Blog
What Are the Risks of Using Substances During Pregnancy?
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach There are many myths about substance use during pregnancy. Some people believe that only using certain substances or only using them at certain times during the pregnancy poses risks to an expectant mother and unborn child.
Why Is Self-Detox Dangerous?
Learning the necessary skills to abstain from substance use is a vital part of sustaining recovery. Learning such skills requires appropriate education and support. The first step is recognizing that you need help. However, when you are serious about overcoming your substance use disorder (SUD), your
The Connection Between Addiction and Childhood Trauma
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Why do so many people who have experienced childhood trauma wind up with an addiction? Can childhood trauma impact your life long after you have reached adulthood? Can unresolved trauma cause emotional and even physical pain?
I Don’t Drink Anymore, but My Spouse Does
A large part of maintaining recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) takes resilience, persistence and setting boundaries. It also requires support because recovery is not something you should try to manage alone. Trying to manage your SUD while your loved one continues to use not
What Are the 4 Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders?
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Co-occurring mental health disorders are common with addiction. Some of these disorders are present initially, and substances are used to try to self-medicate the symptoms. Other mental health disorders occur because of acute or long-term substance
Is Quitting Cold Turkey a Mistake?
While a certain amount of willpower is essential to helping you sustain recovery, is it enough to manage your disorder? Recovery, much like your substance use disorder (SUD), is complex and often requires more than just the trait of willpower. You must account for the
Opioid Overdose and the Pandemic
According to data reported by the CDC, opioid overdose deaths in the US reached a record high of 93,331 in 2020. These deaths are more than 20,000 above the previous year, 2019. While deaths related to opioid overdose have been on a steady rise since 2015,
7 Things Not to Say to Someone in Addiction Recovery
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach Empathy does not always come naturally; it often takes awareness and learning to be supportive of others. Sometimes, even well-intentioned statements can be hurtful. In the case of someone in drug or alcohol addiction recovery, words
The Value of Peer Support in Recovery
Content Reviewed by Jennifer Wheeler, Clinical & Community Outreach In times of difficulty, the support of friends is invaluable. In drug or alcohol addiction recovery, you need all of the support you can get. Your family is so important, and your friends are, too. Yet