Articles

Alcohol blackouts are a terrifying reality for many problem drinkers. “Blackouts” – or memory loss during or after drinking, are often a sign of a deeper issue related to alcohol abuse or addiction. These episodes can be alarming and risky, leading people to make questionable...

Everywhere you look these days, the pursuit of health and wellness has become the holy grail for many. People are increasingly seeking ways to enhance their overall well-being, not just through conventional medicine but also through holistic approaches that address the mind, body, and spirit....

Feeling hopeless is a deeply distressing emotional state that can affect people from all walks of life – regardless of financial status, relationship outlook, or success level. Whether it’s due to trauma, addiction, or a combination of factors, finding a path toward healing and recovery...

Depression is a silent battle that millions of individuals face every day. Its impact goes beyond mere sadness, often leading to profound disruptions in one’s life, relationships, and overall well-being. For those facing it, things may feel heavy, hopeless, and never-ending. But there is a...

While alcohol is a happy social lubricant for many, for others it is a poison that can lead to chaos and sorrow. When a drinking habit takes a dark turn, it can lead to a dizzying range of physical, mental, and emotional problems. Here is...

Addiction and PTSD often go hand in hand. This is probably unsurprising for anyone who has grappled with substance use or the pain that comes with it. Many of us feel haunted by the past—even during our sleeping hours. While PTSD nightmares may seem like...

With the end of August comes a significant day of remembrance and reflection – Overdose Awareness Day, observed on August 31st worldwide. This day calls us to remember the lives tragically lost to drug overdose, raise awareness about the ongoing opioid epidemic, and extend our...

In a world grappling with the opioid crisis, Fentanyl stands out as one of the most potent and devastating opioids out there. Its grip on individuals suffering from addiction is relentless, leaving a trail of crisis in its wake. Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms are a formidable...

PTSD is more common than you might think. Chances are, someone you know – or even you – is affected. Most of us assume that PTSD is solely the domain of veterans who have fought in foreign wars and returned scarred by their experiences. While...

In a world obsessed with success and achievement, it is easy to believe that those who have it all must also feel it all. However, behind the dazzling facade of high-functioning individuals lies a lesser-known truth: the harrowing reality of high functioning depression. Read on...

Recovering from addiction is no walk in the park. For most, it takes fierce courage, compassionate support, and often, professional guidance. At Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addiction counseling. Read on as we explore what to expect in...

Battling addiction or a mental health condition is a challenging, life-altering experience. But what about those who have both? Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, as they are also known, are relatively common among people seeking treatment. it is estimated that approximately 30 to 50 percent...

For those seeking a fresh start and clear eyes, learning how to detox from weed might be essential information.With legalization sweeping the nation, attitudes toward cannabis have dramatically changed in recent years. And while some may bill it as harmless, or even medically necessary, those...

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be powerful, devastating, and ruthless. What may begin as a hapless good time can devolve into a toxic merry-go-round. What’s worse, with the rising surge of fentanyl that’s found its way into the nation’s drug supply, dabbling can be deadly, and...

In a world where mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent, finding help can be a challenging journey. According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in 5 adults in America experiences a mental health disorder each year. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive...

When you first enter a rehab center, it’s natural to feel a wild mix of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and maybe some loneliness, too. However, there’s a hidden gem in the recovery process that often goes unmentioned: the connections built with others in treatment. In the early...

In recent years, overdose deaths have continued to rise in the US – surpassing the combined total deaths that occurred in the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. Partially underpinning this lethal wave is the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply, particularly fentanyl in cocaine....

Why Practice Mindfulness in Recovery? In our frantic, digitally-driven world, many of us find ourselves constantly multitasking, overwhelmed by stress, and bombarded by a never-ending stream of thoughts and worries. As the demands of modern life take their toll on our mental well-being, it becomes...

This May at Scottsdale Providence, we are continuing our focus on all things mental health. As you may have heard, it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, when annual awareness campaigns flourish and aim to reduce the stigma, educate people, and foster hope. Here, we’ll dive into...

Every year around this time, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month – a time when we take a moment to recognize the importance of mental health and its profound ability to impact our daily existence. This May, we are seizing the opportunity to raise awareness,...

What is Somatic Experiencing? Traumatic experiences can take a heavy toll. Past traumatic events, even if unrecognized as such, can linger in our bodies and psyches long after the event occurred, often creating a ripple effect that impacts our present circumstances. Although most people are...

April is National Counseling Awareness Month. This time is set aside to not only honor those professionals who do the work, but to help people understand the indisputable–and often lifesaving–role benefits of counseling plays in treatment. This is a time to celebrate the hard work...

Fear. Like it or not, many of our lives are ruled by it with little to no understanding on how to overcome it. Fear of not getting what we want, or fear of losing what we have, has spurred countless questionable decisions for so many...

Consider these sobering statistics: there were 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2021, an increase of nearly 15% from the 93,655 deaths estimated in 2020, according to the CDC’s most recent data set. The need for evidence based treatment is at an...

Is dating in early sobriety a recipe for disaster? Maybe, maybe not. Here we will discuss the dos and don’ts, enjoy some food for thought. Common wisdom around the rooms of twelve step programs, treatment centers, and sober living homes is to steer clear of...

Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex and chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide. As anyone battling with it knows, the process of overcoming addiction can be arduous and ugly, and many will go through countless demoralizing attempts to get well on their own...

When I was preparing to have my first daughter, I was 11 years sober, very active in a 12-step fellowship, and pretty confident about how things should be done. That confidence extended to all things recovery—obviously—but also to my birthing plans. I had no concern...

Especially around this time of year – late winter, before the signs of spring spark some joy – experiencing depression symptoms is common. The thrill and magic of the holidays are past, and the warmth and promise of summer is still a way off. Even...

If trauma suddenly seems like a hot topic in the recovery world, rightly so. In recent years, everyone from behavioral health experts to recovering addicts seems to have caught on: trauma matters and trauma-informed treatment can help. Not only does a history of traumatic experience...

Smartphones – and the wonders of information and distraction they contain – are powerful tools that were supposed to make our lives better. In theory, having the world at your fingertips and the ability to instantly connect with people everywhere is helpful. Yet, more and...

Turns out, “tough love” isn’t so loving. For generations, as a culture, we dismissed self compassion as weakness and prized a stiff-upper-lip ethos that celebrated toughing it out, never complaining and never explaining. This stern, rather ruthless approach to self-improvement seemed like the surest way...

Consider this – 75% of people undergoing addiction treatment report a history of trauma. According to researchers, the risk for substance abuse rises by as much as four times for people who experienced trauma early in life. For those who experienced multiple or repeated traumatic...

To start, let us say this: if you are new to recovery and just getting your life in order, first things first. In this case, recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism should be a top-shelf priority. But if you’ve been around a little while, and...

Every year around this time, the drumbeat of implementing good habits and self-improvement begins. We are going to hit the gym 5 days a week, cut out processed foods, re-commit to personal growth, or finally write that memoir. You name it, someone’s committed to it...

It’s a tale as old as time: braving the holidays with families that are less than, say “perfect.” Perhaps yours is so far from perfect they might be considered positively dysfunctional. Maybe there is a history of alcoholism or mental health struggles, or maybe they...

In this segment of our video series, Dr. Carl Schwartz discusses what is so unique about Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center. The tailored experience offered to each individual offers a powerful recipe for healing. Learn more or find treatment at our website www.scottsdaleprovidence.com Scottsdale Providence Recovery...

Ah, ‘tis the season. Yes, for holiday celebration, but also for an unbridled consumer free-for-all, when most of us overindulge in our national pastime, shopping. Could you potentially have a shopping addiction? Here we will talk about ways to deal with a shopping addiction if...

This Thanksgiving, why not give the holiday some added meaning and connect to something deeper? More than just a feel-good platitude, numerous studies have been published over the last decade singing the praises of gratitude for improving everything from mental well-being to physical health and...

What is Neurofeedback Therapy? Neurofeedback is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that has a number of benefits. It uses technology to re-train the brain to function optimally and helps people become more adaptive, resilient, and efficient. Neurofeedback therapy has been effective in treating a wide range...

Newly sober? Long-sober but still suffering? The holidays can be a mixed bag of challenges when you are living sober. Maybe you’re dreading them because they’ve long been associated with drinking and using. Maybe you’ve got a tough family and are expecting conflicts and drama....

Have you been noticing a bit of malaise creeping in as fall rolls around? If so, you’re not alone. But is it more than just a case of the blues? It could be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Read on to find out…. About 5%...

Wondering if it’s time to go to a rehab center? Chances are, if you’re reading this, the answer is yes. Jokes aside, here are some guidelines for those who are unsure if their “partying” has crossed a line. You Are Having Health Issues If you...

“I try hard to hold fast to the truth that a full and thankful heart cannot entertain great conceits. When brimming with gratitude, one’s heartbeat must surely result in outgoing love, the finest emotion we can ever know.” ― Bill W., Co-Founder, Alcoholics Anonymous An...

School After Recovery Many of us who have recovered from alcoholism or drug abuse reach a point when we are struck by a strong urge to rebuild our lives and make up for time lost. For some, this leads to a decision to go back...

For the first time ever, a panel of US experts is urging those under 65 across the country to get screened for anxiety. High functioning anxiety is more common than you would think. The draft recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an...

As one of Arizona’s leading behavioral health treatment facilities, with years of success stories under our belt, we believe our greatness lies in our staff, the very heart of our center, a team you can trust. At Scottsdale Providence, we have assembled a world-class team...

Getting ready to leave treatment and feeling unsure about your next steps? Are you wondering if a sober living home is right for you? Leaving the safety of treatment can be scary! Most people will be faced with returning to their jobs, families, and friends...

By now, you don’t need to be convinced that exercise is good for your mental and emotional health. You’ve probably heard it is the single greatest thing you can do for your overall health and longevity; that it can help you look better, sleep better,...

How you start the day matters and having an intentional morning ritual is key. We believe that taking some time first thing in the morning to be intentional about the day ahead can completely change the flow and texture of your experience. And although we...

If the early days of recovery have you questioning even your nearest and dearest relationships, you aren’t alone. We are here to assure you that it is normal, and even warranted, to be concerned that your partner still uses drugs and alcohol and how it...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy treatment that offers a hands-on, practical, cognitive approach to problem-solving. We at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center believe that our thoughts and beliefs shape our behaviors, and by using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, we can change false...

First off, if the thought to stay sober long-term sounds like a death sentence, I feel you. I too, once thought that life without a drink sounded impossible, if not downright dreary. What about the weddings, New Year’s Eve, 4th of July barbeques, and all...

Benzodiazepines—often known as “Benzos”—for short, is the class of drug that includes Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, among others. Benzo withdrawal symptoms are common as these act as central nervous system depressants that work by slowing brain activity. They are generally prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal,...

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that teaches people how to recognize and change harmful or troubling thought patterns that affect their behavior and emotions. CBT focuses on modifying ingrained negative thinking patterns that can exacerbate emotional problems, sadness, and anxiety. As...

Scottsdale Providence is an amazing Scottsdale Treatment Center to consider while navigating the complex world of addiction treatment. There are literally thousands to choose from–and a seemingly endless array of treatment approaches. If you’re new to the world of recovery, seeking help for a loved...

In the US, nearly 1 in 5 adults live with mental illness, and according to researchers, almost two-thirds of those affected never seek help. This May, we are honoring national Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those experiencing anxiety,...

For the last few years, we’ve kept a close eye on the annual overdose stats and faithfully reported what we have observed. Understanding overdose symptoms allows for potentially saving lives. Each year in America, the deaths associated with ODs rose, surpassing the deaths from AIDS,...

The old adage is true: addiction is a family disease. Those who have fallen into addictive drugs typically need family for support. As such, a family can play an essential role in a loved one’s treatment and recovery. As addiction to addictive drugs and alcohol...

People with PTSD often have a hard time making sense of what happened to them after a traumatic event. It’s believed that past traumatic experiences continue to cause problems in our lives when the memory of that experience is not processed properly. EMDR is a...

Prescription drugs – much like anything else – can be lifesaving when used as intended but can often turn into an addiction. No one should have to suffer from extended pain or other debilitating conditions. Looking for ‘Detox Centers Near Me’? We are happy to...

What Is Withdrawal and How Does It Work? Withdrawal is a phrase used to describe the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a substance is reduced or abruptly stopped. After stopping consumption, symptoms of drug withdrawal occur. When someone has depended on drugs or...

Co occurring disorders are defined as having a substance abuse disorder as well as one or more mental health issues. These can be tricky to navigate while still in the throes of addiction as one issue often amplifies the other. Many people resort to self-medicating...

Evidence Based Rehab Treatment has become such a buzzword in the mental health and substance abuse treatment communities that it is frequently used without any explanation. While the name “evidence-based treatment” gives a hint, the subtleties are frequently lost or left unclear to the general...

A recently released report indicates that the mental state worldwide continues to be on a downward trend. The Mental Health Million Project of Sapien Labs last week issued its second report that compiled data from over 34 countries. All over the world, it found a...

If you are just starting out on what is, hopefully, a lifelong journey of recovery, discovering the do’s and don’ts is complicated. it might seem like tough going. We get it and have been there. Early recovery can be marked by anxiety, depression, regret, and...

If you’ve been “overusing” drugs and alcohol for years, your life is probably in pretty rough shape. Early recovery was not easy, and we wondered where the so-called “pink cloud” was. It’s easy to think that simply putting down the booze and drugs is the...

When I stumbled into a 12-step program in my twenties considering getting clean and sober, in an effort to salvage what was left of my life. I found myself overrun by feelings of panic, remorse, and general anxiety. I sought out help because I was...

Recovery Works? Are the 12 Steps A Cure-All?  When I first arrived in a 12-step program, at a tender young age, I had a truckload of issues tailing me. I felt broken and irreparable, and as if I qualified for every 12-step program under the...

We talked before on this blog about just how super potent an attitude of gratitude can be for improving your level of satisfaction with life. More than just a perspective, practicing an attitude of gratitude is linked to improved physical health and mental well-being. It’s...

As a newcomer to a 12-step fellowship, I recall looking around and thinking – with utter despair – “is this my life now?” Understanding the importance of holistic wellness and keeping your recovery fresh is key to sustainability and longevity in your recovery journey. From...

Here we aim to answer some of the most common questions about drug treatment, the recovery process, and the various options for addiction help. If you are looking for ‘rehabs near me’ we are happy to explain our process and get you information for next...

People, Places, and Things. Sometimes in treatment centers or 12-step groups we hear this phrase thrown around. It suggests that in order to recover from alcoholism or drug addiction, we must change every aspect of our lives—our close friendships, where we go, the things we...

Is dating a newly sober alcoholic or addict a recipe for disaster? Dating someone in recovery can potentially be complicated, especially if they are early in their recovery journey. Here we offer some food for thought: If you are in recovery yourself or not, you...

At home detox for alcohol or benzodiazepines (drugs like Valium, Xanax, Ativan), can seem easier, less expensive and more comfortable, but can also pose serious health risks. Most people are unaware of the potential dangers of withdrawal and are often surprised to discover that abruptly...

Here at Scottsdale Providence, we are committed to the overall wellness of our community. It’s at the core of our mission, and it goes far beyond just treatment. We are here to support our client’s lifestyles and health in smooth sailing and rough waters. Awareness...

Feeling like a failure in recovery? In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, AA’s co-founder, Bill W., describes a trip he takes to Akron, Ohio. He is newly sober—six months—and is pursuing a business venture that he desperately needs to go well. Not only does...

To anyone wondering how to help an addict, here is the bottom line up front: You can’t fix them—there is no magic solution. Your support is helpful. Your indulgence is not. However, you can make the situation better for everyone by helping yourself. We know...

Oddly, it can be astonishingly difficult to diagnose oneself as an alcoholic or an addict. Being able to see the signs of addiction becomes nearly impossible when we are in the cycle ourselves. Our lives can be burnt to the ground, in smoldering flames all...

The holidays are upon us! For many, these celebrations center around festive meals with family and friends. Afterward, who hasn’t lamented the overindulgence and vowed to get back on track in the new year? But for alcoholics and addicts in recovery, finding a normal relationship...

Swainson Brown was a beloved chef at a restaurant on Shelter Island, near New York City. One night in August, he consumed cocaine, which authorities said he had no idea was laced with fentanyl. Mr. Brown was among six people in the community who died in three...

Well, it’s that time again. Love it or leave it, the holiday season is upon us. Although this time of year brings both joy and stress to most, for those in recovery it can present additional pressure and worry. From intense relatives to boozy holiday...

Let’s be honest—choosing the right treatment center for the right length of time can make the difference between life and death for someone struggling with addiction. And figuring out how long you should stay for the best chance of success can be confusing! Here are...

For years now, we have heard about the seemingly never-ending scourge of the opioid epidemic. In fact, on this blog, we have written extensively about the soaring rates of overdoses associated with opioids that break records each year. Turns out, a parallel crisis exists, but...

This year alone, over 47 million Americans are reportedly experiencing mental illness, according to Mental Health Alliance, a US-based non-profit. As common as they are—judging by the numbers—mental health issues often remain taboo or shameful, and often elicit little of the empathy and support shown...

Often we hear that recovery is “Mind, Body, Spirit.” Many people in treatment for substance abuse have long mistreated or neglected their bodies, not to mention their minds and spirits. That said, finding a restorative physical practice can be a vital component of a well-rounded...

With many options for rehab in the Scottsdale area, choosing the best addiction treatment center can be overwhelming! Here’s where to start. Which Arizona Addiction Treatment Center is Right For You? Naturally, for families and individuals considering which addiction treatment center, choosing the right center...

September is National Recovery Month—a time when people whose lives are touched by addiction, alcoholism, and substance use disorder come together to raise awareness of the problem and celebrate stories of hope and change. Scottsdale Providence is proud to join in the celebration of National...

For many in the recovery community, developing a spiritual life with a meditation practice has been an absolute necessity to find some peace and sanity. Most of us have found that once we put down the drink, drugs, or behavior that’s been holding us back,...

As we’ve written about before on this blog, America is in the midst of an overdose epidemic of epic proportions – and it seems to be getting progressively worse. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) just released their annual statistics on the country’s overdose deaths,...

Post Pandemic Suggestions Let’s face it – it’s been a tough year. The coronavirus pandemic brought with it unprecedented new levels of stress, uncertainty, and economic insecurity. Many battled with grief, upheaval, and diminished social connections. In fact, the word “unprecedented” was used so often...

Many people on the road to recovery have discovered that taking a deeper dive into the underlying drivers of their addiction is core for contented, long-term sobriety. While many 12-step groups offer great foundations for addressing these issues, many have found that therapy and complementary...

Somatic Experiencing Therapy Josie* had been in recovery for many years and thought she was doing pretty well. When she started dating seriously, she suddenly found herself grappling with intense anxiety, seemingly out of nowhere. Her years of clean and sober living and solid foundations...

EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful treatment modality often used with people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related distress. Research indicates that trauma and addiction often go hand in hand, making EMDR a natural addition...

Here at Scottsdale Providence, we believe in offering our clients the best range of evidence-based, research-backed treatment modalities to help them find lasting recovery from substance abuse, mental health and behavioral issues, and trauma. EMDR therapy is one such modality our team is passionate about....

What exactly makes someone a drug addict, an alcoholic, or a substance abuser? For those struggling with substance abuse habits that are causing problems, figuring out how to get your life back on track can be overwhelming, especially when doing it on your own. We...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published its ever-more grim overdose statistics, and it’s not looking good. The data set is published annually and tracks the previous year’s deaths attributable to overdoses as well as where those ODs occur and what drugs...

Curious about what neurofeedback can do? From 4 to 80, no matter your age or situation; this powerful tool can make an impact. Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a type of biofeedback. During this therapeutic intervention, non-invasive sensors are attached to your scalp,...

What are the Benefits of Neurofeedback? Neurofeedback is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that has a number of benefits. It uses technology to help train the brain to function more optimally and help people become more adaptive, resilient, and efficient. Patients report improvements in their memory...

Neurofeedback is a therapeutic intervention used to treat conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, PTSD, stroke, concussion, and other neurological issues. Just as a mechanic can assess the condition of your car, neurofeedback uses technology to assess brainwave activity. This technology provides insights into...

Most people who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction have a long history of attachment or developmental trauma. Treating this directly provides the best chance for a patient to thrive beyond treatment. Somatic Experiencing® helps people move beyond a fight, flight, or freeze response to...

The Somatic Experiencing® method is a form of therapy that seeks to relieve the symptoms of trauma and other stress disorders through a body-oriented approach. This modality seeks to re-set the nervous system and address traumatic shock, essential to recovering from previous trauma. Somatic Experiencing...

What is Somatic Experiencing? In short, Somatic Experiencing® is a powerful type of trauma resolution therapy that heals the mind-body connection. Psychology Today defines trauma as “anything that is too much, too soon, or too fast for our nervous system to handle, especially if we...

Drug overdoses are again on the rise as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. As we reported earlier, fatal ODs surged in tandem with the arrival of COVID-19 and its associated interference with routines, jobs, recovery activity, and essential health services. Recent research suggests that trend...

What does trauma have to do with addiction treatment or substance abuse? Consider this—incredibly, 75% of people receiving treatment for addiction report a history of trauma. The risk for substance abuse rises by as much as four times for people who experienced trauma early in...

For those who are new to sober living, and those who have been in recovery for some time – these are challenging times. People around the world are experiencing unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty due to COVID-19. Collectively, we are experiencing conditions that would make even...

 Finding the right treatment for you or your loved one’s specific mental health needs can be challenging. Mental illness does not respond to a “one size fits all” approach—which is why our program is designed to offer personalized treatment to address an individual’s’ unique needs....

New data is pointing to a dangerous nationwide uptick in drug overdoses since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic. Recent reporting indicates the spike is being driven by myriad social and economic factors – including a loss of funding for treatment programs, increased social isolation,...

There is no denying it – it’s been a rough year and putting your wellness first is crucial. 2020 began with tense political division, followed by a terrifying virus pandemic, economic downturn, and some of the greatest social unrest our country has witnessed in decades....

For many of us, when we enter recovery from substance abuse, we have it drilled into our heads that we must avoid isolation at all costs. People regularly tell us that isolation is the enemy, and will put on us the road to relapse. So,...

Here at Scottsdale Providence, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of change. For people that are ready and willing, transformation can happen under any circumstances. Even lockdown. During the international crisis caused by COVID-19, treatment facilities are considered an essential service. People...

In these crazy times, how can we deal with feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and panic without our old ways of coping? How do we learn to show up to whatever comes with grace and calm? Many of us in recovery—especially early recovery—have been overcome with...

First things first: understanding what drives addiction is not generally enough to beat it. However – an understanding of the way addiction hijacks the brain can help to explain why so many people who want to quit find themselves totally powerless. Cognitive researchers have made...

Recent figures released by the Centers for Disease Control indicate that 2018 saw the first decline in drug overdose deaths since 1999. Overdose fatalities dropped by 4.1%, compared to 2017, and the drop mostly involved natural and semi-synthetic opioids. Despite the improvement, the numbers remain...

2020 has arrived! And if you’re anything like the rest of us, you’ve probably got some New Year’s motivation and maybe even a resolution or two. To be sure, making big goals around the New Year is almost a cliché, even though most of us...

As Shawn took a seat on his first day of treatment, the group counselor stood up and issued a dire warning: “Look to your left. Now look to your right. According to the statistics, two of you won’t make it.” Does rehab work? Shawn asked...

Welcome to November, when those throughout the recovery community celebrate Gratitude Month! More than just a hollow reminder to be more thankful, gratitude is a principal that many claim is key to a happy, contented recovery. Unsurprisingly, recovering addicts and alcoholics weren’t the first to...

As the fall months roll in, our bodies recognize it. The days get shorter, the weather gets cooler, seasonal depression kicks in and the whole world seems to take on a “back to work” feel. Maybe this has to do with back to school schedules,...

For the first time in over three decades, the US in 2018 recorded a drop in the number of drug overdose deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control’s annual survey. The decline came almost entirely from a dip in the number of deaths associated...

Welcome to the second in our two-part series on life after treatment- staying sober! You’ve heard it said before: treatment is just the beginning. When our bodies and minds have been pummeled and warped by addiction, rebuilding takes time. Most people discoverer that even once...

So, you are ready to leave an addiction recovery center and head out into the world. Now what? Welcome the first installment of our three-part series on Life After Treatment. Here, we offer tools, tips, and tricks for thriving out in the world, beyond the...

Now that summer’s finally here, what are you going to do with yourself? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the best of what summer has to offer while staying clean and sober. Here is some inspiration… Get out there Studies have shown that...

Can a God skeptic find hope in a 12 Step program? Countless people have wandered into a 12 Step program, only to be put off by the seemingly religious undertones of the program. The church basements, talk of miracles, and G-word are just too much...

In most 12-step fellowships, we hear the word “sponsor” thrown around quite a bit. To the uninitiated, the role of this elusive person is hazy at best. Of course, it brings to mind lucrative deals with athletic brands, or Little League teams brought to you...

“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It is connection.” A chilling thought occurred to me the other day: there was a time, near the end of my drinking career, that if some horrible circumstance were to befall me and I died suddenly—that it would...

Long-lasting recovery from compulsive and self-defeating behaviors is possible, and seeking treatment is a perfect place to start. Although, admittedly, choosing a treatment center can be a daunting and overwhelming prospect. Here we offer some guidance you can trust to help you find your way to...

This is about learning to live comfortably sober. If we are going to stay sober for the long haul, most of us have to find a way to live happily and comfortably in this world without alcohol, drugs, or anything else to take the edge...

So often, around the New Year, we as a society collectively get inspired to do some self-improvement. We make ambitious goals that often fall by the wayside weeks after they were so committedly made. Often, when aiming for greater “wellness” – the much-hyped buzzword of...

The holiday season can be hell. It can also be an opportunity for joy, connection, and wonder. For people in recovery, the holidays often come with some extra challenges—stress, expectations, family, commitments, and booze everywhere. It can be tough to weather this whirlwind with any...

By Christina Rock Mindfulness. We hear this word thrown around with astonishing frequency—so much so that it seems like becoming more mindful can be a panacea for anything that ails us. What does it mean though, and how exactly do you practice mindfulness? Being mindful...

By Megan Krause Believe it or not, your brain really does want to be healthy. It might not always seem like that, we know. Sometimes it seems like our brain is attacking us from a million different angles. We’ve been there, too. Our brains have...

The Opioid Epidemic The opioid epidemic continues to rage across the country, with a record 72,000 drug overdose deaths estimated in 2017, up sharply from the previous year, which itself was record-breaking. The statistics are heartbreaking, and often leave us feeling powerless in the face...

By Megan Krause Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from their past traumatic experiences. Experts believe that past traumatic experiences can continue to cause problems in our lives if we haven’t properly processed the memory of...

Darcy Van Dyke felt broken before finding DBT. After years—decades—battling substance abuse and bipolar disorders, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to hang in there with life any longer. Her relationships were in shambles. Her life was a mess. She didn’t get it. Other people...

Cherie McMahon had always been a nervous kid. Her anxiety increased in her 20s, compounded by bouts of depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior. She was plagued by stress and self-doubt. She had insomnia. Her relationships began to suffer. Last summer, the 34-year-old Phoenix native finally had...

September is National Recovery Month—a time when people whose lives are touched by addiction come together to celebrate stories of hope and change. Every year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sponsors Recovery Month to bring attention to substance use disorders and honor those...

Early estimates suggest that 2017 is the deadliest year yet for drug overdoses in America. Some 72,000 people died—that’s 200 people a day or one death every eight minutes. This means drug overdoses in 2017 killed more people than guns, car crashes, or HIV/AIDS ever...

After a long period of struggling with substance abuse, finding a job can be difficult, leaving you with nothing to do with your spare time but continue the job search and hope for the best. At least, that’s what you thought. In fact, there’s an...

Can you get sober if you don’t believe in God? The short answer is: sure you can, come on in! But there is more to the story… Often people in need of help for their alcoholism or drug addiction (SUD) wander into treatment centers or...

What am I doing I thought to myself as I sat in that depressing room. Why am I here? I’m only 21. I was about a month sober. 46 days, as I had just graduated from my 45-day rehab. I was up at the ungodly...

There are two types of people who go to rehab: those who want to be there, and those that don’t. If you’re part of the first group, I have fantastic news. You’re going to love it here. Three square meals a day, comfortable beds, more...

The dawn of sobriety in our lives is not always straight trajectory to joy. Rarely, if ever, do we overcome the grips of our alcoholism unscarred or lacking severe pain. The veil is ripped away; we lay bare with our fear and depression, our desperation...