What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change throughout the lifetime. The brain can continue to change into old age in response to your experiences, creating new pathways and neurons, and even in some cases assigning new roles to different parts. You may have heard that addiction changes the brain. That is because of neuroplasticity. Addiction […]
Can You Be Addicted if You’re High-Functioning?
You may have heard of “high-functioning” addiction. This is when someone with an active substance use disorder appears as though they have it all together. This might be because they have a job, or have maintained relationships, or otherwise don’t fit certain stereotypes about addiction. There is no one way to experience addiction. Some people […]
Staying Sober Through Hard Times
Chronically using substances tends to make our lives more stressful—and us less able to handle stress. The longer time you spend in recovery, the more manageable life tends to become. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t go through rough times. Hard things happen whether you’re sober or not. In recovery, you find ways to get […]
Replacing Substance Use
In active addiction, our brains are so used to getting massive amounts of dopamine that it reduces dopamine receptors. This neurotransmitter is involved in anticipating rewards and motivating you to seek them out, which means it plays a large role in addiction. In sobriety, we now have a brain with dopamine imbalances accustomed to receiving […]
How to Select a Treatment Facility
Introduction to Treatment Facilities If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, selecting the right treatment facility can make all the difference in your journey towards recovery. With so many options available, it’s important to carefully consider various factors before making this critical decision. Factors to Consider Before Choosing […]
Addiction as Self-Soothing
Sometimes when we haven’t been taught healthy methods for coping with pain, we use drugs or alcohol to self-soothe. As Liz, who I interviewed for the Sober Stories series, said, “There’s a practice of self-compassion of thinking: at that time in my life, that was the tool I’d learned for self-survival. I wasn’t taught healthier […]
How Recovery Changes Over Time
Over time when you’re sober, some things about recovery stay the same—and many things change. It continues to be full of surprises, rewards, and challenges. However, those are different as time goes on. In early recovery, your brain and body are going through the first parts of healing while you learn to do everyday things […]
Pets and Mental Health
People who have pets know how much they can impact your overall well-being. We take care of pets, but the relationship is mutually beneficial. How Do Pets Benefit Mental Health? There are some practical reasons for this. Walking dogs, for instance, helps people get fresh air and exercise. Taking care of a living being […]
Celebrate Sobriety: 10 Exciting Ways to Welcome the New Year
We believe that celebrating your sober journey should be anything but dull. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 10 exciting and unforgettable ways to welcome the new year in style. Introduction to Sobriety and the New Year The start of a new year often makes us think of setting goals and making positive changes […]
Coping With Regrets That Arise During Recovery
When you’re chronically under the influence of a substance, you’re bound to act in ways you wouldn’t otherwise. This means that when you get sober, you might have regrets. Living with regret can be painful, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, if you’re having regrets, it means you are starting to […]
