There is far more to recovery than just stopping your drug or alcohol use. Most individuals who have struggled with substance use issues have found that the real work of recovery begins after all use has stopped. The challenge becomes about reintegrating yourself into life; the inevitable “starting over” that must come after you have…
It can be difficult for individuals battling an addiction to know where to start on the path to addiction recovery. Perhaps you have tried to stop drinking or using drugs, but have relapsed and need to begin again. Maybe you feel that you cannot take the time you need to recover because of your responsibilities…
“Suffering does not solve any problem mechanically as much as it reveals the constant problem that we are to ourselves, and opens up new spaces within us for learning and loving” – Richard Rohr Connecting With Others Life is about connection. Human beings are social creatures. We are often at our best when we…
Nearly everyone has heard the word “addiction” before and knows the meaning of this word. However, terms you may not have heard of before are “physical dependence,” and “psychological dependence” which go hand in hand with addiction. As most people know, addiction is a chronic condition that is marked by a person actively seeking drugs…
In the United States, millions of people struggle with substance abuse. Addiction to drugs and alcohol costs taxpayers billions each year and takes tens of thousands of lives. Many individuals who struggle with addiction never seek professional help, even though addiction (like any disease) often requires formal help. If you or a loved one is…
A friend of mine recently posted on social media that he was looking for support. He had taken someone in who was struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as untreated trauma from past physical abuse. This person was living with him temporarily, sleeping on his couch, and was “surviving on morphine, nicotine,…
A Mindful, Community-Centered Approach A mindful person intentionally pays attention in a particular, non-judgemental way to the present moment. This may seem like a simple concept, but mindfulness is a skill that takes time and energy to develop. A mindful person is aware of (but not consumed by) the people around them. Mindfulness is especially…
Addiction affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. No one plans to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but unfortunately, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 20 million people in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in 2018. Of that group, many will never seek…
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs, you know that addiction can alter the way you think and act. Long-term substance abuse changes the chemistry in your brain, making you dependent on the drug to get through daily activities. Overcoming addiction alone is difficult, even if you have the…
Alcohol addiction affects people all over the world. Millions of people in the United States are impacted every year by the realities of substance abuse, and those in Washington State are no exception. Once you have become addicted to alcohol, you will likely need the help of a professional alcohol addiction treatment center to stop…