Is Emotional Sobriety The Key to Lasting Recovery?
When defining recovery from substance abuse or addiction, it is natural that you would think about sobriety. Getting sober and staying sober, which usually means abstinence from drugs and alcohol, are the obvious goals for anyone in recovery. In the early stages of recovery, detoxification and breaking the grip of the abused substance necessarily takes […]
Parity 101
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act is well-known among those in the behavioral health field. However, for those who are not familiar with the act, it can be a multifaceted and confusing topic. Enacted in 2008, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act does not require a plan to offer mental health […]
Legal and Lethal: Kratom
Many substances can be addictive, from illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine to legal substances like sugar or caffeine. Kratom is a substance that is growing more popular throughout Florida. Though it’s billed as a supplement, it affects the body in similar ways as heroin. Does that make it a drug? What Is Kratom? Kratom […]
Substitute Addictions: What You Should Know
It’s not uncommon for someone in recovery to replace drug or alcohol use with another habit, whether it’s shopping, eating, taking up cigarettes, or smoking marijuana. This is known as a substitute addiction, and it can lead to unhealthy behaviors that put your recovery at risk. Addicted for Life? It’s commonly believed that someone with […]
How to Stay Positive After a Relapse
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease. While it can’t be cured, complete abstinence can send it into remission. Using again once you’re in recovery can cause the addiction—the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences—to return. This is known as relapse. And while relapse is not uncommon in the recovery community, it […]
5 Ways to Stop Self-Destructive Behaviors
Especially for people in recovery, making healthy choices and curbing self-destructive behaviors are critical for long-term success. Breaking bad habits is challenging, but these tips can help you stop unhealthy behaviors before they lead to a lapse or relapse. 1. Break the cycle of shame. Shame is a negative feeling directed at yourself, such as […]
Back with a Vengeance: Heroin in Florida
Addiction is all too common across the country, and Florida specifically is seeing an increase in heroin abuse. Though government and law enforcement agencies are attempting to crack down on substance abuse, many young people become drawn into the dangerous cycle of heroin use.
The Benefits of Music Therapy
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovery is a holistic endeavor that encompasses your physical and mental health, self-care, faith, creativity, spirituality and social networks. No single treatment plan is right for every individual, and any high-quality treatment plan will offer an array of support and services that ensure a holistic […]
Deadly Drug and Alcohol Combinations
You may not think twice about having a drink while you’re taking prescription painkillers, or you might drink deliberately to achieve a better high when you take other drugs. This behavior is fairly common among people who struggle with substance abuse, but it’s also quite dangerous. When you build up a tolerance to a substance, […]
Pink Cloud Syndrome
Early recovery can be a treacherous time and requires constant vigilance and mindfulness to stay on track while battling intense cravings and feelings of loss. But for some, this time is marked by feelings of euphoria and palpable excitement. Recovery feels like the best thing in the world, and it seems like there’s nothing that […]