Education is the first step. We hear a lot about the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic in America. We’ve seen an unfortunate rise in …
The Importance of Anonymity in Meetings
Anonymity in 12-Step meetings has been a longstanding and foundational part of the program. AA’s founder, Bill Wilson, wrote extensively on the subject in the …
Breaking Stereotypes About Addiction
A stereotype refers to a commonly held belief that’s longstanding, general, and largely based on assumption. Stereotypes come in all shapes and sizes but they …
How to Know if You’re Self-Medicating
Unpacking the dangers of self-medicating. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common to self-medicate. Self-medicating refers to taking medicine or other substances oneself, rather than as prescribed by …
Things Your Addicted Loved One Has Trouble Telling You
Being a family member or friend of someone struggling with an addiction can be incredibly painful. It’s hard to know what to do, say, or …
“Don’t Believe Everything You Think”: When Your Mind Plays Tricks On You
The mind produces thoughts constantly. It’s one of the many ways in which our minds are amazing and complicated places. Anyone who has meditated knows …
Is it a Habit or an Addiction?
The words habit and addiction are often used interchangeably, but it’s not just semantics. Let’s differentiate the differences and similarities between habits and addictions. If …
Letting Go of the Stigma Around Addiction
There are many harmful stigmas and stereotypes surrounding addiction. While rehabilitation programs are a necessary and wonderful part of the recovery process, de-stigmatizing addiction is …
The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction
Some people come to drugs and/or alcohol out of curiosity or a desire to have fun. Many people, however, use drugs and alcohol as a …
Isolating: The Signs and Symptoms
Isolation is a word that we hear a lot in recovery circles. We’re told to avoid it, as isolation is one of the enemies of …