Recovery topics

 The end of the year is typically a time of joy and togetherness with loved ones. However, for individuals in addiction recovery, the holiday season often brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to avoiding relapse triggers. While many anticipate this time as an opportunity to relax and celebrate, it can also be fraught with stressors that test one’s sobriety.

Dealing with grief in recovery from addiction can be incredibly complex and challenging.

Many people may experience relapse due to grief being so consuming and painful, and feeling like they can't handle it

Let’s talk about the 12 steps and how they serve as a spiritual and practical framework for personal growth, healing, and freedom. It’s not a way to stop or start something-it’s a way to live life to the fullest.

  Shame and guilt are emotions that touch every soul at some point in life. While many find ways to cope with these feelings, those struggling with substance use disorder often find that guilt and shame can become powerful forces, fueling their addiction and clouding their path to healing.

 You may be scared to stop using or drinking. We hold on to our fears because they make us feel safe. Fear is a big part of what drives addictive behavior, and it’s also one of the biggest obstacles in recovery. Whether you’re considering a recovery program or are already enrolled in one, fear is a normal part of addiction and life.

 You might experience a false sense of security when you become complacent in recovery. You may begin to feel overly confident in your ability to manage your addiction, leading you to neglect the practices and routines that have supported your sobriety so far.  

  The   Transtheoretical Model (TTM) offers a theory of healthy behavior adoption and its progression through six different stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination (Relapse). 

There are three stages to relapse: emotional, mental, and physical. The common denominator of emotional relapse is poor self-care. If individuals do not practice sufficient self-care, eventually they will start to feel uncomfortable in their own skin and look for ways to escape, relax, or reward themselves 

  Acceptance-one simple word that can mean so much to those in and out of recovery from alcohol or drugs. Whether you are new to recovery, just thinking about getting sober, or have been blessed to experience years in recovery, acceptance is key to long term sobriety. 

Being thankful and having gratitude is a big part of living a sober life in addiction recovery.  In working the 12 steps in recovery, people learn the true meaning of gratitude as they experience a spiritual awakening and work to apply it to their everyday lives.

  If you remain angry, you’re inflicting new suffering on yourself.

The five stages of change in addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Read on to find out more about the various stages.

The triggers can be broken down into several categories, including environmental, emotional, behavioral, and psychological. By knowing what common addiction triggers exist, you can better manage them and take steps to avoid relapse. 

 Addiction is a chronic disease and managing it once it’s in remission requires practice and vigilance. A program based on the 12-Step model can help with focus and mindfulness in recovery. 12-Step programs, and those inspired by it, also provides a high level of support and friendship that go a long way toward preventing relapse.

How effective is the 12-Step model? Does it really work? And do you have to believe in God to participate?

Self-care is taking care of your physical and mental health on a daily basis so that you can feel and perform your best. This is particularly crucial when you are in recovery for substance use disorders, which are often referred to as addictions. 

Click below learn more about self-care, the role it plays in recovery, and how it can help prevent a relapse to drug or alcohol use.

Addicts/Alcoholics are the masters of self-sabotage.  Instead of rationally dealing with negative thoughts, feelings and situations, addicts will turn to drugs and alcohol to escape their problems, and in doing so replace that issue with a much bigger one.