If you go through an inpatient addiction treatment program, you’ll find that almost everything happens on a schedule. You get up at a regular time, eat meals at regular times, go to therapy at regular times, and go to bed…
When you first start recovering from a substance use disorder, whether you enter treatment, start going to 12-Step meetings, or some other method, you’re taking your first steps into unfamiliar territory. You’re never quite sure if you’re doing the right…
We tend to think of peer pressure as something that mainly affects adolescents. The phrase conjures tedious lectures from teachers, school counselors, and DARE officers. While peer pressure is certainly strongest for adolescents, as social creatures, most of us are…
We all compare ourselves to others sometimes, but for the sake of your recovery, it would be great if you could do it less. Several studies have linked participants’ tendency to make social comparisons to bad outcomes such as envy,…
Compassion is a crucial element of addiction recovery for many reasons. Having compassion for others is perhaps the surest way of forming connections with other people. This sense of connection is one of the most important factors for a strong…
As you continue to work through this transformational journey of healing and recovery, you’ll find that a variety of situations come your way. Healthcare teams, administration professionals, doctors, recovery leaders, peers and more will become part of your social support…
“I should’ve said something else in my 12-Step program. Now everyone probably thinks I’m stupid.” “I’m not going to be able to survive this program.” “There’s no way I’m going to reach my recovery goals. I’m not strong enough.” We…
Although each person experiences addiction differently, it’s quite common for those battling substance abuse to feel incredibly empty – these lingering feelings of loneliness and despair are settled deep inside, making it hard to overcome sometimes. In some cases, it’s…
Music therapy is a growing field in psychology. Music helps patients recover speech after suffering a stroke or reduces stress in situations dealing with chronic illness and disease. There are various styles of music, and specific types do particular things,…
Living with others is always a challenge. Developing balance, understanding, and respect is a vital component for a harmonious living situation with another person, whether it be family, friend, or significant other. Living with someone who has an active addiction,…
