people talk about what is smart recovery

What is SMART Recovery?

Most people are familiar with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, but fewer people know about SMART Recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training and was founded in 1994. SMART is a non-profit created to help people struggling with addiction by teaching them strategies shown by research to help control addictive… Continue Reading What is SMART Recovery?

a woman holds her head and thinks about 6 signs of stimulant psychosis

6 Signs of Stimulant Psychosis

Stimulant psychosis is a mental disturbance caused by an overdose of stimulants, typically meth, cocaine, or methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin. It can even be caused by caffeine, but not in the concentrations found in coffee. Stimulant psychosis is usually temporary. About 80 percent of people with stimulant psychosis recover within 30 days. About five… Continue Reading 6 Signs of Stimulant Psychosis

a group of people run after learning what happens to your lungs when you stop smoking

What Happens to Your Lungs When You Stop Smoking?

Many people who struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol also smoke. Not only that, they tend to keep smoking after they get sober. Studies have found that AA members smoke more heavily and at a much higher rate than the general population. Other studies have found that smoking correlates with a much higher risk… Continue Reading What Happens to Your Lungs When You Stop Smoking?

a young woman listens to her therapist explain whats the difference between cbt and dbt

What’s the Difference between CBT and DBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, and dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT are both common models of psychotherapy used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Each has its uses and they may be used together or separately. In fact, DBT is a specific form of DBT, so in a sense, they… Continue Reading What’s the Difference between CBT and DBT?

a woman meditates and wonders can deep breathing help you fight cravings

Can Deep Breathing Help You Fight Cravings?

Fighting cravings is one of the hardest parts of fighting any addiction. It’s a pull that defies logic or reason and feels inescapable. Learning to tolerate cravings is one of the most important skills to learn during recovery. One thing that might help is simply taking some deep breaths. Smokers who have quit often find… Continue Reading Can Deep Breathing Help You Fight Cravings?