A smiling couple walks outside holding hands and eating ice cream cones. They look happy, dressed casually in jeans and shirts, with greenery and a bike in the background.

8 Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery

Dana Hinders January 23, 2018

It’s natural to be a little apprehensive about dating someone in recovery, but it’s important to keep a healthy perspective on what your relationship will involve. This post outlines 8 helpful tips to consider as you’re getting to know your partner. 8 Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery 1. Take It Slow Jumping headfirst into a new relationship is never a great idea, but it’s especially important to take it slow when you’re dating

A man sits on a gray couch, holding a notebook and pen, looking thoughtfully upward. A smartphone lies beside him on the couch, and light comes in from a nearby window.

Using Journaling to Promote Emotional Awareness in Recovery

Dana Hinders January 12, 2018

Journal writing is a free, portable, and private way to develop a better understanding of your emotions as you build the foundation for lasting addiction recovery. When you write in a journal as part of your daily routine, you are working to restore your mind and body to a more balanced and healthy state. Benefits of Journaling Journaling offers a number of benefits during the early stages of your sobriety. For example, journaling helps

A person wearing a pink sweater and striped shirt writes in a notebook with a pen at a table. A blurred Christmas tree is visible in the background.

8 New Year’s Resolutions for People in Recovery

Dana Hinders December 28, 2017

Setting New Year’s resolutions is more than just a fun tradition. If you take the time to create actionable goals for yourself, your New Year’s resolutions can be an important tool in promoting a lasting recovery. Using the SMART Goals Framework Most New Year’s resolutions fail because they are too vague or the person making the resolution hasn’t thought about how to achieve their goal. For example, “get in shape” could mean anything from

A woman gestures emotionally while talking to a man sitting on a purple couch. The man looks upset with arms crossed, avoiding eye contact. They appear to be having a serious conversation in a living room.

Understanding and Avoiding 9 Common Relapse Triggers

Dana Hinders October 18, 2017

Part of any successful treatment plan for alcohol or drug addiction involves managing the risk of relapse. Although no two substance abusers are exactly alike, there are some common relapse triggers that you should be aware of during the early stages of sobriety. Avoid These 9 Common Relapse Triggers 1. Anger Using drugs and alcohol to manage unpleasant emotions is a common coping mechanism among people who seek substance abuse treatment. When you leave