If you have read a number of our blog entries, you may have noticed that we have a tendency to use various aspects of pop culture—songs, movies, comics, and more—to make our various points about sobriety and the recovery journey. In this entry, we will use another staple of pop culture—the countdown, as popularized by...Read More

When you think about the key parts of treatment for substance use disorders, detox and rehab probably come to mind right away.And that makes sense. After all, medically supervised detoxification is what allows a person with a substance use disorder to safely reclaim their sobriety. And rehabilitation—including group and individual therapy—is the part of the...Read More

You probably know the song “Life Is A Highway.” You might be most familiar with the Rascal Flatts version, but we are partial to this somewhat bizarre video for Tom Cochrane’s original recording. (We strongly discourage you from playing the harmonica in the middle of the highway.)In the song, the singer suggests a series of...Read More

Signs help us make good decisions. Traffic signs—stop, yield, lane ends, one way, and more—help keep everyone on the road safe. Signs pointing to the restrooms or identifying the exits or revealing whether a business is open or closed help us travel through public spaces. And in extremely busy spots—the airport, a stadium, a performing...Read More

For folks who are dead set on denying they have a problem with drugs or alcohol, there are two distinct lies they may tell themselves (and others). The first is: Look how well my life is going. There is no way I have a problem! The second is: Things have been a little rocky lately....Read More

Serving in the United States Armed Forces can be a great source of pride for many of the brave individuals who make up the ranks of the various branches of the military. A sense of fellow-feeling and mutual support—as well as a clear set of expectations and responsibilities—are hallmarks of military service.All too often, however,...Read More

You already know you should be exercising, right? You hardly need us to tell you that exercise has benefits for your physical health. You don’t need us to explain that exercise has benefits for your mental health, too. And you probably already understand that activities that benefit your physical health and your mental health also...Read More

In an earlier blog post, we offered three ideas for activities that can help lower your stress level while supporting your ongoing sobriety. Our three recovery tips were: make a budget, tidy a mess, and start a journal.We still think those are all good ideas. A budget can reduce the stress you feel about money....Read More

Sometimes, even when you are surrounded by supportive friends and family, it can feel as though you are going through recovery all alone. After all, most of the people around you have no actual experience with a substance use disorder and the challenges that come with working to stay sober. (An important exception, of course,...Read More

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?Extroverts often find social interaction to be fun and energizing. Introverts often find quiet time alone to be more fulfilling and energizing. So if you are the kind of person who can’t wait to go to the party, you are likely extroverted. And if you are the...Read More