Steps 8 and 9: Making Amends in Recovery
Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous are crucial for recovery, focusing on making amends and repairing relationships damaged by addiction. Step 8 involves listing those harmed and becoming willing to make amends, while Step 9 entails making direct amends where possible, except when it would cause further harm. This process fosters accountability, reduces shame […]
Addiction & Related Topics
The Prevalence of Gambling and Gaming Addiction Among High School & College Students
Gambling and gaming addiction are growing concerns among high school and college students, with high rates of engagement in sports betting and problematic gaming behaviors. These addictions, while distinct, share risk factors like family history and mental health conditions, and can severely impact academic performance and mental well-being. Effective intervention involves understanding the signs, utilizing […]
Recognizing the Spectrum of Traumatic Experiences
Trauma significantly impacts mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for individuals in drug and alcohol recovery, making it vital to recognize the spectrum of traumatic experiences for healing. The article explores various types of trauma—acute, chronic, and complex—and their associated symptoms, including emotional dysregulation and difficulties in relationships, as well as neurobiological effects on the […]
9 Tips to Cut Back on Alcohol: Your Guide to a Healthier You
This guide provides nine actionable tips for reducing alcohol consumption, emphasizing that it’s about reclaiming control and fostering a healthier lifestyle rather than deprivation. Key strategies include setting clear goals, tracking consumption, identifying triggers, exploring alcohol-free alternatives, practicing mindful drinking, building a support network, managing cravings with nutrition, taking breaks to reset tolerance, and leveraging […]
What Are the Myths About Kratom?
Kratom, often marketed as a natural remedy, is a dangerous substance with significant risks, including addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms, and serious health complications like liver damage and psychosis. Many pervasive myths surround kratom, such as its non-addictive nature or its safety as an opioid alternative, but the FDA warns against its use due to these […]
Celebrating Collegiate Recovery Programs: A Blueprint for Student Success
Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) offer a highly effective student success model, boasting significantly higher graduation rates (nearly 90%) and GPAs (3.6) for students in recovery compared to institutional averages. These programs build social capital through peer support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, addressing academic, career, and mental health needs holistically. Universities can learn from CRPs’ integrated […]
Steps 6 and 7: Becoming Ready for Change
Steps 6 and 7 of the 12 Steps in AA and NA are crucial for recovery, focusing on becoming ready to have character defects removed and humbly asking a Higher Power to do so. These steps involve deep self-reflection, identification of shortcomings, and a willingness to surrender behaviors that hinder personal growth. By practicing humility […]
What Happens During an Adolescent IOP Program?
This article explains what happens during an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides structured support for teens dealing with substance abuse while allowing them to maintain their daily routines. The program includes assessments, group and individual therapy, family involvement, educational components, skill-building activities, and ongoing progress monitoring. IOPs aim to help adolescents develop coping […]
What Is the Difference Between CBT and DBT Therapy?
Key Takeaways: This article explains the distinctions between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). While CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, DBT, a specialized form of CBT, emphasizes both acceptance and change, particularly for individuals with intense emotional dysregulation. The article details their core differences in philosophical approach, treatment […]
A Hidden Addiction: Online Gaming
This article discusses the dangers of online gaming addiction, including mental and physical health issues, strained relationships, and academic/career impacts. It also explores the role of social media in exacerbating these issues and the intersection of substance use and gaming. The article concludes by offering strategies for finding balance, such as setting limits, engaging in […]
Are CBD and THC Different?
Key Takeaways: This article explains the key differences between THC and CBD, both compounds derived from cannabis. THC is psychoactive, causing a “high” and carrying potential risks like addiction and anxiety, while CBD is non-psychoactive and offers therapeutic benefits such as pain relief and anxiety management. The legal status of THC and CBD varies, and […]
Personal Inventory: Navigating Steps 4 and 5
Key Takeaways: This article discusses Steps 4 and 5 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), focusing on the importance of self-reflection and accountability. Step 4 involves conducting a moral inventory, while Step 5 involves sharing that inventory with a higher power, oneself, and another person. These steps are crucial for personal growth, overcoming […]
