Realistic films about addiction Movies can sometimes reflect aspects of our real life on the big screen. When a film achieves a sense of realism, the audience can feel understood or inspired. Although an estimated 20 million people in the United States are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), making realistic films about addiction can…
Tell your friends and family that you are going to rehab Deciding to seek help with an addiction is not an easy task. The first steps on the road to recovery can be intimidating and overwhelming. Accepting that you need help is certainly one of the hardest parts of the treatment journey, but it is…
Healthy boundaries are an essential aspect of any relationship. When a person becomes addicted in this relationship, boundaries become critical. Borders are a way of protecting ourselves and maintaining relationships. They let other people know what we accept and what not in our life. When a person struggles with an addiction, they often burden others…
When it comes to the recovery process from addiction, several unrealistic expectations can arise early on. People in early recovery often go through the “honeymoon phase” where everything seems great and life will always be incredible now, and so on. This phase usually occurs after the “existential crisis” phase of withdrawal where everything seems terrible…
Going to rehab for an addiction is not an easy process. It can be an emotional roller coaster ride. While it is certainly something that can be very rewarding, it can also be something that can be very challenging. For this reason, it is always beneficial to have a support system at home to help…
My son is alive and well thanks to the addiction recovery program. My son had been on drugs for two years before I discovered it. He was a teenager and went out with friends a lot, so it took me a while to get along. The first sign that something was wrong was that he…
Photo by GSPictures / iStockPhoto.com Every year around this time, I like to look back on my life and reflect on the lessons I learned during my sobriety. On May 22, 2012, I went to a recovery center because of my alcohol addiction. Little did I know at the time that this one decision would…
There is one subject around addiction that many people don’t think about, the words we use to describe addicts. Druggie, junkie, drunk, and Wine-O are all hurtful words sometimes used to describe people struggling with addiction. Many people don’t think twice about using these types of terms to represent another person. However, they are an…
If you are reading this, chances are that you have a loved one who has an addiction and that you are considering engaging in intervention. There is a good chance that you are likely to be nervous when confronting your loved one with their addiction. Perhaps you’ve already brought the subject up and it didn’t…
A family member or someone close to your heart has almost completed their substance abuse treatment and will soon be home. How should you act? What should you talk about? What are the dos and don’ts? Granted, it can feel uncomfortable at first. Maybe the last days together weren’t so great. Maybe you feel bad…
When people have hope, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as gambling, alcohol use, and drug experimentation. Conversely, people who have no hope feel like they have nothing to lose. When hopelessness sets in, people are more likely to participate in activities that they know are dangerous. How can inspirational hope…
The list of potential benefits to be gained from exercising is long. There are psychological benefits, behavioral benefits, and physical benefits of exercise. For those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, the benefits of exercise will help these individuals lead healthy, stable, and consistent lives. Two studies examine the benefits of exercise in addiction treatment…
When it comes to recovering from addiction, one of the most important things a person can do is surround themselves with supportive people. If you have a loved one who is currently under treatment or who has recently completed treatment, it is a good idea to find out how you can help them transition into…
Luxury rehabilitation centers are inpatient centers dedicated to treating addicts in a resort-like setting. They provide treatment for drugs, alcohol, and other addictions to their patients. Similar to other rehab facilities, they offer traditional therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). What makes the luxury centers unique is their high-end equipment. Some amazing amenities in…
Addiction can be a scary word and a difficult thing to do for a family. Nobody wants to get addicted, but it still happens to so many people. Developing an addiction in a child is one of the worst fears for many parents. Understandably, given the numerous negative side effects that can develop from this…
