Choosing a Women’s Sober Living Home in Orange County
Recovery from substance abuse is a courageous and life-changing journey, and finding the right environment to support your sobriety is crucial. For many women in Orange County, California, transitioning from a treatment program to a sober living home can be an...
How to Feel Grateful In Any Situation – and Why it’s More Important Now Than Ever
Thanksgiving celebrations in 2020, like everything thing else this year, may be a bit untraditional. Many in our communities continue to feel the stress of the ongoing pandemic and the lingering political tensions. Quite a few of us are worried about staying safe and...
Mind, Body,Spirit: How Yoga can Complement Recovery
Often we hear that recovery is "Mind, Body, Spirit." Many people in recovery from substance abuse have long abused 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...
Four Ways to Deal with Autumn Anxiety
Long before the pandemic, autumn anxiety was real. For many sensitive folks — as well as the estimated 10 million people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — the numerous seasonal and lifestyle changes that accompany fall can cause something called “autumn anxiety.”
Overdoses Continue to Surge with COVID-19 Outbreak
Drug overdoses remain at alarmingly high levels as the coronavirus pandemic continues. As we reported over the summer, overdose deaths surged in tandem with the arrival of the virus and the interruptions it brought to daily life, work, recovery activity, and essential health services. Research suggests that the dangerous trend has persisted and shows no signs of slowing.
How Addiction Affects the Brain
Cognitive researchers have made huge progress in recent years that has led to a much deeper understanding of what underlies the addictive processes. When researchers first began studying addiction, many believed that worked that people struggling with addiction lacked will power, or didn’t really “want” to stop.
Why Trauma-Informed Care is Vital During Substance Abuse Treatment
75% of people who seek addiction treatment report a history of trauma. 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 events—this risk can rise tenfold. Obviously, there is a correlation between trauma and the potential for substance abuse.
4 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health During COVID-19
No one can argue that these are tough times. It doesn’t matter if you are new to sober living or have been in recovery for some time—the COVID-19 pandemic affects us all. People around the world are experiencing unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty. Collectively, we...
What is Sponsorship and Do You Need to Try It?
In most 12-step fellowships, we hear the word “sponsor” thrown around quite a bit. To the uninitiated, the role of this person is hazy at best. Of course, it brings to mind lucrative deals with athletic brands, or Little League teams brought to you by the local pizza joint.
Crisis Within a Crisis – COVID-19 Pandemic Leads to Uptick in Overdose Deaths
Newly emerging research suggests that there has been a huge uptick in drug overdoses since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data indicates that several key contributors are fuelling the rise – including a loss of critical funding for treatment programs,...
Making Time For Stillness
When I stumbled into a 12-step program in my twenties, 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 tired of feeling broken and was desperate for change. Thanks to some amazing stroke of luck or grace or both, I found lasting sobriety, and even some peace and freedom.
5 Ways to Feel More Grateful
From biological advantages to enhanced social cohesion, gratitude appears to be a potent emotion with some serious physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.