The Start of an Addiction You may find yourself asking why did I become addicted to drugs or alcohol.  You might also think about what could have been different prior to becoming addicted.  There are no hard and fast rules regarding why one becomes an addict but there are similarities in how an addiction starts....Read More

Step 10: What It Means Step 10 is one of 12 steps outlined in the principles of any 12-step program.  Step 10 states that we need to continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.  This sounds like a straightforward step; however, what does it mean. In recovery, we need...Read More

What is Affect? Affect refers to how we express emotions on the outside.  This can be a smile, a laugh, a stare, or your tone of voice.  Affect is our facial expressions or movements that can specify emotions.  We might use affect to interpret what other people are feeling.  In recovery, you might hear someone...Read More

Recovery as a Lifelong Process The recovery process typically begins with a short-term stay in rehab that can last from a few days to a few weeks.  Once that has ended, the recovering addict will enter the lifelong recovery process.  This is the point of recovery where an individual enters their life again.  Many in...Read More

What Are Refusal Skills? When working a program of recovery for alcohol-use disorders, there are situations when you might feel like you need some extra support.  Even those who are committed to not drinking can experience social pressure to drink.  Friends can make it somewhat difficult for you especially if they do not know you...Read More

What Is Major Depressive Disorder? A person can feel sad for a number of different reasons.  Some may feel sad after losing a loved one or because they recently lost their job.  Sadness is experienced by many and is part of life.  These feelings of sadness are usually short-lived and will go away on their...Read More

  Control and Addiction Many people ask why they cannot just control their drug use or behavioral addiction such as shopping or gambling.  If one could control their addiction, there would be no treatment facilities or 12-step groups and it is unrealistic to think that self-control is the answer. An addiction is so powerful that...Read More

  What are the Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders What are the primary symptoms of co-occurring disorders?  The answer to this question varies based on the specific substance-use disorder and the specific mental health disorder that occur together.  First, the reason why these two disorders occur together is not entirely know.  There are theories that support...Read More

  ADHD and Substance Use Disorders Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often treated with stimulant medication.  The issue with this type of medication has to do with those individuals who have co-occurring substance abuse problems and ADHD.  Over one-half of adults with ADHD have a co-occurring substance use disorder; however, 95% of medications to treat...Read More

  What Treatment is Best for Me? If you are considering treatment for an addiction, you might ask, what treatment is best for me?  There are many things to consider when looking for a treatment program.  Many people think of treatment as a 28-day inpatient program, which emphasizes the 12- step recovery model.  This is...Read More