Recovery is a long, winding path with ups and downs, successes and disappointments, progress and back-sliding. While relapse is common – the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that about 40 to 60 percent of people with addiction slide back into drug use after rehab – it’s not inevitable. In fact, there are some early warning
How much do you know about sugar? Do you know how much you should be consuming on a daily basis? Well, according to the World Health Organization, it’s about the amount in an eight-ounce bottle of sweetened ice tea (or roughly six teaspoons). And, if you’re like the majority of Americans, you’re likely consuming nearly four
Considering starting a recovery journal? It’s a smart addition to your overall recovery plan. That’s because the act of journaling is a great way to process your emotions, release stress and anxiety, increase self-awareness and focus on your sobriety goals. Plus, it’s inexpensive and anyone can do it, anywhere. More recovery benefits linked with journaling include:
By now, you’re likely not too surprised to hear that exercise is an important part of the addiction recovery process. Yoga mats and fitness equipments are becoming mainstays of many rehabs across the country. Make sense: A stronger body will be better able to rid itself of toxins and a stronger mind will be better equipped
For people in recovery, financial health is often one area that needs a little tender love and care. After all, years of drug or alcohol abuse likely took a big toll on your wallet. You may have neglected bills or wracked up credit card debt. Luckily, you can take back control of your financial future
If you’re struggling with sleep woes, you’re not alone. In fact, trouble falling and staying asleep is a pretty common problem for people in recovery. According to one study, you have a five times higher risk of insomnia than the general population. There are several reasons why addiction and poor sleep are bedfellows. For one, addiction
“I’m never going to finish rehab.” “No one will ever love me again.” “I’m never going to have a career again.” Inaccurate, exaggerated thoughts (deemed as “cognitive distortions” in the world of psychology) like these can do a number on your mental health, leading to problems with self-esteem, mood, anxiety, depression and relapse. After all,
One of the great things about the Internet is that it can help people struggling with addiction feel less alone. That said, you must vet what you read and be very discriminatory about what you do and don’t believe. There’s a lot of misinformation out there! A recent article, “5 Stereotypes About Drug Addiction From
Learning to be grateful is a great recovery tool. Having an attitude of gratitude can help ensure that sobriety remains something worth fighting for. Plus, it’s been study-proven to improve sleep, self-esteem and willpower and to reduce stress and pain. Now, according to a new study by researchers from University of Montana, expressing gratefulness to
You’ve likely heard that gardening is a great form of exercise – one hour is equivalent to roughly 35 minutes of jogging – but it also provides a mental workout. In fact, toiling in the soil can help you nurture some of the same traits needed to be successful in your recovery and long-term sobriety,
