When we are working towards recovery, one of our biggest challenges is the temptation we feel to use again. We’re hit with addictive urges that can be overwhelmingly strong. We got accustomed to giving into our urges and compulsions. We felt we had no control over ourselves. We didn’t feel connected to our willpower and…
The opioid epidemic in the US seems to be getting worse every year. The CDC estimates that in 2017, nearly 49,000 Americans died of an opioid overdose. Fortunately, awareness of the problem is growing and there are more treatment options than ever for opioid addiction. However, recovery from opioid addiction must begin with detox. Here’s…
According to the CDC, more than 72,000 people died of a drug overdose in the US in 2017. Nearly 49,000 of those deaths were from opioids. Those numbers have been rising for decades and now it appears the rate is accelerating despite the widespread attention that has been brought to the opioid epidemic. The statistics…
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a chronic anxiety disorder that involves intrusive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. Someone with OCD may have obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, or both. These can be hugely disruptive and take a significant toll on your life. Typically, people with OCD know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, but they…
We’ve long known that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for anyone in addiction recovery. Exercise improves your physical and mental health is many ways. Physically, it helps heal the damage done to your cardiovascular system, it helps you maintain a healthy body weight, it encourages you to eat better and…
Much of the media coverage of the opioid crisis in the US calls addiction a “disease of despair” and points to the high levels of unemployment in the areas most heavily affected by opioid addiction. There does seem to be a significant overlap between between addiction and unemployment, but does that mean unemployment causes addiction?…
With the days getting shorter and colder, many people will experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a form of depression caused by the change of seasons. People who have struggled with depression or bipolar disorder are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms of SAD include feeling depressed most of the time, having little energy or motivation,…
Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, is when you experience lingering mental health issues after acute withdrawal at the start of recovery. Most people experience PAWS as depression, lack of motivation, inability to feel pleasure, emotional numbness, insomnia, impaired concentration and memory, irritability, and anxiety. Some people develop panic disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is little scientific…
Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance in the US. More than seven percent of Americans are estimated to have an alcohol use issue. Symptoms of alcohol addiction include trying to quit drinking and not being able to, lying about how much you drink, prioritizing drinking over more important things such as family, work, or…
By the time you start considering an intervention for a friend or loved one, things are probably pretty bad. Her addiction is no longer a secret and it affects her friends and family. It may have been affecting them for a while. At this point, you have probably already expressed your concerns to your loved…
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