Relapse Risk Factors, Stages, and Next Steps

When it comes to recovery, getting sober is hard – but staying sober is the real challenge. Though it would be nice, it’s not realistic to expect everyone in recovery to leave their substance abuse behind them for good on their first attempt. Many will turn back to their old ways multiple times before finally […]
How to End the Cycle of Addiction in Your Family

Substance abuse is a healthcare crisis in the United States and can often run in families. While it can be challenging, it is possible to end the cycle of addiction in your family.
What is Addiction Relapse and Can Making a Plan Help?

Recovery can be a hard and lonely road to walk. Sometimes it can be tempting to seek comfort in old habits, even if those habits are bad for you. Those in recovery from substance abuse sometimes do this, “falling off the wagon” and using their old substances again. This is known as an addiction relapse. […]
Ending LGBTQ Addiction Starts Here

Substance abuse in the LGBTQ community occurs at a much higher rate than in the general population. Reasons for LGBTQ addiction include discrimination, social and familial rejection, negative self-image, and attending venues where substance abuse is the norm and expected, such as gay bars. The key problem LGBTQ youth face in regard to substance abuse […]
What Addiction Steals from Your Life

As we start the New Year, I thought it would be a good time to address some of the things that active addiction steals from your life. Addiction is a thief of many things, and it is a horrible, ugly place to be. I know, because I have been there. It’s a place filled with darkness, hopelessness, and […]
How Compassion is a Better Response to the Subject of Addiction

My addiction was quiet. Most of my family didn’t know, and still don’t, about my issues with drugs. Many very close friends of mine don’t know the full story. I didn’t go to treatment, and I didn’t overdose — I struggled internally. In reality, not every addict’s story is a big saga; some are short stories. With […]