The public portrayal of American teenagers in television and media would have you believe that every high school student is consuming alcohol underage or dabbling in drug use. In reality, illicit drug use is at the lowest level it has been in more than 20 years — with 6.1% of 8th graders, 9.6% of 10th…
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If you have a loved one who battles addiction, you know firsthand the painful price of your love. You likely feel infinitely helpless as you watch someone you care for battle this stubborn opponent. Even more difficult is knowing how to continue showing them love while putting up necessary boundaries. Here we’ll offer some guidance…
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Shame and addiction — what a tragically intertwined pair. These two often seem to walk hand in hand, making it difficult for an addict to see their potential and purpose through a fog of lies that say, “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll never be free of this.” Shame also makes it harder for the…
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Addiction doesn’t just impact the person suffering — it has a ripple effect that reaches all their loved ones. If you have a sibling who struggles with substance abuse, you know this reality firsthand. Maybe you’re wondering if you should stage an intervention or whether it’s time to cut ties with an alcoholic sibling. Or…
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Keeping drug and alcohol cravings under control while you’re in recovery can feel like a daunting or even impossible feat. Even with the strongest motivation to remain sober, a combination of willpower and determination likely won’t be enough to avoid a relapse in the early stages of recovery. Instead, building a strong foundation of guidance…
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When addiction recovery gets tough — and there are times when it will — you may find yourself wondering, is living sober worth it? We’re here to tell you that the road to recovery is worth every grueling mile. It may feel like there’s no end in sight, but while addiction is in many ways…
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Being a parent is not easy. Being a parent of a child who struggles with addiction is harder still. Deciding how best to care for them and navigate a treatment plan can feel like a complicated journey. Know that you’re not alone — many resources are available to help you understand your child’s addiction and…
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One of the toughest times for any recovering addict is when grief comes their way. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the death of a dream or an unexpected tragedy in your life, you probably know that grief comes in all shapes and sizes. Even with the strongest motivation, it can be hard…
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Everyone deserves a break, even those recovering from addiction. As you unwind and relax, it’s important to hold on to all the progress you’ve made during your recovery journey. Depending on where you go, you may be faced with temptation and old triggers that could lead to a relapse. Safeguarding your sobriety is of paramount…
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Addiction has long been seen as a moral failing or weakness. Today, however, research shows that substance use is housed in the brain. Some people are genetically predisposed and thus more at risk of addiction. Others, after long-term use, rewire their brain to become dependent on drugs or alcohol. Most treatment programs focus on ridding…
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