Treating Co-Occurring Disorders in Addiction Recovery
Updated 2/25/25 Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT Co-occurring disorders are when a substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders occur simultaneously. There is a high prevalence of co-occurring conditions for several reasons, one being that many mental health conditions and SUD share similar causes and risk factors. Effective recovery from co-occurring disorders requires […]
The Key Elements of a Relapse Prevention Plan
Content reviewed by Khelsea Walker Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is a lifelong process, and completing treatment is only one step in it. Once individuals finish a treatment program, it is unrealistic to assume they are fully ready to navigate the pressures that exist outside of the treatment facility. To effectively abstain from substance […]
Why Did I Gain Weight After Quitting Drugs?
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands During the beginning stages of addiction recovery, weight gain can occur due to the impact of substance use on eating habits and nutrition. Excessive weight gain may also result from becoming more focused on food as a substitute for substance use. Weight gain during recovery […]
Precontemplation Stage of Change: What It Looks Like in Addiction Recovery
Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer at Cliffside Malibu The first stage of change in the transtheoretical model is precontemplation. During this stage, individuals struggling with a substance use disorder may not view substance use as a problem or may not be ready for a change. People can remain in this stage […]
The Connection Between Codependency and Addiction
Updated on 04/09/24 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Substance use and related disorders often contribute to chaotic life circumstances. When addiction begins to take over an individual’s life, it may be only a matter of time before their interpersonal relationships are negatively affected. Although the consequences may seem mild at first, the more […]
The Value of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Content reviewed by Khelsea Walker Effective recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders requires intimate, individualized treatment. Nearly all treatment facilities offer a wide range of treatment programs and therapeutic modalities for personalized patient care. Not all individuals who recognize their need for treatment are ready to make a lifelong commitment to […]
How to Find and Connect with Your Higher Power in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 09/12/23 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC While it may be a new concept for some, identifying and learning to connect with a higher power is a staple for many treatment and recovery programs. This is because many programs are built upon the belief that addiction is not only a disease of […]
Navigating Disappointment in Recovery
Updated on 06/25/24 Content Reviewed by Cameron Bolish, M.Ed. Disappointment, although common, can be a challenging emotion to navigate. Disappointment can be even more earth-shattering for someone recovering from alcohol and other drug use. This negative emotion can surface from various circumstances and let-downs and lead to worsening physical and mental health consequences, aside from […]
Overcoming the Blame Game in Recovery
Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC, CEO of Pinelands Blaming yourself or others can delay the recovery process from substance use disorders. Society has misconceptions and language that can contribute to this blame game. Accepting responsibility without blame is essential for positive change when recovering from a substance use disorder. Mindfulness and psychotherapy approaches […]
Levels of Care in Addiction Recovery
Updated on 06/25/24 Content Reviewed by Cameron Bolish, M.Ed. Addiction affects everyone differently, which means effective treatment must be individualized to meet each patient’s personal needs and goals. While some people may need more intensive or highly structured treatment, others may need more flexible treatment options in order to incorporate treatment sessions into their weekly […]