How Serving Others Can Support Addiction Recovery
Updated on 10/13/23 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex mental health condition that occurs from chronic and/or repeated substance use. Luckily, it is treatable, but it requires intimate and compassionate care for recovery to occur. Still, the chemical mechanisms involved with SUD in the brain also make […]
Do I Need Inpatient Residential Treatment, or Can I Treat My Addiction at Home?
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands The field of mental health and addiction recovery treatment is on the rise, with more and more treatment centers opening up across the United States. With the increase in treatment resources, people have more opportunities to find a treatment program that best meets their needs. […]
Understanding Medical Detox
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Over time, chronic substance use can wreak havoc on an individual’s physical and mental health. Alcohol and other drugs interfere significantly with brain functioning, disturbing standard communication between brain regions and the cells within those regions. Chronic substance use persuades the mind and body to […]
Dating Someone in Addiction Recovery
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands In general, dating is an incredibly vulnerable experience. It involves you getting out there and meeting new people. Once you find a person you want to pursue, you wind up evaluating your partner and assessing your suitability together. Dating requires patience. When you start dating […]
What to Do After a Relapse
Updated on 01/25/24 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Relapse does not mean that your recovery journey has failed. For many people in recovery, relapse is considered another step toward securing long-lasting healing—an opportunity to learn something else that will benefit down the road. Recovery from substance use and addiction is never an easy […]
Managing Triggers & Cravings in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 2/10/2025 Content Reviewed by Cameron Bolish, M.Ed., CEO of PaRC This blog discusses internal and external triggers and cravings in addiction recovery, ways to recognize them and how you can support your long-term sobriety. In long-term recovery from substance use, triggers and cravings to use again are expected. While having intrusive thoughts, idolizing […]
Dangers of People-Pleasing in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 05/20/24 Content Reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC It is common to believe that being kind to others is virtuous and desirable. Technically, this is not a bad thing to desire. Being kind and helping others in itself is not harmful. However, such an explanation can serve as a justification for people-pleasing behaviors. […]
Benefits of Drinking Water in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 2/7/2023 Content Reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands You may be aware that drinking water, in general, is good for your body. However, knowing the specifics of how beneficial it can be and how it can assist you along your journey to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction may inspire […]
New Year Resolutions in Addiction Recovery
New Year Resolutions in Addiction Recovery Content Reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu Updated on 12/13/2022 When the new year arrives, you may find yourself or others taking an optimistic outlook on what the next year will bring. As you scroll through social media, you will likely see people expressing […]
Managing Friendships While in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 08/02/23 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Being in addiction recovery is life-changing in many beautiful ways. You develop new, healthy habits and lifestyle choices that help you become a better version of yourself. Part of this process may also involve changes in your friendships. Perhaps you are coming to […]