Wish Recovery’s Blog Category

When you or a loved one finally come to the realization that a problem is more than a problem, and a habit has become a disorder it is time to take the next step and determine how, where, and by whom those issues can be treated.

If there were any truth to the misconception, some people have, that all anyone must do if they genuinely want to stop drinking or using drugs is to say, “No,” “I’m done,” “That’s it. I quit,” then, there wouldn’t be nearly 35 million people in the U.S. today diagnosed with a substance use or alcohol use disorder.

The Six Stages of Change—popularized by the Transtheoretical Model developed in the late 70s—has become a measuring tool in behavioral health settings. It helps people embarking on intentional change. These self-changers use the stages to navigate through the process of addiction recovery.

We all have different ideas about making resolutions at the start of the year. One of the most common resolutions, other than losing weight, is to quit smoking, drinking alcohol, or doing drugs. These are noble goals that can be hard to stay motivated to achieve without help.

Quitting drugs can be a complex process because the initial withdrawal symptoms may seem impossible without help from family members and friends or residential detox. Relapse could turn your resolution into remorse or regret. But there are different approaches you can take to make a lifestyle change to sober living.

Many people will tell you that recovery from drugs and alcohol begins with recognizing and accepting that your drinking or substance abuse is a problem. While it is an essential first step, authentic healing begins more profoundly with self-acceptance.

To accept oneself—flaws and all is what it means to be truly human. Many people who begin using drugs or develop problematic drinking behaviors do so from silent psychological prompts of low self-esteem and self-worth, which are directly linked to a lack of self-acceptance and self-love.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol can have a profound, negative effect on a person’s ability to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Its consequences impact every aspect of a person’s well-being, from their physical and mental health to their safety and ability to have healthy relationships.

In the last post in this series, we spoke about two types of emotions: primary and secondary. As we discussed, secondary emotions are easier to regulate or alter if required. An alternative response might be to be reluctant and agree in some aspects, "yes," then invalidate and defend with "but."

If you're among the brave souls who take on the daily challenges of being a first responder, you understand that your profession can wear on your mental and physical well-being. You bear witness to some of the most heartbreaking aspects of humanity, and you often put your safety at risk to help others. It's no wonder first responders have some of the highest rates of PTSD, alcohol use disorder, substance misuse, and other mental health disorders.

Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) may be burdensome. If you have this problem, you know how tough it is to live a regular life. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that 165 million Americans, or 60.2% of the population over 12, currently abuse drugs, including alcohol and cigarettes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 8 million people, or 17.5% of those with mental health difficulties, abuse drugs. This article will discuss dual diagnosis, signs, and how to manage both conditions.

Police officers are often the face of public safety in our society, but they face unique challenges that can affect their well-being and mental health. The police subculture can significantly contribute to the stigma against help-seeking behaviors for addiction and mental health issues, with officers viewing such behaviors as a sign of weakness. Unfortunately, this can lead to addiction due to stress, self-medicating, and poor mental health when emotional needs are unmet. Therefore, it is vital to understand the unique needs of police officers and create and implement strategies that address the critical issues they face. 

Life in the fast lane can be a drag, leaving us feeling drained, disillusioned, and defeated. The hustle and bustle of modern society can take its toll and leave us feeling like we're running on fumes. The relentless push to excel and stay ahead of the curve can be overwhelming, driving our stress levels and putting our well-being at risk. Unsurprisingly, some people use substances to cope with the daily grind, leading to many problems, including addiction and other serious consequences.

In this blog post, we'll explore the link between the rat race and everyday or chronic stress and the increased risk of substance misuse. We'll also offer practical advice and helpful tips on coping with stress healthily, so you can avoid turning to harmful substances as a crutch.

Many people start the year with a new mindset and a commitment to quitting drugs, alcohol, or other bad habits. Unfortunately, many of them relapse before the end of the first month.

The first month is crucial to the recovery process when you quit drugs. The odds of you staying sober for a month are the same as staying sober for a year. So, what can you do to increase your chances of success during your drug recovery?

To solve issues, it's not enough to identify their causes; instead, one must make concerted efforts to craft a strategy for effecting change. Specific topics that arise in regular life may be addressed using these methods. The ultimate purpose of problem-solving is to facilitate behavioral modification. As whole, dysfunctional behaviors are issues that must be addressed.

Addiction recovery is a difficult journey with many ups and downs. However, many people don’t realize that, in addition to the apparent benefits of sobriety, there is a host of lesser-known but equally important benefits that come with recovery from a substance or alcohol use disorder (SUD/AUD). These rewards come in surprising packages and are often overlooked or underestimated by those in recovery.

This blog post will take a closer look at some of these lesser-known benefits. We will review the mental, physical, and emotional rewards that come with the hard work of recovery and show that the process can be advantageous.

From improved relationships with family and friends to improved physical and mental health, many excellent benefits of recovery can help make the journey worthwhile. We will also discuss the importance of taking advantage of these benefits and why ensuring they are noticed is vital.

The term "addiction" has historically had Latin roots, with translated meanings ranging from deity devotion to attachments to enslavement.

Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a 3-4% prevalence in the general population. The condition often coexists with other clinical disorders. These other disturbances could include issues with anxiety, sleep, moods, personality, drugs or alcohol. Within the last decade, many researchers have examined the co-occurrence of ADHD and substance use problems. As with ADHD, substance use disorders (SUDs) have significant social, psychological and economic implications, making their proper treatment critical to a person’s ability to live a sustainable life. Adults with ADHD often have substance use disorders that involve nicotine, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, to name a few.

When a person has a substance use disorder, it can feel like they’re stuck in a horrible dream, and they are freefalling into an immense vortex of darkness with nothing to hold on to and nothing to protect them as the seemingly endless expanse draws them in. But addiction recovery is not like a never-ending fall from off a mountain cliff or plummet into the stratosphere after being pushed out of an airplane.

Each day of your sobriety is another day in which you are closer to your long-term recovery goals, with people all around bolstering you. It's an ascension, not a fall. You have a support network of providers, a supportive group of peers, and the often most complex but vital support systems, your family. Your loved ones are a pep squad of cheerleading relatives who can hold you accountable and celebrate your successes.

A clear mind is synthesized as the convergence point of a clean mind and an addiction mind. With a clear mind, you're sober, but you also recognize warnings and take precautions to avoid relapse.

To have a clean mind is to be sober and free from problematic addictive behavior for an extended time, yet to be utterly ignorant of the risks and desires associated with returning to it. Having a clean mind might make you feel like you can conquer your addiction and never give in to the urge to use substances or drink again. This is the fallacy of sobriety, in that there is the conviction that one is no longer affected by addiction.

Childhood trauma can impact a person’s life, with severe consequences that can carry over into adulthood. Studies have found a strong connection between childhood trauma and addiction, making this a topic that deserves careful examination. In this article, we’ll explore the complex relationship between childhood trauma and addiction, taking a closer look at how trauma affects the brain, the mechanisms behind addiction, and why it’s crucial to approach treatment with a trauma-informed perspective.

Taking the first step towards recovery is a crucial part of a transformative journey toward a fulfilling life of sobriety. Although it may seem daunting, you possess the strength to grow and improve daily.

Rebuilding a life after addiction requires immense courage, determination, and a supportive community recognizing the challenges ahead. It is a journey that necessitates introspection, progress, and the cultivation of healthy coping mechanisms to overcome obstacles.

There’s a segment of people within our population who misuse drugs and alcohol but skillfully keep their usage covertly tucked away in the shadows. They have a seemingly successful public life with an excellent job, lovely home, sweet family, and pleasant social affairs. They are high-functioning substance users.

Sobriety is just one aspect of recovery. A new life awaits you if you stop using drugs or alcohol. Self-care is at the heart of a significant transition.
We all require a tune-up when we become clean since drug abuse has ravaged our health. Drug and alcohol abuse is harmful to the body, mind, and soul. Those with substance use disorders who have been inactive in their recovery treatment for months or years must take the necessary steps to rehabilitate and preserve their health.

For decades, people thought that once the brain got damaged, it could not repair itself. However, scientists have found that the brain can regenerate neurons and form new connections in recent years. Researchers have also found out that if they can make old cells function better or produce new ones, they can slow down or even reverse many of the effects of aging on the brain.

Many health professionals view addiction as being "the disease of isolation." Because of the enforcement of social distancing across the country, COVID-19 could be a contender for that title. 

Data shows that preventative measures—like wearing masks and maintaining a distance of six feet  (social distancing) can minimize the spread of the virus. However, those conservative measures for protection have also proven to be a means of encouraging more social isolation than what is already experienced by those with alcohol and substance use disorder (SUD). 

The journey toward sobriety is challenging, and for LGBTQ+ individuals, it can be even more difficult. The projected rate of substance abuse within the LGBTQ+ community is 30%, compared to 9% among the population. Facing discrimination, stigma, and rejection, these individuals may struggle to find the support and understanding they need. Addiction doesn't discriminate, but individuals in this subculture face unique challenges in addiction recovery, such as discrimination, stigma, and a lack of understanding and resources. Understanding these challenges and finding the proper support can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore the unique obstacles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in addiction recovery and provide helpful strategies for finding the support they need to overcome them.

Recovery from substance use disorder or addiction is a journey that extends far beyond the initial stages of treatment. It requires ongoing support, guidance, and tailored strategies to ensure a lasting recovery. As we observe National Recovery Month this September, it is crucial to shed light on the significance of aftercare and its impact on individuals striving to maintain a drug-free life. Aftercare is pivotal in sustaining addiction recovery, yet it is often overlooked. This article will explore the various aspects of aftercare and its importance in helping individuals rebuild their lives, one step at a time. 

During the challenging journey of recovering from addiction, it's common for people to seek support from non-traditional sources. These sources can provide unique benefits that can significantly impact the success of the recovery process. From holistic therapies and peer support groups to digital counseling platforms, these unconventional methods are increasingly recognized for their potential to supplement traditional therapeutic approaches.

Addressing the many aspects of addiction, they help individuals regain control over their lives, promoting resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth. This often leads to better treatment adherence, lower relapse rates, and a more comprehensive healing process that acknowledges the complexities of addiction. As a result, non-traditional sources of support are becoming an essential component of comprehensive treatment strategies, potentially revolutionizing the recovery landscape.

According to the Sleep Foundation, over 65 million people in the U.S. use alcohol as a sedative—due to its depressant drug classification. While alcohol can make a person drowsy, it does nothing beneficial for the quality of sleep a person has when sleeping after having a drink or two.

Embarking on a path to addiction recovery is not for the faint of heart. It's a journey with ups and downs, requiring a whole heap of grit and a robust support system. One key component of this process is the establishment of structure and routine. It may sound a bit mundane, but trust us, it's like the scaffolding that holds up a skyscraper. Solidifying new habits for your sober lifestyle is essential to achieve lasting success—the bedrock of a stable foundation. This stability empowers individuals to develop self-discipline, enhance their mental health, and bolster their overall well-being.

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From connecting with friends and family to staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends, social media has transformed how we interact with the world. However, social media can be a double-edged sword for those struggling with addiction recovery. While it provides a platform for connecting with others and seeking support, it can also trigger a relapse and hinder recovery.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who have bipolar disorder are twice as likely to struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder intersect at many levels for various people. Since having bipolar can lead to or worsen SUD symptoms, many people view the two as related.

When a person has a diagnosis of substance use disorder with bipolar, they have co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Even though the term "dual diagnosis" is singular, people with co-occurring conditions must get integrated treatment for each illness for improved life quality.

Good mental wellness is essential for a successful recovery from addiction; an important part is setting boundaries and avoiding toxic relationships. It is impossible to ignore our relationships’ effect on our mental health and well-being. People have different needs and ideas of what is acceptable in relationships, and it is essential only to be healthy and positive. This is especially important in addiction recovery, as it is necessary to protect yourself from the potential of relapse. Additionally, certain people, often members of our own family and social circle, can be toxic influences and actively impede our recovery process. Therefore, understanding how to set boundaries and protect yourself from unhealthy relationships is essential for maintaining mental wellness and sustaining a successful recovery. This blog will discuss why setting boundaries and avoiding toxic relationships is necessary for good mental health and addiction recovery.