If you are recovering from an alcohol or drug use disorder, you have experienced the challenges that entail. Because addiction is a chronic disease, it can’t be cured, but staying sober is an achievable goal. Realize that relapse does not mean the end of recovery. It is not a defeat but a new challenge to…
July 4th is a holiday that literally explodes onto the scene just a few weeks after the official start of summer. In fact, the traditional fireworks explosively symbolize the spirit of celebration and pride that infuse this national holiday. Not only that, Independence Day explodes with the energy that has been pent up over the…
Addiction is not a character flaw. It is a disease. You would not try to recover from double pneumonia on your own. You can’t white-knuckle your way to health if your diagnosis is heart disease or diabetes. So you don’t need to do that when you stop drinking either. Plus, you’ll increase your chances of…
Someone with a substance use disorder who decides to reclaim sobriety goes through five stages of recovery. Pre-contemplation (before there is any conscious thought of quitting), contemplation (thinking about taking steps, but not yet), preparation (taking steps toward action as the awareness grows of the need to stop using), action (committing to sobriety, usually by…
Recovering from alcohol addiction is not about just one thing. If only we could say, do this, and you’ll be fine. It’s not quite that simple, but the good news is that there are very specific and helpful lifestyle changes that can support you on your path to sobriety. The first important step is to…
Entering rehab can be a little scary, but it can also be scary to leave it once you have done all the hard work to begin your recovery journey. Now that you’ve made it through rehab, what’s next? There are life skills and specific strategies that can help you stay sober after rehab. A high-quality…
Addiction recovery does not end when you leave rehab. It is a lifelong journey. Traveling the path is rewarding and worth the effort. It also has some steep climbs and a few potholes along the way. During the first year of sobriety, it is especially important to have the support of trusted advisors and friends…
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there are numerous options and therapeutic models for rehab—residential, outpatient, 12-step, group therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and many more. But detoxifying the body of all traces of the addictive substance, whether it’s alcohol, prescription drugs, heroin, meth, or anything else, will begin the moment you decide…
Since 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has helped thousands of those struggling with alcohol addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. Based on the 12 steps, the importance of anonymity, and surrender to a higher power, AA can be a vital pillar in your recovery journey. At Serenity Light Recovery, we offer access to 12-step programs and encourage…
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Why do we need to set aside a whole month? Because without awareness of the toll that alcoholism takes on our population, we cannot create meaningful change, break the stigma, and get the people the care and support they need. Alcohol is the most commonly abused addictive substance in the…