One Wild Summer: Celebrating Milestones in Recovery
Summertime is when we think of being active, outward, uplifted, and having fun. It’s a time to get outside by camping, hiking, swimming, attending outdoor concerts, and those amazing road trips with soundtracks of our lives playing right along with us. We tend to eat more naturally by having beautiful fruits and garden vegetables, visiting […]
Personal Stories & Accounts
My Name is Lloyd, a Gay Male Addict in Recovery
My name is Lloyd, and I’m a gay male addict in recovery. While I’ve always been gay, I haven’t always been in recovery! According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as […]
Meditation in Recovery Is More Than What You Think
Let’s face it. I’m a crystal meth addict. Before I got sober, there was nothing about meditation that appealed to me. I thought that meditation belonged to the monks and the hippies. Even though I look like a reincarnated Tibetan monk and like to burn incense, I wasn’t interested. But when I got sober, I […]
I Always Wanted to Be the Girl in the Movies
I always wanted to change. Change who I am, how I am, how I act. I used to see a girl in a movie – or walking down the street – looking happy, comfortable. I imagined that she had always been treated kindly, cared for, and probably had a lovably overprotective dad. I’d imagine all […]
LGBTQIA+ Addiction Recovery & Treatment
This comprehensive guide addresses the unique challenges of addiction recovery for the LGBTQIA+ community, noting significantly higher rates of substance use disorders attributed to minority stress from stigma and discrimination. It emphasizes the critical need for LGBTQ-affirming treatment, which involves explicit affirmation, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency, and provides practical advice on finding supportive resources […]
What Exactly Is Harm Reduction?
Drug and alcohol harm reduction is a compassionate, evidence-based public health strategy focused on minimizing the negative consequences associated with substance use, accepting individuals regardless of their current use status. Unlike traditional recovery that often requires complete abstinence, harm reduction operates on a spectrum of approaches, utilizing various strategies like syringe service programs and medication-assisted […]
MOUD vs. MAT: What Is the Difference?
The article discusses the shift in addiction medicine and treatment terminology from MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) to MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) and MAUD (Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder). This change emphasizes that medication is a primary, evidence-based treatment for addiction, rather than just an “assistance” to therapy, which is a key part of reducing […]
Why the Sober-Curious Movement Is Transforming Campus Culture
The sober-curious movement is transforming college culture by encouraging Gen Z students to question their relationship with alcohol, leading to a measurable decline in drinking habits among the younger generation. This shift provides an opportunity for campuses to move beyond crisis intervention and focus on primary prevention by building supportive, alcohol-free communities and normalizing mindful […]
What Is Sobriety Fatigue?
Sobriety fatigue is a common, profound state of exhaustion encompassing physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that occurs in early recovery as the brain and body recalibrate after substance use. It is caused by complex neurological changes like a “hypodopaminergic state,” sleep disruption, and nutritional deficiencies, with acute symptoms lasting weeks to months and full recovery […]
Alcohol Consumption Is Down Nationally - Except for Veterans
While the general U.S. population is cutting back on alcohol consumption, the rate among veterans remains high, highlighting a significant public health challenge fueled by factors like the impact of military culture, difficulties in civilian transition, and self-medication for issues like PTSD and deployment trauma. The article suggests that effective solutions are available, including therapy, […]
How Journaling Can Transform Your Recovery
Journaling is presented as a powerful and often overlooked tool for addiction and trauma recovery, acting as a form of writing therapy that aids in emotional processing and cognitive restructuring. It helps individuals in recovery by providing a safe outlet, improving mental health through nervous system regulation, and serving as a critical mechanism for identifying […]
Is Cannabis Really as Safe as We Think?
The article addresses the growing disconnect between the public’s perception of cannabis safety, influenced by legalization, and the scientific reality of its risks. It details the dangers of chronic cannabis use, including addiction (cannabis use disorder), a robust link to psychotic disorders, and physical health complications affecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems (like CHS). […]
