Students in recovery face significant challenges in a college campus environment, but they shouldn’t have to choose between their recovery and a college education. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) across the country provide support and resources to help students in recovery balance their sobriety and education while still having an authentic college experience.
Stadium-Wide Alcohol Sales at SEC Football Games: A Bad Idea?
As of August 1st, the SEC officially lifted its ban on stadium-wide alcohol sales with some restrictions. With just a few weeks of the 2019-20 college football season behind us, we have yet to see the consequences of the SEC’s decision to loosen restrictions on alcohol sales.
Stephen’s Story: Breaking Free
Stephen grew up in Oklahoma City and was one of five boys. His parents both worked hard to provide a great life for their children and they all attended private Catholic school. Stephen says he never wanted for anything as a kid and he enjoyed playing a variety of sports.
7 Natural Ways to Manage Chronic Pain in Recovery
In this episode, I’m going to provide 7 natural ways to manage chronic pain in recovery.
Often when we go to the doctor, the first option for pain relief is medication. However, this may not be the best option if you are recovering from severe addiction and the benefits of using opioids for pain relief may not outweigh the risks.
If you are recovering from opioid addiction, pain management in recovery can be a complex challenge. Many people in recovery choose to avoid prescription medications like opioids. However, dealing with chronic pain daily can make sobriety difficult and relapse more likely.
Fortunately, there are many different natural pain relief methods and treatments that are just as effective as medication, without all the harmful side effects or potential for relapse.
“Natural” pain relief methods are holistic treatment methods that do not involve prescription medication like opioids, antidepressants, or other over-the-counter medications that could potentially be abused.
If you struggle with chronic pain and you’re in recovery, there are several different types of holistic or natural pain management methods that may help you adjust to a life of sobriety. Here are seven effective ones.
1. Yoga
2. Massage Therapy
3. Physical Therapy
4. Mindfulness Meditation
5. Acupuncture
6. Individual and Group Counseling
7. Exercise
Author Jody Lamb Talks Personal Growth and Healing as an ACoA
Jody Lamb is a Michigan personal growth author, blogger, and adult child of an alcoholic (ACoA). She has spent the last ten years healing from the trauma and neglect she experienced as a child. Her most recent book, “7 Things That Change Everything” addresses the challenges of living as an ACoA and is designed to […]
8 Daily Relapse Prevention Tips
Hi there, thanks for joining me. This podcast is all about sharing positive advice and wisdom for daily life in recovery. In this episode, I’m going to provide 8 daily relapse prevention tips.
If you are in recovery, you’re most likely fully aware that every day can be a challenge. Although your days in detox and rehab are over and you’re not actively abusing drugs and alcohol anymore, day-to-day life can still be filled with triggers, stressful occurrences, and cravings.
You’re not alone in this struggle and many other people are also be facing similar challenges each day.
Relapse is a very real risk so implementing these daily relapse prevention tips and strategies is a great way to maintain your sobriety. Most people are often more successful at maintaining long-term sobriety with the help of a support system and ongoing recovery services. In addition to those services, here are eight relapse prevention tips. Keep these things in mind each day and use them to address any warning signs of relapse.
Tip #1. Know the signs of emotional and mental relapse.
Tip #2. Be aware of how you’re feeling, emotionally and physically.
Tip #3. Fill your free time.
Tip #4. Resist the urge to skip support group meetings.
Tip #5. Carry your emergency contact list with you wherever you go.
Tip #6. Always have a backup plan.
Tip #7. Take care of yourself first.
Tip #8. Invest your time in building healthy relationships instead of lingering on old, unhealthy ones.
6 Important Things No One Tells You About Addiction
Substance use disorder is a complex issue and negative social stigma often keeps people from sharing their life experiences involving addiction. Throughout the treatment process, people in recovery work hard to explore the causes of their substance abuse and strategies for preventing relapse. During this process, they learn many things about addiction that could have […]
How to Celebrate National Recovery Month
September of 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month, a month-long observance designed to increase awareness about addiction, celebrate the successful recovery of millions of Americans, and improve access to addiction treatment programs. Even if you’re not in recovery, you can still participate in this annual observance and help others get the help […]
13 Natural Ways to Manage Depression in Recovery
This podcast is all about sharing positive advice and wisdom for daily life in recovery. In this episode, I’m going to talk a little bit about depression, how it relates to addiction recovery, and 13 natural ways to find some relief.
Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression can severely affect a person’s emotional and physical health, causing feelings of emptiness and sadness, insomnia, weight fluctuations, cognitive problems, fatigue, weakened immune system, and at its worst, suicide.
Most people in recovery are very familiar with the effects of depression because depression and substance abuse frequently co-exist. People often abuse drugs or alcohol to escape their sadness, but substance abuse can also cause depression. The cycle of depression and substance abuse often continues endlessly.
Many people turn to antidepressants to combat depression, however, prescription drugs may not always be the best choice for someone with a history of addiction. Fortunately, there are many “natural” non-medicated ways to combat depression if you’re in recovery.
Here are 13 natural ways to manage depression in recovery.
1. Establish and maintain a daily routine.
2. Set daily goals.
3. Volunteer.
4. Try aromatherapy.
5. Make some dietary changes.
6. Get moving.
7. Catch some rays.
8. Consider getting a pet.
9. Stay involved with your community support group.
10. Make music a part of your daily life.
11. Practice meditation or yoga for a few minutes each day.
12. Do something new.
13. Prioritize fun.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment
What is Dextromethorphan (DXM)? DXM, or dextromethorphan, is a dissociative anesthetic and a commonly-used synthetic substance found in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.1 DXM has a long history of efficacy and safety in suppressing cough when used in therapeutic doses but it is also misused for recreational purposes, as it can cause a high.