Category: Recovery

A woman sits on the floor by her bed, looking thoughtfully out a window, resting her hand on her mouth.

How Negative Thoughts Can Affect Your Sobriety

To some extent, everyone deals with negative thoughts during treatment. However, if you allow yourself to believe your negative thoughts are automatically true, they can become a serious threat to your recovery.   Common Negative Thoughts About Recovery Negative thoughts encourage a victim mentality, promote a sense of hopelessness, and keep you from fulfilling your potential. They discourage the growth mindset that is a crucial part of overcoming the challenges faced in the first year

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A man sits with his hands clasped, looking down, while a woman next to him offers comfort by touching his shoulder. Two other people are partially visible, seated nearby in a supportive group setting.

Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding How Stigma Affects the Recovery Process

One of the most difficult challenges to overcome in addiction recovery is the stigma surrounding addiction.   What Is Stigma? The term stigma is used to refer to false negative beliefs that are widespread about a topic or a group of people. Examples of addiction stigma include: Addiction is a choice. People who use drugs have no willpower. People who abuse alcohol are selfish and don’t care about their loved ones. Only poor and uneducated

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A person comforts another by placing a hand on their shoulder during a group therapy session, with several people sitting in a circle in the background.

6 Alternatives to 12-Step Groups

6 Alternatives to 12-Step Groups: If you’re looking for alternatives, consider SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Refuge Recovery, or Women for Sobriety.

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A woman sits on a couch reading a book, wrapped in a red blanket, with festive holiday decorations, candles, and warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere.

8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself While Loving Someone Who Struggles with Addiction

In any given day, you may be frustrated, hurt, angry, fearful, worried, or overwhelmed. It’s not easy to watch a partner, family member, or friend spiral out of control, but practicing these 8 self-care tips can help you be the strong support system your loved one needs to begin the process of recovery.   8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself While Loving Someone Who Struggles with Addiction 1. Get the Facts Addiction can be

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Two men sit at a wooden table in a café, each with a cup of coffee, engaged in conversation while natural light streams through the window beside them.

7 Tips to Help You Choose a Sponsor in Recovery

The 12 step model for recovery is built upon the principle that addicts are best equipped to help other addicts navigate the challenges of sobriety. Your sponsor is someone who is willing to walk you through the steps and help you remain sober by providing a support system when you feel threatened by relapse. You are encouraged to find your own sponsor based on who you feel would be a good fit. However, the prospective

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A man sits on the floor in front of a couch, covering his face with both hands. An open book lies beside him, suggesting he may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Victim Mentality and Addiction

Building a life free from the burdens of substance abuse requires rethinking old thoughts and behavior patterns. One common obstacle many people in recovery must overcome is the habit of thinking of themselves as victims of their circumstances. History has proven that the human spirit is amazingly resilient. Tapping into this natural resiliency is a vital part of the recovery process.   Playing the Victim in Your Personal Relationships Falling into the victim role is

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A man sits with his head down, looking distressed, while others around him offer comfort and support, with one person resting a hand on his shoulder.

Returning to Treatment After Relapse

You have a community in addiction treatment. You know you are not alone in recovery. Well, the first thing to know about relapse is that you have a community here, too. Addiction follows the same patterns as other chronic illnesses, with the rate of relapse at 40 to 60 percent. That is midway between the rate of relapse for diabetes and hypertension! A more complete recovery is possible, but know that you are not alone

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