Depression and Addiction in Old Age
Of the growing numbers of people facing addiction in the U.S. today, one of the most surprising statistics is the rise of substance abuse among the baby-boom generation. Older adults now in their late 40s to their mid-60s are beginning to develop addictions later in life and often struggle with co-occurring disorders. One of the […]
How to Build a Social Support Network
Life is full of challenges, but the good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. While your story and experiences are unique to you, there are many ways other people have faced similar challenges, and can offer you empathy, encouragement, and advice as you seek to surmount the challenges of […]
Human Connection as a Form of Recovery
There are many different circumstances and situations that can lead to a state of addiction but one of the most serious is that of isolation. People need to feel connected to each other in order to feel safe, secure and fulfilled. The culture and environment many people experience in the modern world can lead to […]
Late Bloomers In Recovery – It’s Never Too Late
One of the best things about recovery is that it’s never too late to give up addiction or alcoholism for a chance at a better life. Even a person who has spent decades lost to substance abuse can get a second chance at life through recovery. Third, and even fourth chances are not uncommon either. […]
The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Recovery
It can take time for an addict to be fully prepared mentally and physically for what they experience in recovery. Adjusting to a new sober lifestyle requires some dramatic changes not only in their actions but also in the way that they think. Each person in recovery must remain open-minded and receptive throughout their experience […]
Getting Your Brain Back After Substance Abuse
The human brain often seems very fragile, particularly wearing the scars of recurring abuse. Many people in the early stages of recovery say they feel like their living in a fog, as their brains don’t seem to be running as quickly or efficiently as they would like. Long term drug or heavy alcohol use can […]
Why Anxiety Drugs Become Addictive
About 40 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from an anxiety disorder in a given year. This averages to about18 percent of adults who deal with an issue of anxiety, often with co-occurring disorders like depression. One of the most common ways that people seek relief from their anxiety is through medications Xanax […]
Understanding “Powerlessness” Over Addiction
Most people are familiar with the first step of addiction recovery as a way to break through denial and finally admit to yourself and others that you have a problem. There is more to step one than simply admitting to addiction, however, as the words in step one specifically state to admit you are “powerless” […]
Getting Out of a Spiritual Slump
An important part of recovery, especially in twelve step programs is finding your higher power in order to develop some kind of spiritual life. Spirituality can keep people motivated and connected to the process of change as it gives them something greater to believe in. Many people in recovery find their own path to spirituality […]
Scott Weiland’s Lifelong Struggles with Drug Abuse
The former frontman of the Stone Temple Pilots tragically passed away in December of last year and in spite of his heroic battle against addiction, he was found to have a fatally toxic mix of drugs in his system at the time of his death. The singer, only 48 years old, had a mixture of […]