Can TikTok support recovery or increase relapse risks? Explore the benefits, dangers, and how to use social media wisely during addiction recovery.
Most women who enter treatment for substance use disorder fall within their childbearing years, and many are raising children of their own. And even though it’s valid that you’re struggling to forgive your mother, it’s also worth remembering that many moms carry enormous pressure long before substances enter the picture, and when life becomes overwhelming, it usually isn’t because the road’s been easy. If you’d like to better understand why recovery can feel especially complicated
You might already know how dangerous smoking can be, but when you’re dealing with substance use disorder (SUD), cigarettes can feel like the least urgent issue. At the same time, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the country, linked to more than 480,000 fatalities each year, according to the CDC. Today, we’ll look into why smoking has historically taken a backseat in recovery—and why more people are starting to rethink that approach.
We live in interesting times. Almost all of us are connected online, the Pope is from Chicago, and nonalcoholic beverage sales are on the rise. But in all seriousness, you may be wondering if these trendy drinks are recovery-friendly. Sure, these drinks’ descriptors seem clear: zero-proof, non-alcoholic, no-proof, etc. But could they also feel a little too close for comfort if you’re in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) here with us? Let’s see if
When you enter a medically-assisted detox program, you might feel like your brain and body are both throwing an epic, debilitating tantrum at the same time. If you’re a smoker or you consume nicotine in some form, those products might be the last thing that gets you through the day. Now imagine someone casually says, “Oh, and by the way, you should quit nicotine, too.” You might just see red. The good news? If nicotine is
We won’t lie to you: Recovery can feel a little lonely, especially when the holidays roll in, and everyone seems wrapped up in their own routines. If that’s how things feel for you right now, the team at Waypoint Recovery Center totally gets it. Funnily enough, movies can offer small sparks of comfort, and you could even bring their themes, characters, and messy plot twists to your next therapy session to help you talk through
Here’s the truth: life after substance use can actually be way more fun than it ever was before. You can do everything you used to love—and this time, you’ll actually remember it. You can laugh till your stomach hurts, travel without dragging a hangover through the airport, and wake up proud of how you spent your night. Author Veronica Valli, who’s been substance-free for more than 20 years, says she can’t think of anything that
Harsh self-talk probably won’t help you feel or get better. It often just makes the road to improvement harder. Self-compassion, on the other hand, isn’t about making excuses, ignoring your problems, or giving up on personal growth. And it’s not the same as self-indulgence. In fact, self-compassion is quite the opposite, and research shows it may even have the power to reduce burnout and improve motivation, which could be especially useful to you if you’re
A healthy routine is more than a checklist—it’s a series of habits that help you nourish your body, steady your emotions, and live in the present. When you’re fresh out of residential treatment, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to structure your days. You know you want to stay on track, but how? Well, by making sure you do something each day that typically makes up a part of a healthy routine, like:
When you enter residential treatment, you’ll see that recovery is filled with moments of celebration and heartache. Certain milestones may leave you so speechless that only a symbol can capture their meaning. Maybe you’re reflecting on your first day without substances, or you’ve survived a relapse. Whatever the case, choosing a symbol for your next tattoo can motivate you and provide a powerful way to mark progress. Choosing the symbol that represents your recovery isn’t