7 Small Wins That Matter in Early Recovery
Recovery from addiction is a transformative process. It will change your life as you learn to live without substances, neither needing them nor settling for the brief and inadequate comfort they provide. It’s also a significant display of commitment for both you and your loved ones. However, it would be disingenuous to imply that addiction…
5 Ways Substance Abuse Can Change Your Personality
If you’ve seen a loved one suffer with substance addiction, you probably noticed them acting in strange ways. They may have started lying even about unimportant things. Maybe they acted recklessly or were insensitive towards you and others. While at first this seemed like an aberration, you may have come to expect such behavior from…
Addiction and Work: How Does It Affect You?
Anyone who has struggled with addiction, or seen a loved one struggle, understands that it impacts more than just their personal life. Every aspect of modern living is made more difficult by addiction. Work in particular suffers. Addiction and work do not mix well. Not only does the person’s performance dip, but they may get…
How Trauma Contributes to Substance Abuse
Have you ever wondered what really lies behind the struggle of substance use disorders? Often, it’s not just about the physical addiction; there’s a deeper story. One key player in this complex drama is trauma. It’s like an invisible thread that, in many cases, weaves through the lives of those battling with addiction. This article…
3 Common Misconceptions about Addicts
Addiction is an illness that is misunderstood by many people. Some misconceptions regarding addiction can be harmless, as long as they are not imposed on people suffering with addiction. However, when it comes to the way people see addicts, misconceptions can cause real harm. It is important to dispel some of the harmful ideas about…
Signs of Being in Denial
Has someone told you that you have a drinking problem? If so, did you believe them? One of the most common responses to alcoholism is denial, but figuring out if you’re in denial is tricky territory. Denial is a coping mechanism alcoholics use when the problem itself feels too big to confront. Admitting to yourself…
Red Flags for Dating as a Recovering Addict
Recovering from addiction is a complex process that impacts every aspect of your life. One area in which many addicts struggle is dating. Unhealthy relationships can sabotage your recovery, whether that is because your partner becomes an enabler or because they cause you pain and trigger you. A particularly toxic person may even be rooting…
Eating Disorders and Addiction May be Connected
Many people have noticed similarities between eating disorders and addictions. Indeed, eating disorders are some of the most common co-occurring disorders with addiction. In other words, people suffering with alcoholism or drug addiction are often suffering with eating disorders at the same time. Why is this the case? Is there really a connection between eating…