ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
On the Road to Recovery is an addiction blog for those seeking support, guidance, recovery tools and suggestions on how to thrive in recovery. Our posts are designed for individuals in any stage of recovery, as well as family and friends of someone in active addiction.
Communication is one of the best support mechanisms when recovering from addiction. Having a safe place that you can turn to whether in recovery or looking for assistance can help one overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with addiction.
- The Use of Labels: Alcoholic and AddictLabels can have powerful effects on our conscious and subconscious beliefs about ourselves and the future actions we engage in. This can be seen well in the world of sports when we think about transcendent athletes such as Michael Jackson, or Tiger Woods. Their belief and self-talk that they are the best to do it…
- How the Abstinence Violation Effect Affects RecoveryHave you ever made a determination to start a new habit and have you been able to stay 100% dedicated to it through the remainder of your life? (insert cricket sound…) Of course, if you are reading this then you are still living and cannot confirm nor deny the attainment of this goal. If you…
- What is Cross Addiction?The nature of addiction can be pernicious. Once we have overcome one problematic behavior, another can seemingly sprout up and take its place. In the addiction field, this is often referred to as cross addiction. It has often been stated in various programs and literature that just about everyone has some form of addiction that…
- Desensitization of Triggers and Urge ReprocessingDeTUR™ (Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing) is an empirically supported method developed and refined by AJ Popky, Ph.D. DeTur integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and the Alternative Information Processing (AIP) model of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Cognitive therapy (inter-weaves) are utilized during the bi-lateral stimulation of EMDR Therapy to rapidly process…
- Abstinence vs. ModerationMany clients seeking services for addiction are often ambivalent about whether or not they have to completely quit, forever, or if they will ever be able to use moderately. This is a frequent conundrum for those in early recovery, and something that we at Realize Recovery often explore with clients uncertain in which direction they want to…
- Coping with Lapses and RelapsesEstablishing long term sobriety is hard, and how one manages returns to old behaviors can either enhance this process or greatly jeopardize long term gains. Gaining some sober time in the sum of weeks or months can feel invigorating and motivating; at times it is easier than it looked, while at others it is a downright…
- Being Comfortable Feeling UncomfortableGetting comfortable feeling uncomfortable, is one of my favorite recovery sayings because I feel it really sums up what is necessary to live a life free from problematic substance use. Those who use chemicals to change their emotional state may have begun using, as a means of making a fun time even better, but once the…
- Navigating the HolidaysThe holidays can be a treacherous time for those wanting to avoid alcohol and other mind-altering substances. This time can be triggering for several reasons, attending work parties, family gatherings, increased stress, financial strains, and the list goes on and on. The American Psychological Association has found that the holidays increase stress levels in 41% of women…
- Reducing Harms Associated with Substance AbuseFor many who have been using alcohol or drugs problematically, the advice given from loved ones and many mental health professionals is they must remain abstinent from all mind-altering substances and any deviation from complete abstinence is a cause for major concern. This approach to substance abuse follows an all-or-nothing model that does not consider…
- Supporting a Loved One with AddictionHaving a loved one who is struggling with addiction can feel overwhelming, create disharmony in the relationship and feel downright hopeless at times. The most well-known model used to help someone get into some form of treatment has been the Johnson Intervention method. Many have seen this model used on various television shows, filled with high drama,…
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