When you think about getting treatment for a substance use disorder, you probably think of two key components: detoxification and rehabilitation. Those first two portions of treatment programs are so well known, they go by nicknames—detox and rehab. You probably noticed that we just called them the “first two portions of treatment.” Maybe you are...Read More

Looking backwards and forwards — what does it have to do with sobriety? All of us seem to be predisposed to thinking about the past and worrying about the future. We lose sleep over things we regret and also over things we are worried about. We let past mistakes lower our self-esteem, and we let future...Read More

We have all had it happen. A song gets stuck in our head, and it seems like nothing can shake it loose. Some songs are well known earworms, and others might be specific to a given individual. Either way, once you hear an earworm of a song, it can stick with you for hours—or even...Read More

Many people find themselves having a hard time making the decision to get the treatment they need for a substance use disorder. Often, that hesitancy is grounded in fear of—or at least nervousness about—the unknown. That is only natural. Even when we find ourselves in a bad situation, muddling through can seem preferable to taking...Read More

If you are a regular reader, you may have noticed that frequently in these blog posts, we refer to “co-occurring mental health disorders”—mental health issues that impact a person’s life at the same time they are dealing with a substance use disorder. We often emphasize how important it is to address mental health disorders alongside...Read More

In a recent blog post, we took a look at a few terms and phrases that might be described as “recovery jargon.” We covered the process known as urge surfing to fend off cravings. We defined the phrase “dry drunk.” And we took a look at the vagaries of the pink cloud, which can cause...Read More

You need to understand the language of recovery. Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with two people who work in the same field—a field different than your own? At some point, the conversation turns to work and what each of you like, hate, and tolerate about your gigs. Maybe your two companions start...Read More

Words Really Do MatterSometimes people don’t think too hard about what they say. And sometimes that can have more serious consequences than one might expect.Think, for example, about the kinds of words that are commonly used to describe a person struggling with a substance use disorder.He’s an addict.She’s a drunk.They are abusing drugs.He has an...Read More

Routine in RecoveryAs a general rule, we are believers in the power of routine in recovery.A good slate of routines can go a long way toward helping you maintain your sobriety. For example, it is a good idea to have a set of routines around things like attending 12-Step (or other) recovery meetings, meeting with...Read More

You have probably heard the old song that opens: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”It is a nice thought, isn’t it?As the summer arrives in full force, it is nice to think that perhaps the living will, in fact, be easy.Turns out, however, that the season of the year has very little to do with...Read More