After convening a panel of experts and consumers to talk about what’s really important in the recovery process SAMHSA has released an updated 10 rule guidebook on sustaining a successful recovery. ...
Inside (19 articles)
The best way to stay sober is to minimize the temptations to use, and to rely on the support network offered by family, friends and professional aftercare services. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, we do fail, and we do slip, and too often one day's use can destroy all of our hard work, as we let that one slip lead us back into full relapse; and all of the pain and suffering of addiction once again.
A long period of alcohol abuse can take a heavy toll on the body, and few people enter treatment in optimum health. Heavy drinking interferes with the body's absorption, processing and even consumption of vitamins and nutrients, and chronic drinking often causes serious vitamin deficiencies.
Why rehab graduates stay on after graduation, and how to choose a quality rehab.
The influence of sleep on recovery, and tips on getting a good night's sleep. Clinical research proves that one of the greatest indicators of relapse is poor sleeping during initial sobriety. Unfortunately, the legacy of alcohol abuse on sleeping cycles makes falling asleep and achieving a restful sleep very difficult.
With more than 75 years of history, and literally tens of millions of lives bettered, 12 steps recovery programs have value. they don't work for everyone, but they're free, they're everywhere and they might just work for you. Give 12 steps a try...and stay sober one day at a time.
The initial period after rehab is a very high risk time for relapse, and although the recovering addict is ultimately responsible for their sobriety, there are some things that the family can do to ease the transition back into the home environment, and to increase the odds of success and drug and alcohol free living.
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Leonard john Mathews
A recent clinical study evaluated the long term recidivism and abstinence rates associated with different methods of recovery, and looked at long term success rates over a 15 year period before making recommendations on what seem to be the best methods for long term sobriety.
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Seanmcgrath
An addiction can feel overwhelming, and the pull towards the abuse of drugs or alcohol overpowers the best of intentions to stop or reduce use and abuse. Addicts actively using often feel powerless to stop the progression of the disease, and don’t have the needed skills to reduce their usage. When an addict loses control over their actions, it's also easy to lose hope of an ability to effect change.
Addictive pain medications pose a real threat to anyone in recovery, but then, so does chronic and untreated pain. Learn of drug-free pain management strategies, and a safer way to take narcotic drugs.
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Grzegorz Łobiński
Getting and staying involved in a community self help and support group during the initial period of recovery is a very good idea. Support groups can keep help keep you motivated to stay at the fight, can offer wisdom and encouragement and can be an excellent source of sober support and friendship. 12 steps groups are the most common type of community support group, but not everyone finds what they need though the 12 steps - and some people find the spiritual component uncomfortable. Here then, are 6 great alternatives to AA and NA.
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Mr. T in DC
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as long as you no longer use illegal drugs, you have a right to treatment and you cannot face discrimination at the workplace because of your past addiction. Learn more about your rights under this federal law and find out what to do if your employer violates the law.
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Noodlepie
Idle hands and too many idle hours aren’t often helpful as you strive to maintain your recovery – and also, everyone needs to make a living, right?! Problematically though, addiction is rarely associated with high job performance and though you’re now in recovery and ready to do great work – the gaps in your resume can make it hard to even get in the door. In a booming economy, it might not matter, but when times are tight, getting a job in early recovery can be really tough. Here’s a list of resource agencies that specialize in helping people in recovery find work – as well as a list of tips for general job searching success.
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NickWheeleroz
In recovery, it’s helpful to avoid over exposure to peers who abuse drugs and alcohol. Here’s some information on the occupations that are most and least associated with substance abuse.
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Stevendepolo
Make a few minor changes, take on a few of those tasks that have been weighing on you, pamper yourself a little bit and learn to accept yourself for the great person - with strengths and weaknesses - that you already are.
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DavidRphoto
For the next 10 seconds, try not to think of a pink elephant…Impossible, right?! The fact is, the more you try to suppress an impulse to use drugs or alcohol the more fixated your mind becomes on that very impulse, and this is bad news for anyone serious about maintaining their sobriety. Fortunately, you don’t have to drink or use and you don’t have to fight or suppress your cravings, all you have to do is surf over them and they’ll disappear – using a proven mindfulness technique known as urge surfing.
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Thomas Hawk
7 simple suggestions for making sure your Thanksgiving day doesn’t end in relapse.
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*Sally M*
The best of the year's addiction and addiction recovery articles on ChooseHelp!
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Trident82
Resilient people adapt to change and bounce back from adversity – and resilient people are less likely to react to tragedy or great stress with relapse back to substance abuse. If you’re in recovery, resilience can save your life. Read on to learn 8 ways to become a more resilient person.
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_Ambrown
After convening a panel of experts and consumers to talk about what’s really important in the recovery process SAMHSA has released an updated 10 rule guidebook on sustaining a successful recovery. Here are the 10 things you need to do to achieve and maintain your recovery.
