Strategies for Preventing Relapse

It’s no secret that a high percentage of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts relapse at least once, and many people have to go through the recovery process multiple times before it finally sticks. Read more

The Anatomy of Relapse

You really thought you conquered your addiction this time, but then you relapsed again. Now you’re looking for someone or something to blame. But relapse is rarely linked to a single cause or event, but is instead a process that builds over time. Read more

Stages of Change and Substance Abuse Treatment

Historically, substance abuse treatment methods and programs have engaged in some negative approaches, including focusing on client “noncompliance” and “failure.” A relatively recent approach, the Transtheoretical Model of Change (also known as the Stages of Change model) turns reverses this dynamic by emphasizing client readiness as a key component of treatment. Read more

Coping Strategies for Recovery

Learning healthy and effective coping strategies is a crucial component of recovery. Read more

Handling Emotional Ups and Downs in Early Recovery

For most people who go through recovery from addiction, the first few months and even years can be a disorienting time. After spending years using drugs or alcohol to cope, to make feelings go away, or to artificially supply certain emotions, individuals must go through a period of readjustment. Read more

Relapse: Prevention, Symptoms, and Recovery

“The lust for comfort, that stealthy
thing that enters the house a guest,
then becomes a host,
and then a master.”

-Kahlil Gibran

This phrase from 19th century poet Kahlil Gibran resonates with anyone who has struggled with substance abuse. One of the most difficult experiences that a recovering addict can go through is a relapse into drug and/or alcohol abuse. Read more

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage

By Shannon Perez

When it comes to addiction, few things are more frustrating than dealing with the issue of self-sabotage. Just when it seems everything is moving in the right direction, the tendency to revert back to old behavior patterns, thoughts and activities rears its ugly head. The guilt, shame and despair leaves everyone bewildered and feeling hopeless. Read more