Anabranch Recovery Center blog articles on the topic of addiction recovery for individuals in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol. Here you will find information and resources on the subject.
Drug or alcohol addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects a person mentally and physically. When an individual stops using substances, they go through a period of detox and withdrawal. The symptoms they experience during this initial stage of withdrawal typically last for several days to a few weeks depending on the drug involved....Read More
Anyone recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction knows recovery is hard work. You have to stay focused and safeguard your sobriety every day. Learning about pink cloud syndrome and its emotional rollercoaster is key to preventing relapse.What Is the Pink Cloud Syndrome?The term “pink cloud” was coined in Alcoholics Anonymous by members who were...Read More
It’s not uncommon to have people in your life who are difficult to get along with. Often, we can minimize contact with these people and tolerate them when necessary. But sometimes we can get stuck in a difficult relationship that is not so easy to avoid. Toxic relationships can lead to emotional damage, exhaustion, and...Read More
Scientists once thought the human brain was a static organ when fully developed. They believed if it suffered an injury, accident, or other types of damage, it would not completely recover. They now know that the brain can heal itself when damaged. Although individual neurons may be unrepairable, the brain can forge new neural pathways...Read More
Valentine’s Day in RecoveryValentine’s Day is a day when many people show their significant other they love and appreciate them. Chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners with wine or champagne are often part of the celebration. But if you or your loved one is in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction, especially if newly sober,...Read More
Recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction is a lifelong process that requires making healthy choices every day. Achieving lasting sobriety takes vigilance, commitment, and motivation. In times of discouragement, it can feel especially helpful to hear the stories of others who are in recovery. Reading books on addiction recovery can offer numerous benefits, both...Read More
In the United States, millions of people struggle each day with alcohol use disorders. The signs of alcohol addiction are often easy to recognize in many people. However, for someone who is high-functioning, the signs of alcoholism are not always so clear.Defining “High-Functioning”The term “functional alcoholic” was used in a 2007 report by the National...Read More
What Is a Functional Addict?The term functional addict is often used to describe a person who uses drugs or alcohol but continues to work and engage in life. While the term describes an important concept in addiction–the ability to be addicted to a substance while seeming “okay” or even successful to others–we prefer to avoid...Read More
For many people, possibly yourself in the past, celebrating New Year’s Eve means a night of drinking too much or partying with friends. As the holiday approaches, you may be wondering how to celebrate New Year’s Eve now that you are sober. We offer below six fun ways to bring in the New Year, have...Read More
The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and joy, of getting together with family and friends. For most people, the celebrations also come with moments of anxiety and stress. But for anyone recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, the holiday season might be much less about joy and much more about...Read More