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Men in Recovery

What issues in recovery are unique to men? Living up to male stereotypes Common social expectations hold that men should always be tough, strong, and capable as fathers, brothers, and sons. Growing up male, you may have been taught that giving in to pain, talking about emotions, and crying were all signs of weakness. As […]

Counseling

Can counseling assist your recovery? The time that you spend in treatment is just the beginning of lifelong recovery. A licensed counselor or therapist with experience in addiction treatment can help you address issues that you didn’t have time to adequately address during treatment. Dealing with issues that may have contributed to your drinking and […]

Suicide

How serious are thoughts of suicide? Suicide is a tragic and potentially preventable problem. Suicide deaths out number homicide deaths by almost five to three, and there are many more attempted suicides that don’t result in death. The majority of suicide attempts are expressions of extreme distress and not just harmless bids for attention. Is […]

Recovery

What is recovery? Recovery is a multi-phase, lifelong journey of growth and development. Detoxification is only the first step on the journey of recovery. But physical detox alone will not help you stay clean and sober. Recovery from your addiction will be a lifelong process that typically requires formal treatment followed by continuing support from […]

Inhalants

What are inhalants? Inhalants and solvents are chemicals found in household products such as glue, dry cleaning fluids, gasoline, and others. The fumes or vapors are inhaled (or “huffed”) for their mood-altering effects. Sometimes they are sprayed in a paper bag or soaked in a rag that is then placed over the mouth and nose. […]

Loneliness

How does loneliness affect recovery? Can you remember feeling isolated or different, even when you were among lots of people at parties or celebrations? You may have used alcohol or other drugs to fit in and feel more like part of the crowd, but found that the relief from loneliness was only temporary. As your […]

Alcohol

What is alcohol? Alcohol is a liquid obtained by fermenting carbohydrates using yeast or a distillation process. Beer, wine, and distilled spirits are the major types of alcoholic beverages. Despite being legal, alcohol is classified as a drug along with illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, or improperly used prescription drugs. How do I know […]

Obsessions

What is obsession? In 1934 Dr. William Duncan Silkworth described alcoholism as an obsession of the mind and an allergy of the body. Bill Wilson would later take this description of the illness and use it as the basis of the Alcoholics Anonymous approach. This obsession to use substances against all practical wisdom is often […]

Native Americans

How can Native American traditions and spirituality be incorporated into your recovery? If you are a Native American in recovery, it can be helpful for you to think about how native traditions and spirituality can be integrated into your Twelve Step program. Thanks to a growing pride in Native American traditions, native people are strengthening […]

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