8 Tips for Throwing a Sober Party
“Fun, sober party” need not be an oxymoron. It’s very possible to throw a shindig without alcohol or drugs — and it can be a blast. Life in recovery — especially in early recovery — is full of sober firsts: dates, dinners, events, holidays, relationships, just to name a handful. Having fun at parties without […]
Foods That Curb Alcohol Cravings
Cravings are a normal part of recovery from alcohol addiction. They happen for several reasons. With regular substance abuse, your brain develops strong associations with places, feelings, situations, and people tied to your drinking. Research shows these associations are so strong that just encountering them is almost like having drugs or alcohol in front of […]
5 Ways to Stop Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol cravings are a normal part of recovery. They can come in many forms. When you crave alcohol, sometimes it’s a desire to get rid of something, like an uncomfortable feeling — you want to numb or dull emotional pain or relieve boredom. Other times it’s a longing to get something — like a feeling […]
Can Essential Oils Help in Addiction Recovery?
When you’re in addiction recovery, you know that finding ways to cope and ease your symptoms is important. You may have heard that essential oils can help people relax and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. If you’re wondering if essential oils can help you during your addiction recovery, read on. What Are Essential Oils? […]
Exercise and Addiction Recovery: Why the Two Are Connected
Recovering from addictive substances and activities can be a long and challenging journey. The thought of exercising might feel overwhelming or, at the very least, not a high priority. You may be surprised to learn that incorporating exercise early in addiction treatment could be very beneficial to your recovery. There are many kinds of exercise, […]
Thought Stopping Techniques for Addiction
If you’ve ever had re-occurring or intrusive thoughts, you may have wished there were a way you could just erase them forever, or at least take a break from them. Thought stopping is a tool sometimes used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches. Thought stopping gained popularity in the 1980s, but its […]
7 Books to Read If You Want to Understand Addiction Better and Build a Better Life
One of the best ways you can help yourself—or someone else—amidst addiction is to read. Learning from others can help you know what works and what doesn’t. (That’s partly why support groups and an alumni community are so important in recovery!) While no two peoples’ recoveries are exactly the same, there’s no getting through addiction […]
7 Ways to Get Through the Holidays with a Chaotic Family
Imagine driving up to a beautifully lit, snow-kissed house for the holidays. You’re greeted at the door by a great big hug; watch younger family members play with their presents; and sing Christmas carols around the tree, sipping hot cocoa. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? While that description paints a lovely picture, it’s not always how […]
Creative Gifts for Avoiding Financial Stress During The Holidays
It’s the most expensive … I mean the most wonderful time of the year. No, pretty sure I said it right the first time! Gifts for family, holiday gift exchange at work, and children/grandchildren/nieces/nephews asking for everything under the sun. Even if you do a grab-bag, that’s money coming out of your pocket that you […]
6 Ideas For a Super Fun Sober Halloween!
It’s not uncommon for those who are in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction to be triggered, feel anxious or just a bit bothered when holidays come around. This can be especially true for holidays that are associated with alcohol or drug use, like Halloween. When holidays like this approach it’s important to have a […]
