Category: Learning Center

Once you reach a point of stability and security in your recovery, you’ll want to express your gratitude for the people who have loved and supported you on your journey

Those who don’t struggle with substance use may have a hard time understanding people who do. Why would someone continue to drink and use drugs, despite the cascade of worsening

You might not think much about it in your daily life, but your heart is working for you all day, every day, whether you’re active or at rest. Your beating

Holidays like Valentine’s Day can represent a challenge to your recovery goals, even if you have several months or years of sobriety under your belt. If you typically used special

If you’re struggling with substance abuse, but worry that going to drug or alcohol rehab will jeopardize your employment status, you may be hesitant to seek help. Luckily, a law

One of the most persistent myths about substance use disorders is that drinking and drug abuse are a choice people make, and that people who can’t quit on their own

While there’s no such thing as a perfect family – except in some TV shows – some families are actively harmful, toxic or abusive. As defined by the American Psychological

Opioids such as morphine, OxyContin and Vicodin are effective painkillers, but the euphoria they induce also makes them highly addictive. Even people who are careful about taking these drugs in

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for antigen tests that can identify SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The presence of specific proteins in

The disease of addiction erodes the substance abuser’s well-being and interpersonal connections, but these losses are only one facet of the larger picture. Addicts and their families also eventually face

Decades before the novel coronavirus pandemic arrived on American shores, another deadly epidemic was ravaging communities from coast to coast. Opioid misuse and addiction have been an ongoing public health

If you’re researching treatment options that will give you the tools to get healthy and break the cycle of addiction, you need realistic expectations for what the rehab journey looks

After one of the most turbulent years in recent history, most of us would probably say any shift toward normalcy is the thing we’re most looking forward to in the

Have you ever noticed yourself spinning your wheels without ever making any genuine forward progress? Sometimes, your most significant roadblock is yourself. Despite setting goals and having the motivation to

Despite the stereotype of the unemployed addict, the vast majority of people with substance abuse problems have full-time jobs. Choosing to drink or get high on the job can have

Driving under the influence is a crime with deservedly severe consequences. According to the National Traffic Safety Highway Administration, we lose nearly 30 people per day in the U.S. to

Recent news of the development of two effective COVID-19 vaccines has been a bright spot in a year that’s seemed dismal in many ways. However, unless you’re an essential worker

From Halloween through New Year’s Day, the holiday season is a rollercoaster ride of parties, family get-togethers, work obligations and overindulgence. While you might be curtailing these activities somewhat due

We all go through periods of feeling stuck – especially this year, which has brought us so many challenges and forced us to limit the scope of our lives in

Methamphetamines are a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Though some stimulants, such as Adderall, have beneficial medical applications, their potential for abuse is high. Recreational use of

While you’ve likely heard about the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and are aware that 12-step programs have helped thousands of people around the world recover from addiction, you may

Substance abuse and mental illness can erode trust and undermine relationships. As a result, it’s likely that overcoming trust issues will become one of your highest priorities in your addiction

Around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and introduced a “new normal” of working from home, diligently wearing face coverings and frequent hand-washing. It’s also significantly changed the

Time is one thing that always seems to be in short supply. Your personal and professional responsibilities can add up to the point of feeling overwhelming, causing you to miss

The disease of addiction can affect people from all walks of life, but some people are especially vulnerable to developing a problematic relationship with drugs and alcohol. Members of our

When you struggle with anxiety, finding things to be glad about can feel like an uphill battle. But developing a regular practice of gratitude can benefit all facets of your

If your loved one relies on opioid drugs like OxyContin to manage chronic pain, benzodiazepines like Valium to curb anxiety symptoms or stimulants like Adderall to remain alert and focused,

During the ongoing stress of dealing with the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented civic and political divisions from coast to coast, it’s natural to feel somewhat

Sleep should be refreshing and restorative, but if you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep night after night, you know how frustrating insomnia can be. Lying awake when the

With Halloween only two weeks away, many people are counting down to a spooky holiday that typically includes more treats than tricks. Over the years, All Hallows’ Eve has gradually

Since the first reports of a highly contagious, potentially lethal novel coronavirus began to emerge early this year, people have been taking extraordinary measures to slow the transmission of illness

Doctors frequently prescribe stimulants like Adderall to help their patients with ADHD and narcolepsy stay mentally sharp, alert and energetic. When used as prescribed, Adderall can provide more focus and

Approximately seven months since COVID-19 arrived on U.S. soil, we are still learning about the possible long-term effects of this novel coronavirus and what factors could make some people more

Honest, two-way communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but many of us don’t take time to improve our communications skills. And, even though most of us spend the

When people ask you how you’ve been lately, chances are good that your default response is something like, “Ugh, I’m so tired. Work has been running me ragged.” Somewhere along

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, and is also a leading cause of disability and suicide. You may think of depression as solely a mood

Unaddressed drug and alcohol abuse is an ongoing health epidemic in the U.S. Though qualified treatment centers exist throughout the nation, many people remain in denial about the extent of

Pinpointing the underlying issues behind substance use is often one of the most challenging parts of early addiction treatment. Nobody chooses to become dependent on drugs or alcohol; instead, a

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to adapt rapidly to unforeseen circumstances. It’s been approximately six months since many schools and public attractions closed, and governors and mayors issued

Stress serves as a significant relapse trigger for many people in early recovery, especially those for whom substance abuse was a form of release in times of trouble. Since the

If you feel like bad news is inescapable, you’re not alone. It seems you can hardly turn on the TV or open your favorite news app without seeing a disheartening,

Addiction is a disease characterized by psychological issues and diminished feelings of self-worth. You might have started drinking to mask anxiety in social situations, or experimented with drugs to sweep

Proponents of kratom, an herbal remedy derived from a species of evergreen tree, claim the plant offers relief from a wide variety of health complaints. People in Southeast Asia have

While the disease of addiction can affect people from any walk of life, some vocations are uniquely vulnerable to developing substance abuse issues. Those who have chosen to work in

In the age of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, many of us have become more concerned than ever about staying healthy and protecting ourselves and those around us. Your immune

Reliance on shortcuts and crutches is a hallmark of active addiction. If you have a long history of substance abuse, you probably used drugs or alcohol to avoid dealing with

While a return to drinking or drug use could happen in response to any type of stimulus, stress is one of the most prevalent relapse triggers. Even after you have

While abuse of any drug will adversely affect multiple aspects of your life over time, polysubstance abuse is even more dangerous. This term refers to the consumption of more than

Transitioning back into the workplace after addiction treatment can represent a significant hurdle in your recovery journey. It’s likely you are already dealing with a disproportionately heavy burden of shame

In addiction recovery, you’ll often hear the concept of mindfulness come up. While it’s one thing to talk about this healthy habit in theory, you may struggle to incorporate it

If you’ve set a goal of reclaiming your life from a substance abuse problem, you might be considering attending 12-step meetings. However, most people’s only experience with the 12 steps

Most of us immediately associate the Fourth of July with backyard barbecues, pool parties – and, of course, fireworks. Observing our nation’s Independence Day often means an all-day celebration, which

Many people view alcohol and drug use as a way to self-medicate, “take the edge off” or lift their spirits on a bad day. Unfortunately, these substances can make you

If you have been drinking or using drugs for many years, and finally make the life-changing decision to seek addiction treatment, you will need to complete detoxification before embarking on

Addiction is a complex disease, and successfully learning to manage it requires applying several different approaches simultaneously. Group therapy can be highly beneficial for recovering addicts, but if you’ve never

Have you ever come into work high or hung over, or returned from your lunch break under the influence of drugs and alcohol? It’s likely frequent drinking or drug use

Despite the progress you’ve made in your recovery, there will likely be times when you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere. It’s normal to go through

When you make a mistake or things don’t go quite right, how do you react? Do you mentally berate yourself, or do you forgive yourself and move on? Many of

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) takes a heavy emotional toll on the people affected by this condition. Its characteristics include severe anxiety, panic attacks and vivid flashbacks that disrupt daily life.

The modern American lifestyle is one spent mostly indoors – especially now that many of us are under self-quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some estimates suggest people spend up

In many cases, the unusual circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have created a sense of adversity for those struggling to embrace their changed reality. How can some people float serenely through difficult

Completing an inpatient treatment program is only the first step on the road to recovery, and you’ll likely discover many hurdles along the way. Those twists and turns can be

When you’re working on your recovery, the risk of relapsing undoubtedly looms large in your mind. You may be worrying about undoing the hard work you did in detox and

By now, you’ve probably heard that the novel coronavirus can remain on various surfaces for hours or even days, and you’re probably wondering what that means for your health and

All around the world, people are working to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic by observing social distancing and self-quarantine. Within only a couple of months, our lifestyles look different