When you think of someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD), do you think of someone who is obviously intoxicated, who can’t hold down a job or maintain relationships, whose life is a mess? While that may be true for some people with AUD, high-functioning alcoholics look fine from the outside, seeming to have it allRead More
We’ve all been there. You’re at your weekly therapy appointment, discussing an important issue. But just as you arrive at the brink of a breakthrough, your therapist looks at the clock and says, “That’s all we have time for this week.” Sometimes, it seems like there just aren’t enough minutes in a once-a-week therapy appointmentRead More
In the early stages of recovery, many people are extremely confident that they’ll never want to use again and can’t imagine having a relapse. But we now recognize that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process. It’s not at all unusual for someone to relapse at least one time on their journey toRead More
If the fear of relapsing when you’re on your own in the real world keeps you up at night, know that you’re not alone. When you’re navigating recovery from addiction to substances — especially through the lens of trauma — it’s common for people to have apprehension about falling back into addiction, of going backRead More
A safe home environment is essential for ensuring that individuals recovering from chronic substance abuse avoid relapse or complications during ongoing recovery. Family involvement in treatment and other factors affect the environment people return to after completing rehabilitation for alcohol or drug abuse. According to Social Work in Public Health, “The effects of a substanceRead More
Art allows people to express their internal landscape through various mediums, providing a sense of catharsis and making it easier to process certain emotions or trauma. Creative therapies, including art, music, and dance, give people who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) a new way to voice their struggles and successes. Oftentimes, alumni benefitRead More
Everyone needs purpose and meaning in their lives. Recovery from substance abuse involves addressing these needs by focusing on ongoing personal growth. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “ Personal development focuses on different ways you can grow in different areas of your life.” Alumni services motivate people to continue moving forward inRead More
Detoxification is an important step on your journey to recovery. Through detox, you have medically managed support to help you safely withdraw from substances. As the Journal of Substance Use & Addiction notes, one-fifth of admissions to an addiction treatment program are for detox. However, addiction treatment must go beyond detox to be effective forRead More
Maintaining motivation is essential for individuals in aftercare or ongoing recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Motivation for change is a key component in addressing substance misuse.” On the flip side, a loss of motivation is a common risk factor for relapse. Motivation can wane when alumni experience challengesRead More
Those who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) often turn to the 12-Step philosophy to find healing and motivation for personal growth. These types of groups offer peers a safe space for discussing their recovery journeys and uplifting one another. According to the journal Social Work in Public Health, “Self-help groups based on thisRead More