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
Although it is difficult to pin down the prevalence of attachment issues, it is often tied to trauma. In particular, attachment issues usually develop within adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 63.9% of U.S. adults have reported at least one ACEs, and 17.3% have reported four orRead 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
Millions of people with substance use disorder (SUD) have trauma-related mental health issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Violence, abuse, neglect, and family or social conflict are among the traumatic events and circumstances that are linked with the risk of developing a substance use disorder.” Additionally, SUD and related mental healthRead More
Many people who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) rely on structure and routine to manage this condition. Unfortunately, spending time away from home for a vacation may disrupt essential routines. According to an article in the journal Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, free time can pose risks to sobriety. The authors explain thatRead More
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), only 39% of adults in the U.S. feel emotionally close to others. Historically loneliness and isolation have been associated with older adults. Typically older adults are more likely to lose contact with loved ones due to death and their adult children are preoccupied withRead 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
If you’re pursuing an education after completing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), you may face unique challenges. According to an article In Focus: Journal of Life Long Learning in Psychiatry, “U.S. college campuses have witnessed a national increase of cannabis, stimulant, and illicit drug use among students over the past decade.” The authors continue,Read More