Many addiction recovery programs require complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol in recovery while others recommend moderation management instead. But what’s the difference between the two? Which one is better? And what are the benefits of complete abstinence from addictive substances?
How to Work Step 12 [Of the 12 Steps]
The final step of the 12-Step Program requires you to carry the message to others and put the principles of the program into practice every day of your life. To help you learn how to do this, we’ll review this step in more detail below.
How to Manage Holiday Stress in Recovery
The holidays can be a tricky time to be in recovery, especially if you’re newly sober. With more travel, pressure-filled social engagements with family and friends, and increased financial strain, all the stress can quickly build up and make you more susceptible to relapse.
What Are Relapse Dreams?
It’s not all that uncommon to have hyper-realistic dreams about relapsing that leave you sweaty and anxious upon waking. Relapse dreams can be scary and unsettling because they feel very real. Although they can have a lasting impact, they don’t necessarily mean you’re going to relapse.
Where to Find LGBTQ+ Men’s Sober Living Homes in Austin
Research studies have shown that LGBTQ+ men face distinct recovery challenges. The LGBTQ+ community endures unique psychological and social issues that can fuel addiction and give rise to isolation. Despite these challenges, it’s crucial that no one feels alone in their recovery journey.
Urge Surfing to Beat Cravings: What It Is and How to Do It
Learning how to deal with drug and alcohol cravings is one of the biggest challenges you’ll likely face in the early stages of recovery. Although cravings can be powerful motivators for relapse, you don’t have to let them control your behavior, and there are effective ways to cope.
How to Work Step 11 [Of the 12 Steps]
Are you working Step 11 of the 12-Step Program? This step focuses on deepening your connection with your Higher Power as you cultivate your spirituality through the practice of prayer, meditation, or some other type of spiritual practice.
How to Cope When a Loved One Relapses
Watching a loved one relapse is extremely painful. Unfortunately, relapse happens sometimes. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, such as anger, confusion, sadness, and hopelessness. Despite it being a challenging situation, there is still hope for your loved one. A relapse doesn’t mean they can’t fully recover from addiction.
Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention
Perhaps you’ve completed rehab, and now you’re starting to resume a normal life. Indeed, there are many more challenges to overcome. So, how do you cope with everyday challenges and emotions? What do you do if you feel an urge to use drugs or drink alcohol?
How to Work Step 10 [Of the 12-Steps]
Step 10 of the 12-Step Program serves as a reminder that people in recovery are still human. They’re not perfect, and they’re going to make mistakes. Step 10 is a maintenance step. It asks that you watch for emotions that have the potential to trigger drug or alcohol abuse and make things right when you make a mistake.
What to Say to Someone On Their Sobriety Anniversary
Do you have a friend or loved one that is celebrating their sobriety anniversary? Getting them a card, sending them a quick text, or taking them out to dinner are all great ways to congratulate them on their sobriety. However, sometimes it can be challenging to know what to say to express what you’re feeling.
Can I Stay Friends With People Who Use Drugs and Alcohol?
People who are recovering from addiction have to be intentional about protecting their sobriety. Often, this means they must cut ties with old drug-using buddies. Otherwise, continuing to spend time with friends who use drugs or alcohol could put them in dangerous situations that may trigger a relapse.
6 Reasons to Consider Living In a Pet-Friendly Sober Home
If you feel that your pet helps you emotionally, spiritually, physically, and psychologically, you may not be willing to part with it to move into a sober home. Fortunately, some pet-friendly sober homes allow residents to bring their well-mannered animals to live with them. If you’ve never considered it before, here are six good reasons to live in a pet-friendly sober home.
How to Work Step 9 [Of the 12 Steps]
After you make a list of the people you have wronged in Step 9, you’ll move on to Step 9 of the 12-Step Program, which is making direct or indirect amends. For many people, Step 9 is one of the most difficult of the 12 Steps because it’s hard to set things right, especially with those you’ve hurt in the past. However, as difficult as it is, this step is a vital part of the healing process.
How Loneliness Can Get In The Way Of Sobriety
Feelings of loneliness in sobriety may not seem like they have the potential to cause relapse, but they’re more powerful than you might think. Evidence from research studies shows loneliness is one of the psychological variables related to high-risk behavior like substance abuse. As a result, people in recovery may relapse when they feel lonely because they may be more likely to revert to old behaviors in moments of weakness