When someone has issues with addiction, they are suffering from a disease which can often tear families apart as they try to understand, support, and help their relative. It’s never a case of being just the addict that goes through addiction because everyone else in the family are usually pulled into the situation, even if the addict has moved away. 

Addiction is a mental illness that is characterized by negative thoughts and behaviors. This mental state is not “deliberate” and very often, substance abuse is not a “chosen” behavior at all. If you are working to overcome addiction, you will learn mechanisms for avoiding negative thoughts during recovery. Here we take a closer look at why that is so effective in promoting long-term sobriety.

For many people overcoming substance abuse, the holiday season is often an anxious time as they adjust to life without drugs or alcohol. It is not uncommon for someone leaving rehab to feel that they will become boring without using substances, rendering their social lives non-existent. However, as many people in recovery report, these fears are unfounded. There are plenty of activities you can take up without alcohol or drugs involved. Let’s take a look at a few.

For people in recovery from addiction, the Holiday season can be even more challenging than other times. There is an enormous amount of pressure on all of us during the holidays but some people need a little extra help to cope with the festivities. People in recovery are constantly aware of the triggers of relapse and do their very best to avoid them. However, it is not so easy to avoid social gatherings at this time of the year.

There are still many misconceptions about people with addiction, which often serves as a barrier to them getting the help they need. It is not surprising then that many individuals in rehab centers committed to treatment only after the intervention of their friends and family. An intervention is a planned event designed to show an addicted loved one that their problems with substance abuse have affected others.

It is exceptionally difficult for some people to face the challenge of telling their children about past drug or alcohol abuse. That said, it is also important to recognize that very often children are negatively influenced by a parent who has dealt with substance abuse in the past. It is not uncommon for children of addicted parents to go on to develop substance abuse issues of their own.

When people have completed a rehab program and they return home, one of the challenges they face is letting people know they are in recovery. There are still many misconceptions about addiction and it may be difficult to accurately gauge a person’s response when you tell them about your journey. Here are some tips to keep in mind that might help you.

People who work their way through rehab treatment are always encouraged to acknowledge their significant achievements. Overcoming addiction is not without its challenges and it is a testament to your strength of character to have successfully completed a rehab program. However despite this, many people don’t feel they are ready for love in the early days of recovery as they focus on healing themselves.

Addiction is an illness that doesn’t only affect the person abusing substances. In most cases loved ones, friends, and coworkers are also impacted by the way an individual behaves when they are suffering as a result of substance abuse. It can be very difficult for many people to know how to deal with someone struggling with addiction, especially if you want to help them get the treatment we need.

When someone is codependent, it means that they are completely influenced by another person’s behavior. This can be to the extent where they try and control their actions which is usually for the best intentions. However, many people with addiction are also involved in codependent relationships which can serve to make their problems much worse.