We may have had goals and aspirations before struggling with substance abuse. However, we often learn more about ourselves as we go through recovery, and our vision for our lives may have changed. How do we decide where to go after treatment? How do we figure out if we still have the same goals as
Once in recovery, we may find ourselves at a crossroads between what we used to enjoy before struggling with substance abuse and what we thought we enjoyed while actively struggling with substance abuse. We may have become closer with people who were using and damaged our relationships with sober friends and family. The way we
As kids, many of us had role models that we looked up to. Often, that person had the qualities we aspired to have as adults. Now in adulthood and newly in recovery, we can benefit greatly from finding a mentor. Building a relationship with someone who has been through treatment and has the qualities we
When we were kids and had a fight with one of our friends, our parents would tell us to take responsibility and apologize. That concept is used throughout our lives, but what happens when the reason for the apology is too painful to even think about? How can we make amends with someone who may
Many of us have learned in school that answering the who, what, where, when, and why of a topic can help us understand it better. This is true for treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) as well. There is a lot to think about when trying to find treatment, and it can often feel overwhelming.
Emotions are an essential part of the human experience. They color our perception of everything we encounter. How can we embrace and process our emotions in a healthy way? We may feel unable to do this, especially with emotions that feel uncomfortable, painful, or even dangerous. The Emotions of Recovery Leading up to treatment, we
Substance use disorder (SUD) can affect anyone. Although different people can have different risk factors, there isn’t a specific type of background or personality required for someone to develop an addiction. SUD doesn’t discriminate, and those providing treatment mustn’t discriminate either. What Is Inclusivity? Many people have felt excluded at some point in their lives.
Some of us have goals of starting or returning to school after treatment. What does that look like for each individual? As humans, we all come to the classroom with different learning styles and life experiences. Too often those life experiences include significant trauma. Estimates are that six out of ten men and five out
Trauma is not a foreign concept. Many of us will experience at least one traumatic event in our lifetime. These events can change the course of our lives and alter the way we view the world. Trauma can often be a contributing factor to the development of substance use disorder (SUD). Receiving trauma-informed care can
Life can come at us fast, especially if we are struggling with substance abuse. It can be easy to get caught up in the everyday routines that cause us stress. Various types of therapy can help us cope with and overcome our struggles, but one type of therapy we may be overlooking is ecotherapy. Benefits
