Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)When children grow up in a home where one or both parents or caregivers struggles with active alcohol addiction, each day can bring chaos, fear, uncertainty, or sadness. They may be exposed to violence, arguments, abandonment, abuse, or neglect.Children of alcoholics learn they are never the priority. Instead of being cared...Read More
Thanksgiving is a holiday that many of us associate with family and friend get-togethers and big holiday dinners. But for those in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning. It is not just about the turkey and the trimmings. It is about reflecting on the journey of recovery...Read More
There is no denying the teenage years are a period of intense growth and change. Although they are beginning to look like adults, teenagers’ brains are far from fully developed. A person’s brain does not finish maturing and developing until they are in their mid to late 20s. It is crucial to understand how alcohol...Read More
It’s an incredibly hard realization to come to – your teen is using drugs or alcohol. Are they just experimenting with friends? Or are they spiralling downward into addiction? As a parent, it is up to you to spot the signs of addiction, talk to your teen, and get them help. Doing so protects their...Read More
Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is a journey that can be challenging, not just for the person in recovery but also for their loved ones. As a family member or friend of someone in addiction recovery, it is important to provide support and encouragement to help them stay on track and achieve their...Read More
Creative arts is the umbrella term that describes a group of artistic activities that allow people to use their creativity and imagination to express their feelings and ideas in different mediums, such as art, music, crafts, and movement. Creative arts therapy uses a wide spectrum of art forms to treat a range of medical, mental...Read More
Being in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction includes many challenges. Learning how to manage cravings is one of the main ones. One popular management technique for cravings is urge surfing.What is the Difference Between Urges and Cravings?In recovery, especially in the early stages, people have intense cravings to continue using their drug of...Read More
Are you feeling anxious and wondering if you can hang out with friends in a social setting while staying sober? If you are new to recovery, you will want to avoid any situation that could be a trigger and put you at risk for relapse. Being well-prepared, having a strong system of support, and making...Read More
Boredom is a leading cause of relapse, especially for those new to addiction recovery who may find themselves adrift without the friends they used to drink or use drugs with. When you do not have any hobbies or don’t know what to do with your time, thoughts can quickly turn to cravings for substances. But...Read More
According to step nine of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is important to make amends to anyone you may have wronged during active addiction. An exception to this step is if making amends would cause injury or harm to the person or others. Once you learn to accept what your addiction to alcohol...Read More
