Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan are typically prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, muscle tension, and seizures. Benzos are mainly intended for short-term, occasional use. If you use benzos daily, you can develop a dependence in a matter of weeks. Every time you up your dosage to feel the effects, you make […]
Author Archives: Drew Powell
20
May
May
Returning home after treatment is a tricky time for both the person in recovery and the family. Everyone wants things to go well but no one is really sure what will happen next. Your loved one may have been away for months and although you have probably been in contact, living under the same roof […]
17
May
May
It’s hard to know how to react when a friend tells you they are battling mental illness. Or worse yet, when a friend’s life is falling apart and you don’t know why. Obviously, you want to help, but it’s not always clear how you can help or whether it’s your place to get involved. If […]
15
May
May
It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of exercise in recovery. It produces endorphins and helps balance your neurotransmitters, which improves your mood. It strengthens your prefrontal cortex, which improves your self-control. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, helping to heal the damage done by alcohol and other substances. Regular exercise is one of the best things […]
15
May
May
Breakups can be stressful under the best of circumstances and they can be especially trying when you’re recovering from addiction. Not only are they fraught with conflict and feelings of rejection, but there may be practical complications involving child custody and property, which only add to the stress. This is one reason experts typically advise […]
11
May
May
It’s pretty common to start drinking a lot more coffee after quitting drugs or alcohol. Studies have shown that people in 12-step programs drink considerably more coffee than the average person. For the most part, this isn’t a big deal. Research now indicates that coffee may protect against heart failure, liver disease, liver cancer, and […]
10
May
May
Social media connects in ways that were never possible before but it also has some pretty significant drawbacks if you let it control your behavior. Social media platforms intentionally make their products as addictive as possible, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. At least two studies have found that Facebook, instead […]
07
May
May
We live in politically divided times. Cable news and social media have helped create an environment of political hostility. However passionately you may feel about your own political beliefs, it’s best to leave politics out of 12-step meetings. Here’s why. Politics poisons the supportive environment. The biggest reason to leave politics at the door is […]
05
May
May
Therapy, both group and individual, is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. The majority of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health issue. Common co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. For a variety of reasons, these […]
03
May
May
If you’re doing a 12-step program, it helps to have a sponsor. A sponsor is like a mentor or coach, someone whose recovery is strong and can help you figure things out. While the group can listen and give advice, a sponsor can give you more attention. A sponsor is also someone you can call […]