Non-alcoholic beer is touted as a safe alternative for those who want to quit alcohol. Popular brands like O’Douls, Clausthaler, and Beck’s N.A. are supposed to be safe to drink in recovery. They're perfect if you don’t want to drink alcohol, but still want that beer-drinking sensation. However, new research [...]
More than 2 million Americans abuse opioid pain medication and nearly 90 people die daily from an opioid overdose. Misuse of pain medication in the U.S. is second only to marijuana use. Opioids make your brain and body think you need them for survival. They are very powerful in their [...]
With St. Patrick’s Day ahead of us this weekend, it’s time to celebrate all things Irish! But for those in recovery, this boozy holiday can mean trouble. Most holidays are a time for celebration and cheer and while alcohol is usually present, it’s not the key ingredient for getting in [...]
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 [...]
