Often, the barrier that keeps individuals from pursuing a life in recovery is the knowledge that the first step—withdrawal and detox—is mentally taxing and physically and psychologically demanding. The detox process can be very painful. It can even create or exacerbate risks to your health. This is especially when you attempt it without medical supervision …
Why You Need Medical Supervision During Withdrawals Read More »
Alcohol Treatment Programs: Different Paths to the Same Goal Nearly everyone in recovery is familiar with the 12-step program concept. Alcoholics Anonymous was the first such program, beginning in 1935. Since then, many other alcohol treatment programs have followed in its footsteps. While 12-step fellowships have helped millions of people recover, they are not the …
What is Non-12-Step Alcohol Rehab and How Can It Help? Read More »
Regardless of who you are, relationships are full of difficulties—dating a recovering alcoholic comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. Although we have objections to reducing someone’s relationship success based on this singular fact about them, their recovery journey is a significant factor nonetheless. Loving someone in recovery can require extra understanding and …
What to Expect When Dating a Recovering Alcoholic Read More »
Seeking treatment is an excellent—and in some cases, life-saving—idea for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol dependency or addiction. Contacting professionals for admission into a treatment program means you’ve recognized that the life you’re living was tainted by substance use, and you are newly committed to yourself and improving your health. As you prepare for …
The “Expectation vs. Reality” memes circulating social media. These show side-by-side comparisons that illustrate discrepancies in how we think things should go versus how they actually turn out. It usually elicits a few chuckles from those scrolling by. This is also a good image of what it’s like when one’s expectations in addiction recovery do …
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Do you log onto a social media platform like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram? If you do, you are not alone but engaging in an activity that many adolescents, young adults and adults engage in at growing rates. New data shows that an estimated 72% of …
When you drink for an extended period of time, you can start to develop an alcohol tolerance. While some may believe this to be a source of pride, the truth about alcohol tolerance is that despite your body’s attempts to ward itself from the adverse effects of drinking, it remains ill-prepared nonetheless. We understand tolerance …
In addiction recovery, it seems everyone’s biggest fear is relapse—or is it a lapse? A return to active addiction would be a significant setback in anyone’s recovery, but so is the loss of pride that accompanies restarting the clock on your recovery. So what is the difference between a relapse vs a lapse? Recovery …
Overcoming addiction is no easy feat, nor is it a one-and-done situation. Even progress that leads to long-term abstinence is still part of the recovery journey. Along the way, you will build new habits and increase your ability to make healthier decisions, all while moving toward healing. Because there is no finish line in recovery, …
Washburn House’s 5 Favorite Quotes on Overcoming Addiction Read More »
How can you stop alcohol cravings? When you’re trying to stay sober, your alcohol cravings can sometimes take over and make you feel like you have to take a drink. Some people have tried everything to stop drinking. But look no further than your diet to help stop alcohol cravings. Overall, switching to a …