Today is St. Patrick’s Day, which means many Americans will be wearing green, going to parades, and drinking. This can be a festive time, but if you are newly sober, the association between St. Patrick’s Day and alcohol also presents relapse risks. You may feel wary about the social aspect of the holiday, as it can…
Some ideas so you can enjoy a Sober Valentine’s Day Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in America. Unfortunately, it is also intertwined with people’s perception of a good time. As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might already be dealing with the stress of choosing a good date—don’t let alcohol be a contributing factor to your worries!…
When clients want to embrace the holiday spirit without the spirits, but our culture doesn’t create an environment where we can question our relationships with alcohol, they need simple but effective guidance to set boundaries and destress. In fact, alcohol culture has become so prominent in our everyday lives that people are shocked when someone…
A Safe and Sober Thanksgiving You don’t need to have alcohol for a good Thanksgiving. If you are in addiction recovery, alcohol will not only complicate your day, but it will derail your program. With the significant holiday quickly approaching, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for keeping your sobriety intact…
Worried About A Loved One’s Sobriety This Halloween? With Halloween just around the corner, it’s worth a reminder that this is one time of year when a little caution and some common sense ahead of time can avoid a potential tragedy come Trick or Treat day. Halloween, in fact, trumps all other days of the…
Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Many people don’t understand how addictive certain prescription medications can be. Oftentimes, the line has been crossed before the sufferer even realizes they’re addicted to the drug they hoped would help them. If taken correctly, prescription medications can have tremendous health benefits. However, as soon as they begin…
Exercise & Mental Health Benefits: What are the mental health benefits of exercise? Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most people to…
We want to talk about alcohol and its effect on our health, lives, and relationships. Undoubtedly, most people are aware that alcohol can cause stress and conflict in relationships. However, the general public may not understand the extent. Often, being close to alcoholics can change the relationship dynamic, and it’s essential to know how that…
BASIC IOP REQUIREMENTS The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Counselor’s Treatment Manual outlines a sample schedule that gives an idea of what you can expect if you or someone you know begins treatment at an IOP. This is only a sample, and your program may differ depending on your needs. Weeks 1-4 Weeks 5-16…
6 Benefits of IOP Programs If you’ve come to terms with the fact that you’re struggling with a dependency – whether it’s alcohol, opiates, or another substance – and want to get clean, you will need to decide if you are going to commit to an inpatient or outpatient program. As the name suggests, an…