Nonalcoholic and alcohol-free beverages can seem like a good option for recovering alcoholics to turn to, but the dangers of relapse are much greater than the benefits. Your favorite NA beer or “mocktail” might seem like it helps curb your craving, but it is really hurting your recovery. Research has [...]
Low self-esteem can be caused by a variety of traumas. A traumatic childhood, abandonment or separation from parental figures, emotional or physical abuse can all lead to low-esteem as an adult. These problems can worsen as adult life causes negative events like losing a job, going through divorce, or facing [...]
Alcoholism and drug addiction is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. The mental aspect of addiction leads to delusional thinking that is characterized by denial and delusional thinking. Denial can be so powerful in addiction that the addict cannot comprehend the gravity of their situation. But what happens [...]
When you are experiencing a difficult time or high levels of stress, how do you get through the hard stuff? Do you have a strategy to overcome your stress and anxiety? So often we can learn unhealthy ways to cope with our hard times or persistent problems, so we turn [...]
It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season brings great times of fun and celebration filled with time with family and friends. There are so many opportunities to celebrate, but that also brings with it plenty of opportunities to drink, and if you are in [...]
Shame and guilt are present in nearly every case of substance abuse and alcoholism and they are powerful and painful emotions that can hinder recovery. We feel shame as a natural emotion that not only affects our behavior, but creates a physiological response to the automatic nervous system. We blush, [...]
With the holidays upon us already this year we can get excited for all the joy they bring. For most of us it's memories of time around the table with our family, a big turkey dinner, and maybe a nap in front of the football game. It brings warm and [...]
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be a very positive ways to identify hidden emotions that are harming you and hindering your recovery. Mindfulness focuses on exposing harmful ways of thinking and meditation can help reduce the physical response these harmful emotions cause to our mind and body. A very important [...]
We can all remember the fun and excitement of Halloween when we were kids. Picking out your favorite costume and knocking on your neighbor's doors on a mission for a pillowcase or plastic pumpkin full of candy. There is so much Halloween fun to remember as kid that you might [...]
Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol causes emotional and physical discomfort. Getting rid of drug use is a great step towards a healthier lifestyle, but the process is always difficult. With prolonged use, the body is accustomed and dependent on the effects of drugs and alcohol and has a difficult time [...]
