Addiction Blog

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction or any compulsive behavior is a challenging journey, often marked by momentary setbacks. Two standard terms used in the context of substance abuse recovery are "relapse" and "lapse," which describe two different types of setbacks that individuals in recovery may experience.

Overcoming addiction is more than just completing the detoxification and rehabilitation process. Recovery management and aftercare programs play a pivotal role in maintaining sobriety in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Aftercare is a key component to overcoming addiction and fostering a fulfilling, substance-free life after rehab treatment.

Someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) may face immense triggers during the holidays, including stress, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and temptation. Addiction treatment programs can redefine your holiday season if you're battling substance abuse, offering a transformative experience to embrace sobriety and holistic healing in the new year. 

Both holiday parties and the winter blues can contribute to an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse, either as a means to celebrate or to self-medicate. Whether you're someone who struggles with substance misuse, is sober, or is in addiction recovery, finding healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for navigating the holiday season with ease.

As the temperatures continue to drop and daylight hours lessen, more and more people are experiencing shifts in mood and energy. Mood changes during the fall and winter months are often called the "winter blues" or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Overcoming the winter blues is possible with strategies that promote physical and emotional well-being and support improved mental health during this time of year.

Drug abuse and addiction silently and systematically affect all aspects of an individual's life—psychologically, physically, and socially. The startling reality of substance abuse is that it secretly cuts your life short. From cardiovascular disease and liver damage to mental illness and drug overdose, addiction reduces life expectancy and quality of life.

Recent studies have shown a significant increase in binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption among women. In the last twenty years, women have had more alcohol-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths than men have.

"K2" or "Spice" are lab-made chemicals designed to imitate the effects of cannabis, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Synthetic marijuana, while marketed as a "safe" and legal cannabis alternative, carries unpredictable side effects and risks, including psychosis, seizures, and organ damage.

While people-pleasing might seem like a harmless personality trait, it often masks more profound emotional struggles that can precipitate mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is associated with a range of symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and people-pleasing tendencies.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) can ripple through families, creating patterns of addictive behaviors that pass down through generations. Generational addiction, when drug and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) recur in families over decades, can be influenced by genetics, family dynamics, and environmental factors.