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The Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction

The Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction

The Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction In the realm of the human experience, the correlation between trauma and addiction represents one of the most complex and compelling areas of study. Over the years, a growing body of research has shed light on the way...

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Five Ways to Support Someone in Recovery

Five Ways to Support Someone in Recovery

Five Ways to Support Someone in Recovery   The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) finds that recovery from substance use disorder, alcoholism, or addiction is improved through relationships and social networks. If someone you love...

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What is a Relapse?

What is a Relapse?

What is a Relapse? A relapse can be defined as a return to substance use after an intentional period of abstinence. When a relapse occurs, individuals may resume use at either a higher or lower rate than previously experienced. Another word used to describe a relapse...

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Top 7 Addiction Recovery Songs

Top 7 Addiction Recovery Songs

Top 7 Addiction Recovery Songs Music can help to capture and explain feelings and emotions in a way most other mediums cannot. In fact, a whole therapeutic modality, called music therapy, has been developed with that in mind. If you or someone you love is struggling...

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What Are Benzodiazepines?

What Are Benzodiazepines?

What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzos are intensely habit-forming Benzodiazepines aka benzos are an assortment of prescription drugs typically prescribed for anxiety and or panic disorder. In some cases, they can also be used to treat muscle spasms or even seizure...

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Alcohol Cravings and How to Handle Them

Alcohol Cravings and How to Handle Them

Alcohol Cravings and How to Handle Them What Are Alcohol Cravings Exactly? Although this topic is contested in scientific communities, there are some symptoms that can be used to create a definition for our purposes. Alcohol cravings are a state of anticipation: we...

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Sobriety in the Summer

Sobriety in the Summer

Sobriety in the Summer   Summer is filled with activities, including everything from pool parties and barbeques to weddings and beach outings. In many cases, these activities are paired with alcohol. For individuals in recovery, these events can be triggering....

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How do I stop enabling my loved one?

How do I stop enabling my loved one?

How do I stop enabling my loved one? Does this situation feel familiar? Someone you love has a substance use disorder. You’ve tried to help them time and time again. You’ve loaned them money, you’ve offered your home as a place to stay, and you’ve begged him or her to...

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What Is Tranq Dope?

What Is Tranq Dope?

What Is Tranq Dope? Tranq dope is a mix of synthetic substances which is commonly sold in place of heroin. The primary ingredient is xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer that depresses the central nervous system including respiration and heart rate. Drug dealers...

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Alcohol use and related Anxiety

Alcohol use and related Anxiety

Alcohol use and related Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of worry, unease, and/or fear which can also be accompanied by physical sensations like nausea and chest tightness. “Hangxiety” (hangover anxiety), is similar except that it typically follows an episode of drinking....

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Young Adults and Addiction

Young Adults and Addiction

How Do Young Adults Get Addicted to Drugs and Alcohol?   There are a variety of factors that can lead a young adult to become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Some are raised in situations where substance use is a part of their daily lives or in families with a history...

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Women and Alcoholism

Women and Alcoholism

Women and Alcoholism Alcohol use is fairly common in the United States  While most adults in the US drink alcohol without it becoming problematic, a growing number of Americans are struggling with alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, and or problematic alcohol use....

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Common Misconceptions about Fentanyl

Common Misconceptions about Fentanyl

Common Misconceptions about Fentanyl Fentanyl has become a buzzword in addiction treatment circles as of late, primarily because it has been a major factor in the surge of overdose deaths. Increasing awareness about and around Fentanyl is the first of many steps to...

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Alcohol Use and Depression

Alcohol Use and Depression

Alcohol Use and Depression Are you or someone that you care about suffering from depression and drinking to excess? You are not alone. Alcoholism is commonly found in individuals with depression. These two conditions will exacerbate each other in many cases.  ...

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Warning Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Addiction This article is an informational guide for those who suspect someone they care about may be using fentanyl. Before we discuss the warning signs of fentanyl- we will discuss what fentanyl is and why it is so dangerous. What...

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Alcohol Use Red Flags

Alcohol Use Red Flags

Alcohol Use Red Flags   While alcohol use is an enjoyable part of a healthy social life for some, for others alcohol use can become problematic and unmanageable. According to the CDC, as many as 6% of all Americans meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder also...

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What are Synthetic Opioids?

What are Synthetic Opioids?

What are Synthetic Opioids?   We are in the middle of one of the worst drug overdose epidemics in recorded history. Substance use disorder including addiction and alcoholism is at an all-time high. While there are many factors involved in the spike in drug...

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What is a high functioning alcoholic?

What is a high functioning alcoholic?

What is a high-functioning alcoholic?   What is alcoholism or alcohol use disorder?   One of the most misunderstood parts of alcoholism is the misconception that in order to be an alcoholic, your life needs to be falling apart. This couldn’t be further from...

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What is National Recovery Month?

What is National Recovery Month?

What is National Recovery Month?   National Recovery Month occurs every September as declared by presidential proclamation. National Recovery Month aims to educate Americans on the merits of substance use disorder treatment for those suffering from alcoholism or...

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What is OP?

What is OP?

What is OP?   If you are looking into substance abuse treatment options for yourself or a loved one, you have likely come across the acronym OP. What is OP? OP is an acronym for Outpatient Program. An outpatient program, or OP, is a level of care in the substance...

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What is PC?

What is PC?

What is PC?   If you are looking into substance abuse treatment options for yourself or a loved one, you have likely come across the acronym PC. What is PC? PC is an acronym for Partial Care Program. A Partial Care Program, or PC, is a level of care in the...

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What is IOP?

What is IOP?

What is IOP?   If you are looking into substance abuse treatment options for yourself or a loved one, you have likely come across the acronym IOP. What is IOP? IOP is an acronym for Intensive Outpatient Program. An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is a level...

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Meditation in Recovery

Meditation in Recovery

Meditation in Recovery   What is Meditation? Meditation is an ancient practice that may date back to as early as 5000 BCE. Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or...

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Is DUI or DWI a Sign of Alcoholism? 

Is DUI or DWI a Sign of Alcoholism? 

Is DUI or DWI a Sign of Alcoholism?   What is a DUI or DWI? Before we get into whether or not DUI or DWI is a sign of alcoholism, let’s discuss what a DUI/DWI is. DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) occurs when a motorist is...

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Summer Activities for People In Recovery

Summer Activities for People In Recovery

Summer Activities for People In Recovery   For those in early recovery, one of the major obstacles to sustaining sobriety long-term can be boredom. Boredom is a silent killer. That is not to say that one needs to be busy 24/7 in recovery because that is not...

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Are Drugs Becoming More Mainstream?

Are Drugs Becoming More Mainstream?

Are Drugs Becoming More Mainstream?   Like it or not, alcohol and the entertainment industry have gone hand in hand for as long as most people can remember. This is not new. Up until a few years ago though, drugs were less mainstream. Many entertainers were doing...

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What is JCAHO?

What is JCAHO?

What is JCAHO?   JCAHO is an acronym for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Also known as “The Joint Commission”, JCAHO provides oversight and accreditation to healthcare organizations that meet its stringent safety standards. It...

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Why do Individuals Relapse?

Why do Individuals Relapse?

Why do Individuals Relapse? Relapse might seem like the end of your recovery, but it actually can be a part of the recovery process. If you are in treatment for addiction or alcoholism, it is important to know that relapse and recovery are not mutually exclusive....

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7 Days With No Prayer Makes One Weak Program

7 Days With No Prayer Makes One Weak Program

7 Days With No Prayer Makes One Weak Program “7 days without prayer makes one weak (week) program” is a simple play on words that is passed around the 12 step community. This phrase is a somewhat humorous albeit corny way of reminding fellow members of the 12 step...

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Shocking Facts About Addiction and Alcoholism

Shocking Facts About Addiction and Alcoholism

Shocking Facts About Addiction and Alcoholism On average, globally, alcohol plays a role in approximately 5% of all deaths (1 in 20) Approximately 21 million Americans meet the criteria for substance use disorder Out of those 21 million Americans, only approximately...

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Fictional Addicts Telling Untold Stories   

Fictional Addicts Telling Untold Stories   

Fictional Addicts Telling Untold Stories Since entertainment and media began, the entertainment and media industries have attempted to tell stories that are relevant and relate to real issues that society is facing through the medium of fiction. This tactic can be a...

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The Long History of Addiction

The Long History of Addiction

                                  The Long History of Addiction   While addiction and alcoholism have gained a lot more recognition in the last 10-20 years, the issue is one that is almost as old as mankind itself. History tells us that since man first crushed...

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Narcotics Anonymous Frequently Asked Questions

Narcotics Anonymous Frequently Asked Questions

Narcotics Anonymous Frequently Asked Questions If you or someone you know struggles with substance abuse disorder or drug addiction, you have likely heard of the organization known as NA. NA, formally known as Narcotics Anonymous, is an organization whose aim is to...

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Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse “How do I know if someone is abusing drugs or abusing alcohol?”   When left untreated, substance abuse can have a serious impact on the body and mind. Alcohol or drug abuse also negatively affects home, work and school life,...

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Top 5 Songs About Addiction and Recovery

Top 5 Songs About Addiction and Recovery

Top 5 Songs About Addiction and Recovery “Sober” - Pink https://youtu.be/v_YoIe_CGFA In this song, singer Pink talks about being the sober one at the party and the sense of strength that comes from it, singing, “How do I feel this good sober?”.  Pink gave up drugs in...

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Top 7 Relapse Triggers

Top 7 Relapse Triggers

Top 7 Relapse Triggers   Before we get into discussing potential relapse triggers to be aware of, we think it is important to address what a relapse actually is. What is a relapse? A relapse, in terms of substance abuse and related recovery efforts, is...

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Best Prayers in Sobriety

Best Prayers in Sobriety

Best Prayers in Sobriety In recovery, and in 12 step based recovery programs especially, prayer is a major component of the recovery process. We feel it is important to clarify that prayer DOES NOT have to be religious at all. The prayer that is prescribed as a means...

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5 Sober Social Networks to Follow

5 Sober Social Networks to Follow

5 Sober Social Networks to Follow One of the core tenets of most self help sobriety programs, such as AA, NA, CA, Smart Recovery and Refuge Recovery is peer to peer support. There is something comforting about talking to and relating with someone who is on the same...

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Frequently Asked Questions about AA Meetings 

Frequently Asked Questions about AA Meetings 

Frequently Asked Questions about AA Meetings One of the first recommendations many people entering recovery receive is to “go to a meeting”. What does this mean? A meeting refers to a self help group that meets periodically to support its members. One of the most well...

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The Ultimate Guide to Gratitude in Sobriety

The Ultimate Guide to Gratitude in Sobriety

The Ultimate Guide to Gratitude in Sobriety   What Does Gratitude Mean What does gratitude mean? Well, according to Dictionary.com, Gratitude is a noun that can be defined as “the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful”. While the official definition is...

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Am I an Alcoholic Quiz | What is an Alcoholic?

Am I an Alcoholic Quiz | What is an Alcoholic?

Am I an Alcoholic Quiz | What is an Alcoholic? What is an Alcoholic What is an alcoholic? This is a question to which the answer will vary depending on who you ask. Seventy five years ago if you asked this question the answer would be a lot different than the answer...

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7 Self-Care Tips to Help Maintain Sobriety

7 Self-Care Tips to Help Maintain Sobriety

7 Self-Care Tips to Help Maintain Sobriety Self care is something we could all use to do more often. Self care in its simplest form is the idea of identifying the relationship we all have with ourselves and prioritizing the cultivation of that relationship. This is...

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Sober Holiday Activities for People in Recovery

Sober Holiday Activities for People in Recovery

Sober Holiday Activities for People in Recovery The holiday season can be one of the most joyous times of the year. Typically we associate the holiday season with family, good food, gifts, and other holiday traditions. For those of us trying to navigate the holidays...

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Best Sobriety and Recovery Quotes

Best Sobriety and Recovery Quotes

Best Sobriety Quotes on Alcoholism, Addiction, Sobriety & Spirituality   Who doesn’t love a good inspirational quote? Inspirational quotes have been a part of society for hundreds of years. In the last 5-10 years though they have developed an almost cult...

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Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous? - The Truth About Fentanyl Fentanyl has become somewhat of a buzzword in the addiction recovery community. Its popularity as a drug of abuse has increased astronomically in the last 3 years or so. You may be asking yourself: What is...

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Everything You Need to Know About Drug Tests

Everything You Need to Know About Drug Tests

Everything You Need to Know About Drug Tests | FAQ Drug testing is done for many reasons including pre employment, work related incident testing, college or professional athletics drug testing, substance abuse treatment drug testing, and for a variety of other medical...

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What is an Intensive Out Patient Program?

What is an Intensive Out Patient Program?

What is IOP | Intensive Out Patient FAQ According to the National Institute of Health, “Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are direct services for people with substance use disorders  mental and substance use disorders who do not require medical...

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How To Help An Alcoholic?

How To Help An Alcoholic?

How To Help An Alcoholic? This is a seemingly simple question yet the answer to it is anything but simple. Figuring out how to help someone with their alcoholism will vary depending on your relationship with the effected person, the severity of their drinking, their...

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Is Addiction a Disease?

Is Addiction a Disease?

Is Addiction a Disease? This is one of the longest standing debates in the addiction treatment industry. There are extremely strong opinions of both sides of the debate and there is evidence to support both the argument for and against addiction as a disease. As...

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Helping Or Hurting. What is Enabling?

Helping Or Hurting. What is Enabling?

Helping or Hurting? Addiction is a menacing disease that effects every aspect of the user’s life. When a loved one is struggling with addiction, it is normal for families to want to help solve the crisis. When you are dealing with someone struggling with addiction,...

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Three Stages of Relapse

Three Stages of Relapse

Most people think relapsing is a spur of the moment decision but in most cases, it is a gradual process.  Living a clean and sober life is not only stopping substance use but learning how to stay away from drugs and alcohol for the rest of your life. Understands and...

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Adult Children of an Addicted Parent

Adult Children of an Addicted Parent

YouOften times, adult children with an addicted parent exhibit 13 traits that were coined by Janet G. Woititz, PhD in her 1983, groundbreaking book entitled “Adult Children of Alcoholics”. Despite her specific experience with an alcoholic, she notes that these traits...

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The Five Stages of Addiction Recovery

The Five Stages of Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a disease that affects millions of Americans every year and working through the grips of this illness is more challenging than many realize. Recovery is not just a slight adjustment, but a total change of your life. It can be daunting, but there are so...

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Five Ways to Avoid Relapse

Five Ways to Avoid Relapse

The path to sobriety shouldn’t end with outpatient treatment or a trip to rehab. Sober living means hard work and commitment. It’s important to make an effort to remain sober even after completing a treatment program with an addiction center. Here are five ways to...

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