Most people who have never used or experimented with drugs or heavy alcohol use would probably laugh at the idea of not knowing how to have fun, but for a recovering addict, that question is normal and natural. Drugs, including prescription medicine, change the way you think and behave, because they stimulate your brain,
Even though I had been sober for a significant period of time, I was still struggling. In fact, it seemed the longer I remained sober, the harder it was getting to continue to do so. Every day while travelling to work, I passed by my favorite bar, and my old stoner buddies kept calling
Whether you’re recently sober or have been clean for some time, traveling anywhere on vacation can be a test of your sobriety. Because many vacation destinations and even business events focus heavily on alcohol and drinking in social settings, traveling may mean being constantly exposed to temptation, being pressured into drinking by friends and
Working through a substance addiction often means seeking help, and part of that is finding a recovery option that works for you. While options like 12-step groups are the most popular in the United States, alternatives like Refuge Recovery are quickly gaining in popularity as non-theistic and non-12-step recovery becomes more mainstream. Refuge Recovery
I used to think that recovery was at the end of a long road, but recovery doesn’t end with getting sober. Instead, it is the beginning of something brand new. I learned that this beginning involved my brain and giving it time to rebuild connections that changed while I was in my addiction. My
Recovering from an addiction is a long process that requires you to learn how to cope with life and all the stress that comes with it. While getting away from a physical addiction can seem impossible until you actually do it, it’s just the first step in moving away from an addiction and getting your
For many people, relying on a higher power is key to their recovery. But what if your faith has been rocked by tragedy or you are an agnostic or atheist? I was on the tragedy end of the spectrum, so I wasn’t feeling too keen on the whole higher power thing. I learned, however,
College is a time when we are supposed to be learning, planning our careers, and making the best choices for our futures. It’s also a time when many are expected and even encouraged to let loose, party, and drink heavily. Heavy partying and drinking are so associated with university life that websites even maintain
Addiction is often approached with a sort of mixed sense of shame and adulation in the United States. On the one hand, addiction, drug use, and alcohol are often glamorized on television and by pop stars and actors who often use, while appearing to live an idyllic lifestyle. On the other hand, addiction is
