Most brands of mouthwash contain alcohol. This can be very tempting to people who struggle with an alcohol use problem. Alcoholism is a desperate disease — it takes over logic and principle and can make any person resort to trying to find alcohol by any means necessary. People with alcohol use disorder may turn to mouthwash … Continue reading Dangers of Drinking Mouthwash
Issues surrounding sexuality and addiction are some of the most awkward and socially taboo things being explored in the media and among groups of people today. While the reality of sex addiction in general has been slowly accepted by an increasing number of people in both the mental health profession and the culture at large, … Continue reading Sex Addiction in the LGBT Community
“Man up.” “Get over it.” “Grow up.” “Don’t cry.” How often do we tell young and adult men to “man up” and that they shouldn’t be bothered by this or that? This has been our culture. And with so much debate in the media about what a man is supposed to be like (and … Continue reading Saying “Man Up” Hurts Men: Here’s Why
It’s no secret that college students drink — often under age and in large quantities. College introduces many young people to alcohol, and because their brains are still developing, they tend to overdo it and may be unaware of the consequences of their actions. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, … Continue reading Alcohol Poisoning: When One Drink Turns to Too Many
For individuals completing a stay in residential treatment, the idea of tackling “what’s next” in sobriety can seem overwhelming. After 30 or even 60 days of immersive treatment, the recovering person’s world suddenly opens up, brimming with possibility — and an inundation of choices. During residential treatment, much of an individual’s experience revolves around a … Continue reading What Is the Role of Aftercare in Addiction Treatment?
In this episode of Recovery Unscripted, we hear from Shane Ramer, creator of That Sober Guy, a podcast with over 150 episodes that focus on living a healthy, sober lifestyle. Ramer sat down with me at the Innovations in Behavioral Healthcare conference in Nashville to explain how his journey led him from addiction to a … Continue reading Recovery Unscripted Podcast: Telling the Story of Sobriety
If you struggle with addiction — or love someone who does — you know what it feels like to keep hoping for a move toward permanent change. Ideally, the motivation will come from wanting better for oneself and others. Sometimes, though, it’s simply the result of hitting rock bottom. Regardless, when the time comes, you … Continue reading Questions You Should Ask Before Going to Rehab
For decades, opioids have been prescribed for pain management – from acute injury and post-surgery pain to chronic and cancer-related pain. They have been touted as one of the best ways to treat pain, and many doctors look to them first to give their patients relief. With opioid and heroin addiction on the rise, however, … Continue reading No, Opioids Are Not the Only Way to Manage Your Pain
The sun was just setting over the trees, and my friend Courtney and I pulled into the little roadside market on our way back from a hike. We were both thirsty and craving a snack. I grabbed a juice and a bag of pretzels, while Courtney handed a bag of raw nuts and a bottle … Continue reading Can Recovering Alcoholics Drink Kombucha?
By Cindy Coloma “People don’t realize this, but loneliness is underrated,” Tom Hansen, a character in the movie 500 Days of Summer, says. The process of working through sobriety looks different for every person. The decision to stop drinking or using drugs may come gradually over time, or it may come in a flash like … Continue reading Everyone Has Someone: Getting Through the Loneliness of Early Recovery