“Aftercare is crucial once an individual has completed drug or alcohol treatment and is in recovery. There is a continuity of care that should be followed once initial treatment is completed. This usually involves a lower level of treatment such as outpatient care and a sober living environment,” proposes research from the LAC-USC Department of…

Life isn’t pass or fail. Rather, it’s a series of chances to learn from the past in order to embrace a brighter future. For many addicts, however, letting go of past mistakes and moving on is easier said than done. Unfortunately, this can be an impediment to living well after recovery. Luckily, there are some…

Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” While this inspiring sentiment applies to many aspects of life, it’s especially suitable for addiction and recovery—particularly when it comes to the concept of forgiveness. Here’s a closer look…

This blog often discusses the importance of stable, drug-free environments for people following substance abuse treatment; however, not all recovering addicts will find this waiting for them back at home. Enter sober living homes. For many people, these drug- and alcohol-free living spaces offer the support they need to stay on track while transitioning back…

The benefits of mindfulness meditation are becoming increasingly well known. Proposes the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine: “Now used in multiple clinical interventions and cognitive therapy programs, mindfulness meditation may be able to reduce stress and depression, treat binge eating and other eating disorders, and contribute to greater cell longevity. Whether practiced daily or intermittently, mindfulness…

Approximately one out of three depressed people also suffer from some form of substance abuse or dependence, according to Mental Health America. While dealing with depression is never easy, it is further complicated by the co-occurrence of addiction. The good news is that proper treatment for both issues can help people overcome these challenges and recover…

The life of a recovering addict is filled with a multitude of emotions. While some of them, such as gratitude and excitement for the future, are positive, others are negative and can fester is left unresolved. One of the most detrimental (and common) emotions experienced by many recovering addicts is shame. Here’s a closer look…

Prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl killed more than 42,000 people in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While addiction is an equal opportunity affliction, some people are more susceptible to substance abuse and addiction than others. One industry, in particular, where workers are especially vulnerable to drug use and all of…

Finding the right substance abuse treatment program is a priority for people of all ages and situations. However, the issue can be even more paramount for people from marginalized communities. One group requiring particular attention when it comes to substance abuse treatment is LGBT individuals. Here is a closer look at why members of the…

“Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication,” says the Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, like many diseases, it is also one for which there is no cure. This does not mean,…