By: Sarah Surrey, LCSW Moving from active addiction to recovery isn’t like flipping a switch. It isn’t immediate or fast. It often isn’t even linear. There are endless methodologies for categorizing and organizing the process, but it will always remain a process. This article reviews four stages of addiction and recovery beginning with active use,…

Substance abuse is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Just as many factors go into creating addiction, many factors also impact treatment and recovery. While medications, behavioral therapy and counseling, and support groups often come first to mind when we think of substance abuse treatment plans, another element also comes into play when it comes to…

Addiction is an equal-opportunity affliction. It can and does impact people from all walks of life. For certain careers, however, substance use and abuse can present special challenges. One such path is the military. Here’s a closer look at the topic of military service and addiction. An Official Position The Department of Defense is firm…

The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to increased levels of anxiety among Americans, according to a national poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Specifically, 36 percent said they felt the coronavirus was having a serious impact on their mental health, while 59 percent felt it was having a serious impact on their everyday lives….

By the time most people reach out for help for addiction, the gap between themselves and their families is vast. Trust is in shambles and communication feels impossible. A sense of loss and overwhelm is pervasive throughout the family. It’s hard for family to understand what’s really going on, or what to do to help…

Substance use disorders and depression often go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, when a person overcomes an addiction and embraces sobriety, depression can remain. Here’s a closer look at the phenomenon, along with tips for how to manage depression during recovery. Substance Use Disorders and Depression Substance abuse and depression are common co-occurring conditions. In some cases, depression…

No one likes feeling bored. However, boredom can be a particular problem — and a uniquely dangerous one — for people struggling with substance use disorders. Here’s a closer look at the issue, along with tips for overcoming the battle against boredom on your journey to recovery and addiction-free life. Normal and Natural Feeling Whether…

Addiction is often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness — both for addicts and for the people who love them. While finding hope can be difficult when you feel like you’ve reached rock bottom, doing so can have a powerful and positive effect in recovery. Here’s a closer look at how hope supports addiction treatment, along…

Drug use has many health consequences on the body and brain. These include a weakened immune system; heart, lung and liver conditions; changes in appetite and weight loss; and seizures, stroke and brain damage. One lesser-known effect? Problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. Here’s a closer look at the impact of substance use disorder on…

How Divorce Impacts Your Addiction Recovery Journey No one enters a marriage expecting it to come to an end someday. Unfortunately, divorce is a reality for millions of Americans, and people struggling with addiction — as well as those currently in addiction recovery —  are far from exempt. Here’s a closer look at the impact…