When it comes to the holidays, one has little choice but to take the good with the bad. In the plus column, you have all the time spent with family and close friends. In the minus, you have anxiety, burnout, and stress. Unfortunately, family can sometimes be the cause of that anxiety, burnout, and stress—and…
Details
Our emotions play a large part in our thoughts, attitude, and actions. When our emotions contribute to an addiction disorder, it is time to evaluate those feelings and strive for emotional intelligence in recovery. Here are five ways you can gain emotional intelligence in recovery: Listen to others. Too often, we carry on in life,…
Details
If you just completed alcohol addiction treatment, you may be trying to figure out how to have a social life without drinking. Alcohol may have been at the center of your world – you might be faced with having friends who drink, your hang-outs may have been bars, and you might have frequented clubs or…
Details
Thanksgiving is a day to eat, drink and be merry—but that can be a bit problematic for those struggling with addiction. When you are on the road to recovery, a day like Thanksgiving—so focused on excess—can be a real stumbling block. And yet, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it while remaining committed to…
Details
Alcohol and Drug Addiction is disruptive to everyone in the addict’s life, especially family members. You may feel pressured to take care of the alcoholic or addict in your life and in the process, loose sight of your own needs. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of yourself. Get outside, take…
Details
It doesn’t take long in the process of recovery before you begin to hear much talk about gratitude. Developing an attitude of gratitude in the face of even the most difficult situations is a keystone of relapse prevention. It is not a skill that comes easily or naturally, but it is a skill that can…
Details
Maintaining Recovery during Long Winter Months When suffering through long, stormy winters, it is hard to find recreational or uplifting activities to elevate mood. It is a time when the sun does not shine, and the grey weather can get you down. And it is tempting to use alcohol and drugs to lift the spirit…
Details
Drinking and Drugging Goals Don’t Work Substance abusers often set goals for the use of alcohol or drugs: I’ll quit next week; I’ll only have five drinks throughout the whole weekend; I’ll drink only wine and beer; I’ll never use a needle. For most addicted individuals, these goals never work. Making choices like these are…
Details
While addiction involves much isolation, most alcoholics and addicts do not really want to be lonely. At its worst, addiction leads people away from their families and friends because they feel ashamed and guilty for their behavior. As the addiction worsens, they are alone because they are too sick to take part in any kind…
Details
One of the most common misconceptions among addicts and their families is the notion that doing something over and over will somehow yield different results. Alcoholics, for example, think that if they just drink on weekends, if they drink beer instead of hard liquor, or if they drink only at home, they somehow will not…
Details