What do you think of when going to therapy?If you imagine discussing your childhood while lying on a comfy couch, you’re not alone. This is the traditional Freudian psychoanalysis that’s commonly portrayed on TV and in movies.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance abuse is different. CBT treats problems by modifying dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors, and emotions....Read More
Moving forward after relapse is a normal part of drug and alcohol recovery.While it’s natural to complete rehab and think, “I’m cured!” no one is ever really cured of addiction.Addiction shares much in common with progressive, chronic diseases such as cancer. While you’re never really ‘cured’ of cancer, cancer can go into remission. Addiction behaves...Read More
Loneliness Is the Enemy of SobrietyIn a recent blog entry, we discussed the various ways in which staying single in the early days of recovery can be a good idea. Rushing into a romantic entanglement can add complications to an already challenging situation and is often not the best strategy for maintaining your hard-won sobriety.We...Read More
It’s Bound to HappenWhen you have made the decision to become sober and are in recovery from your alcohol addiction, it is inevitable that there will be a situation or occasion where you will find yourself being offered a drink. Whether it is a wedding, a neighborhood gathering, a work-related function, or any of the...Read More
In a perfect world, a person would go through detoxification and treatment for a substance use disorder and never again feel the urge to return to drugs or alcohol. But of course, this isn’t a perfect world, and cravings happen.Have a PlanIn reality, nearly every single person in recovery for a substance use disorder will...Read More
Recovery from a substance use disorder is an ongoing journey—and the trip is not always smooth. That is why it is so important to develop a range of skills that can help you maintain your sobriety when the going gets tough.Work-Related StressOne of the many things that can make recovery difficult is stress related to...Read More
When you think about it, it is kind of amazing how frequently we fail to do something we know we really ought to do, and the roadblocks we face. You know you should go to bed, so you won’t be exhausted in the morning. But you stay up to binge a few more episodes of...Read More
Emotions have a way of sneaking up on a person.One moment, you are feeling perfectly fine, but then a stray memory makes you feel sad. Or you are working steadily on a project, but then a series of small setbacks add up to mounting feelings of frustration. Or you are feeling down in the dumps,...Read More
Family Systems Therapy can be particularly beneficial in the context of addiction recovery. Substance use disorder, (formerly known as substance abuse), and addiction not only affect the individual struggling with the addiction but also have a significant impact on the entire family unit. Family members may experience feelings of helplessness, anger, guilt, and anxiety, and...Read More
You’re sitting at home one night watching your favorite show or reading a new book or helping your kids with their homework when all of a sudden the lights go out. It’s a blackout. After you find a couple of flashlights or light a few candles, you will turn your attention to the source of...Read More
