Is Being an Addict a Stigma?
Is Being an Addict a Stigma? Understanding the Impact of Shame on Addiction Recovery What Is the Stigma of Addiction? Stigma is defined as “a mark of shame or discredit.” For people suffering from addiction, this stigma implies that their condition is something to be ashamed of. The perception often stems from the behaviors that […]
I have Depression and I am Addicted, What Gets Treated First?
Depression and Addiction If you are suffering from addiction, you are more than likely also suffering from another trauma, as well. This can include such things as mental illness, like depression. Mental illness and addiction often work together to exacerbate the other. Do you find yourself reaching for a drink or drugs if your depression […]
Can I Get Back What Addiction Has Made Me Lose?
Breaking free from addiction When someone is experiencing active addiction, many casualties come along the way. This can mean severely fractured relationships with loved ones, including: spouses, children, parents and siblings. Careers become less of a priority, so the likelihood that a job has been lost is very high. When someone loses a job, they […]
Role of Spirituality
The Basics The 12 Steps were developed in the 1930’s by Bill Ebby, who underwent a powerful spiritual experience once he learned from a doctor that his alcoholism was going to soon kill him. Bill decided to abstain from drinking and surrender himself to his spirituality and higher power, which worked successfully to keep him […]
Effects on Children
Growing Up With a Parent with Substance Use Disorder Unfortunately, children of a parent who suffers from addiction are often plagued with life-long effects, whether or not the parent was living in the home with them. While in active addiction, people are doing extensive emotional damage to their children and might not even realize it. […]
Disease of Addiction
Is Addiction a Disease? According to The Center on Addiction, addiction is a complex disease of the brain and body that involves compulsive use of one or more substances despite serious health and social consequences. Addiction disrupts regions of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment and memory. In addition to these […]
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness? According to Mindful.org, Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is innate, it can be cultivated through proven techniques, particularly seated, walking, standing, and moving meditation […]
Why making the call for help is so hard
Admitting you need help is the most important step As the saying goes, admitting you have a problem is the most important step of recovery. Knowing you have a problem and accepting you have a problem are two different things. You are here, which means you recognize that your substance abuse is affecting your life […]
Triggers to Avoid During the Holidays
Triggers to Avoid During the Holidays A major part of a successful recovery process is knowing what your triggers are. During the holidays, it can be a time that they present themselves more often than not. It can also be time when new triggers can arise that you didn’t realize you had before. It’s important […]
Trauma Informed Care
How trauma affects addiction Trauma comes in many shapes, sizes and forms. The most important part about dealing with trauma is understanding it and how it can affect your life in ways you might not have realized. This is why we take great care in focusing on giving our clients psychoeducation about trauma. Learning about […]