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When we talk about addiction, it's often taken as a given that overcoming it is a positive experience and our lives would be immeasurably better once we do so. However, it's not always obvious what our lives would look like once we quit substance use. For instance,...

Delta-8 THC, or Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive substance that can be extracted from the cannabis plant. Its structure is similar to that of Delta-9 THC, which is the chemical that produces a chemical high when using marijuana. Although those two...

It goes without saying that addiction recovery is a time of great emotional turmoil. People often find that they've been using alcohol and/or other substances as a way to suppress difficult feelings. Thus, once they no longer have substance use to utilize as a coping...

Substance abuse and addiction are often mistaken as the same thing, but the two are very different. Both can have negative effects on your health, work, relationships and well-being, however, understanding the difference can help you determine whether you need...

Addiction recovery is a challenging journey for anybody who enters it and unfortunately, it's a journey that has to be repeated for many. An estimated 40-60% of those who finish recovery relapse. As such, it's important to take time to relax and recharge. Relaxation...

For anyone who's ever made their own mood playlist, it's no secret that music can make you calm, can help improve your mood and can speak to you in ways nothing else can. Seventh century playwright William Congreve once wrote, "Music has charms to soothe the savage...

Cannabis has long been touted as one of the safest illicit drugs there is and because of that, states across the U.S., as well as several countries, have legalized its use and possession. While there are beneficial applications for cannabis, it does have a dark side...

Shame is a common feeling for those in recovery for a variety of reasons, but it can be dangerous: When they're struggling with addiction, some people use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and "escape" negative feelings and emotions. When shame is prevalent in...

Grief encompasses more than the natural reaction to losing a loved one. You can also experience grief when a beloved pet passes away, a marriage ends, or you feel remorseful over making bad choices. Many people in addiction recovery must cope with a sense of grief...

Recovery is by all means a deeply emotional process. Research shows that sobriety is often accompanied with changes in both negative and positive emotions, which can be both disorienting and incredibly rewarding for newly sober people. Reading about others' journeys...

Discipline is important for anyone trying to get their life back on track after addiction. Having clear expectations of your relationships, asserting your needs and desires, and drawing firm lines when needed are all elements of having "strong boundaries" in recovery....

Scientists have debated the relative importance of nature and nurture for hundreds of years. Currently, the broad agreement is the majority of human trains are caused by both genetic and environmental influences. This is certainly true for the predisposition to...

Nothing can beat help from a professional when you're struggling with a mental health condition such as addiction. But, as you progress into recovery, it can be nice to build a community of support you can lean on. You may want people you can come to for minor...

Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone, no matter what — it improves physical health, focus, attention to detail, and cognitive function, among a long list of other benefits. But, research shows that sleep hygiene can be especially important to keep...

If you or someone you know has ever dealt with a substance abuse addiction, you know that chaos and the unexpected are typical during the throes of an addiction. Luckily, with recovery comes a lot of routine and structure. However, the journey through addiction and...

Addiction can impact anyone regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, or more. Approximately 21.2 million Americans have a substance abuse disorder, yet in 2018, only 11% received the treatment they needed. This is particularly sad because addiction is...

Certain events will impact an alcoholic's life before they voluntarily enter an alcohol addiction recovery program. Alcohol abusers go to great lengths to avoid seeking professional help until they are jobless, homeless, lost their driver's license, and no longer have...

Chronic insomnia drives many people to use alcohol or drugs just to fall asleep. Although a glass of wine, a mixed drink, or prescription sedatives like Xanax may help you fall asleep, chances are you won't stay asleep through the night. Taking any psychoactive...

Most people are well-aware that alcohol has something to do with premature aging — but many aren't sure what the exact effects are. Because of this, many frequent drinkers tend to underestimate the severity of the issues alcohol can cause. Here we've summarized some...

Nearly 20 million U.S. adults suffer from alcoholism, binge drinking, and so-called "functional" alcoholism. Beer, wine, and hard liquors are central nervous system depressants that disrupt brain chemistry, damage brain cells, and impair the functioning of all major...

It's not uncommon to consume a few drinks before a social event or while out with friends to help you feel more relaxed and to help take your mind off problems and issues. In some circumstances, alcohol can act as a stimulant to make you feel talkative and happy....

Having an alcoholic parent can and often does leave a deep mark on a child's psyche. The home environment in an addict's home tends to be chaotic and unpredictable which can cause their children to develop some dysfunctional habits and beliefs. On top of that,...

Has your alcohol consumption become problematic? It's an important question to consider, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), problem drinking can include binge drinking, heavy drinking, underage drinking and...

You were so excited and relieved when your loved one entered treatment for their addiction. But now they've relapsed. They're drinking or using drugs again even though they'd maintained their sobriety for some time. The relapse doesn't mean that treatment was...

It's hardly groundbreaking to say that alcohol and drug dependency are both heavily stigmatized. Unfortunately, this can have a devastating effect on those struggling with addiction. Many of these people never seek out treatment because they feel ashamed and judged,...

When you first enter recovery, you need to make sweeping changes in your life. You're not going to go to rehab, get through a treatment program, and then return to the same life you were living before. The reason for this is simple: that life contains the reasons you...

It's often difficult to identify when a friend or loved one starts to develop a substance use disorder (SUD), but their are some early signs to look out for. This way, you can offer them the support they need as soon as they need it. The early signs of addiction can...

Referring to someone as a high-functioning alcoholic (HFA) assumes that the individual is a heavy drinker who does not let their drinking interfere with being financially successful. HFAs have developed a functional tolerance to alcohol's effects over many years of...

No matter where you are in recovery, replacing your negative habits with healthy ones is one of the best ways to nurture and maintain your sobriety over the course of your life. And, experts agree — spending time in nature can provide a great venue for some of these...

Self-love and self-esteem have been established as some of the most important aspects of good mental health. Unfortunately, so many of us struggle to love and celebrate ourselves that it's no wonder that addiction and poor mental health are such common issues. The...

Yoga is an age-old practice that's been used for millennia to help people achieve balance, happiness, and peace in their lives. In recent years, yoga has also been incredibly beneficial for those recovering from addiction. Yoga can be a powerful tool in the recovery...

Addiction recovery can be one of the most challenging things a person ever does. Getting the support of friends, family, and loved ones can be crucial to ensure individuals make it through recovery successfully and don't relapse afterward. But, there's also one more...

When it comes to addiction recovery, an individual care plan tailored to the patient's unique needs is usually the best action. Treatment centers typically use a combination of treatment methods and mix and match various techniques to achieve optimal results. Art...

Dance therapy has long been established as an excellent way to improve overall mental health. In recent years, it's been proven to be a valuable treatment method for addiction recovery. Many people first turn to substance use because of an inability to express and...

Engaging in regular exercise during recovery and remaining committed to an exercise program: Forms healthy lifestyle habits that make it easier to stay sober and focus on recovery Blunts the edge off cravings when they hit to help those in recovery avoid relapse Is...

Music is a beautiful thing. It can make us feel happy, sad, angry, and every other emotion imaginable. It can also be an effective tool in helping people recover from addiction. If you're reading this because you or someone you love is in recovery, you may wonder if...

A psychostimulant consumed by more people worldwide than any other psychoactive drug, caffeine is an alkaloid found in cola nuts, cacao, and guarana (Brazilian cocoa shrub). The physically and mentally stimulating effects produced by caffeine are due to its ability to...

While it is true that sweating helps eliminate alcohol from the body, forcing yourself to sweat by sitting in a sauna is not the safest method for ridding your body of alcohol. Nor is it a safe way to self-detox if you are trying to stop abusing drugs or alcohol. Both...

Anyone recovering from a substance abuse disorder must learn to cope with a barrage of emotional ups and downs throughout recovery and beyond. For those graduating from a residential treatment center, the unpredictability of living a sober life brings unexpected...

For many people, the early days of addiction recovery can feel quite disorienting. Substance use has likely been at the center of their lives for so long that they find themselves at a loss about how to fill their time. They might feel that many of their routines are...

There's no doubt that addiction recovery is a lot of hard work. Changing old habits and developing a new perspective on yourself and the world requires a lot of emotional strength and mental energy. However, this isn't to say that the recovery process needs to be a...

The addiction recovery process is a significant challenge for everyone. Letting go of alcohol dependency and regaining control over one's life is an incredible feat that doesn't come easy. However, some people may find the process even more difficult simply because of...

Extroverts get their energy from interacting with other people, unlike introverts, who need time to recharge alone. Extroverted people typically do great in addiction treatment as they enjoy participating in group activities and interacting with others in the center....

Many people start feeling the health benefits of quitting alcohol within the first few days or weeks, like more energy, clearer skin, less bloating, and a healthier gut. As your body heals, you may find yourself struggling with food cravings, such as a severe sweet...

The winter holidays – the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day – can be the most stressful time for people in recovery from alcohol addiction. Whether you're newly sober or have quadruple-digit days of sobriety under your belt, the celebratory atmosphere...

Exercise is known for being good for the mind and body, but did you know that it can also be a powerful tool for addiction recovery? When paired with evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, exercise can be a powerful, natural tool to help you maintain sobriety and...

Cold showers are a popular health trend lately, with benefits that range from healthier hair and skin to giving you more energy and vigor. Like many popular health trends, this one is a revival of older health treatment, such as the hydrotherapy that AA founder Bill...

Many people leave rehab filled with mixed emotions: fear, or nervousness about their ability to handle life sober. Hope and determination are also common. Many people are focused on doing the next right thing each time, confident that their new sobriety means they...

Addiction treatment is an evolving science. As researchers learn more about how the brain works and the changes that addictive substances make in its neural pathways, the manner in which addiction is treated changes, as well. Addiction treatment methods have evolved...