The 4 C’s of Addiction: Control, Compulsions, Cravings and Consequences
The 4 C’s of Addiction: Control, Compulsions, Cravings and Consequences Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu Contrary to many outdated stereotypes rooted in ignorance and prejudice, addiction does not result from moral weakness or lack of willpower. Addiction is a chronic and compulsive brain condition that interferes with how […]
What Are Triggers and Cravings?
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Treatment for recovery from alcohol and other substances must be intentional. It must teach patients how to achieve long-lasting sobriety. While a person may be able to commit to sobriety on their own initially, it is unlikely that they will be able to maintain their […]
Why Mindfulness Is Essential in Long-Term Recovery
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Substance use and addiction wreak havoc on an individual’s sense of self. They are chronic and invasive conditions that can lead to overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Even when the consequences of substance use become evident, there may be hesitation toward treatment and recovery because an […]
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 […]
Mindfulness Technique: A Look at Urge Surfing
Have you ever acted out of impulse because of an emotional experience? These are known as urges or cue-elicited cravings. These urges usually follow a thought to promote habitual behavior to help manage or cope with that thought. Such behavior is typical and occurs in everyone. However, these urges are associated with negative behaviors and […]