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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What is denial? Denial is refusing to admit or acknowledge something that may seem obvious to others. When it comes to substance use disorders, denial occurs when you refuse to accept to acknowledge the problems created as a result of your addiction. You might deny your dependence on a substance, your lack of control over […]
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 […]
What is insanity? The Big Book defines insanity this way: “He had much knowledge about himself as an alcoholic. Yet all reasons for not drinking were easily pushed aside in favor of the foolish idea that he could take whiskey if only he mixed it with milk! Whatever the precise definition of the word may […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
