Valiant Living BlogProfessional insights and advice about recovery for men and the families who love them.https://www.valiantliving.com/Physical Fitness as a Pillar of Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/07/07/physical-fitness-pillar-of-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/07/07/physical-fitness-pillar-of-recovery/Exercise eases cravings, repairs the brain’s reward system, and rebuilds confidence. Learn why fitness is a core pillar of men’s recovery.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhy Talk Therapy Fails: The Need for Experiential Workhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/07/02/why-talk-therapy-fails-experiential-work/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/07/02/why-talk-therapy-fails-experiential-work/Talk therapy alone often can’t reach trauma stored in the body. Learn why experiential therapy helps men heal addiction at the root.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTRebuilding Credibility with Your Teenshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/25/rebuilding-trust-with-teenagers/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/25/rebuilding-trust-with-teenagers/Teens remember the broken promises. Learn how a father in recovery can rebuild credibility and trust with teenagers — through consistent action.Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Absent Father: Healing Generational Woundshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/23/healing-the-father-wound/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/23/healing-the-father-wound/An absent or addicted father can echo across generations. Learn how men heal the father wound and break the cycle in recovery.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCan He Be a Good Dad While in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/18/being-a-good-dad-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/18/being-a-good-dad-in-recovery/Wondering if he can still be a good father while in recovery? Yes — and recovery may make him a better dad. Here's what that looks like.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTExplaining Treatment to Kids: Age-Appropriate Scriptshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/16/explaining-rehab-to-kids/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/16/explaining-rehab-to-kids/Not sure how to tell your children Dad is in treatment? Use these age-appropriate scripts to explain rehab to kids with honesty and reassurance.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTSomatic Experiencing: Getting Out of Your Headhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/11/somatic-experiencing-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/11/somatic-experiencing-therapy/Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. Learn how somatic experiencing therapy helps men release stored stress and support lasting recovery.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTLow T and Recovery: The Hormonal Linkhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/09/low-testosterone-and-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/09/low-testosterone-and-addiction-recovery/Alcohol and opioids can lower testosterone, and low T can mimic depression. Learn how the hormonal link affects men in addiction recovery.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTEMDR Therapy: Releasing Trauma from the Bodyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/04/emdr-therapy-for-trauma/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/04/emdr-therapy-for-trauma/How does EMDR therapy release trauma stored in the body? Learn how EMDR works, what to expect, and how it supports men in addiction recovery.Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe “Strong, Silent” Type: Breaking Male Isolationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/02/male-isolation-in-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/06/02/male-isolation-in-addiction/The “strong, silent” ideal keeps men trapped in addiction. Learn how male isolation fuels relapse — and how connection becomes the way out.Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBoundaries Aren’t Punishment: Reframing Limitshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/22/boundaries-arent-punishment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/22/boundaries-arent-punishment/Learn why boundaries in addiction are not punishment, how to set them effectively, and why they are essential for stability.Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Power of "No": Saying No Without Guilthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/22/saying-no-without-guilt-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/22/saying-no-without-guilt-addiction/Learn how to say no without guilt in addiction, set clear boundaries, and protect your emotional stability.Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe “Waiting to Exhale” Syndrome: High-Functioning Anxietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/15/high-functioning-anxiety-spouse/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/15/high-functioning-anxiety-spouse/Learn how high-functioning anxiety affects spouses of addicts and why constant anticipation leads to emotional exhaustion.Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTSecondary Trauma: Why You Feel Exhaustedhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/15/secondary-trauma-addiction-spouse/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/15/secondary-trauma-addiction-spouse/Learn what secondary trauma is, why spouses of addicts feel exhausted, and how support and structure can help restore stability.Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTMen and Depression: Why It Often Looks Like Ragehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/08/men-depression-anger/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/08/men-depression-anger/Learn why depression in men often shows up as anger, how to recognize the signs, and how structured treatment helps address the root cause.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTSleep Hygiene: The First Step to Mental Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/08/sleep-hygiene-mental-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/08/sleep-hygiene-mental-health/Learn how sleep hygiene impacts mental health, addiction recovery, and why better sleep is the foundation for lasting change.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTInternal Family Systems (IFS) Explained for Menhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/01/internal-family-systems-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/01/internal-family-systems-men/Learn how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy works, how it helps men in addiction recovery, and why understanding internal parts leads to lasting change.Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTTreating the Whole Man: Why Meds Alone Aren't Enoughhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/01/meds-alone-not-enough-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/05/01/meds-alone-not-enough-addiction/Learn why medication alone is not enough for addiction recovery and how treating the whole person leads to lasting change.Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhy We Recommend Al-Anon (Even if You Hate Groups)https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/24/al-anon-for-spouses/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/24/al-anon-for-spouses/Learn how Al-Anon supports spouses of addicts, why it works, and how it provides clarity, boundaries, and emotional stability.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTDetaching with Love: What It Actually Looks Like in Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/24/detaching-with-love-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/24/detaching-with-love-addiction/Learn what detaching with love really means, how to set boundaries in addiction, and when structured treatment may be necessary.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Drama Triangle in Addiction: Victim, Rescuer, Persecutorhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/17/drama-triangle-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/17/drama-triangle-addiction/Learn how the Drama Triangle keeps addiction cycles alive and how spouses can step out of victim, rescuer, and persecutor roles.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFinancial Boundaries in Addiction: Protecting the Family Assetshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/17/financial-boundaries-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/17/financial-boundaries-addiction/Learn how to set financial boundaries in addiction, protect family assets, and when structured residential treatment may be necessary.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTBurnout vs. Addiction: Knowing the Differencehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/10/burnout-vs-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/10/burnout-vs-addiction/Learn the difference between burnout and addiction, how to identify warning signs, and when structured treatment may be necessary.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTUrge Surfing: How to Handle Cravings in High-Stress Momentshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/10/urge-surfing-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/10/urge-surfing-addiction/Learn how urge surfing helps men manage cravings during high-stress moments and how structured treatment supports long-term recovery.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Physical Toll of Cortisol and Cocaine: What Chronic Stress and Stimulants Do to the Bodyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/06/cortisol-and-cocaine-effects/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/06/cortisol-and-cocaine-effects/Learn how cocaine amplifies cortisol, increases stress on the body, and why high-performing men are at risk for stimulant addiction and burnout.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTProfessionalism vs. Denial: "I Still Have My Job, So I'm Fine"https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/06/high-functioning-addiction-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/04/06/high-functioning-addiction-men/Learn how high-functioning men hide addiction behind professional success and when structured residential treatment becomes necessary.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTFinancial Infidelity in Addiction: Steps to Protect Your Assetshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/20/financial-infidelity-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/20/financial-infidelity-addiction/Learn how gambling and addiction lead to financial infidelity, warning signs to watch for, and when structured residential treatment may be necessary.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhen to Step Away: Safety Planning for Wives in Active Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/20/safety-planning-wives-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/20/safety-planning-wives-addiction/Learn when stepping back may be necessary in active addiction, how to create a safety plan, and when structured residential treatment is appropriate.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTGaslighting in Active Addiction: How to Trust Your Realityhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/15/gaslighting-in-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/15/gaslighting-in-addiction/Learn how gaslighting appears in addiction, why it happens, and when structured residential treatment may be necessary.Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTDealing with a “Victim Mentality” Spouse in Active Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/13/dealing-with-a-victim-mentality-spouse-in-active-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/13/dealing-with-a-victim-mentality-spouse-in-active-addiction/Every conversation ends the same way. You bring up the gambling. He talks about stress. You mention the drinking. He talks about pressure. You express c...Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTTraumatic Brain Injury and Addiction: The Overlooked Connection in Menhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/08/traumatic-brain-injury-addiction-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/08/traumatic-brain-injury-addiction-men/Learn how traumatic brain injury increases addiction risk in men and why structured residential treatment supports neurological and emotional recovery.Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Financial Wreckage of Gambling: How to Rebuild After the Damagehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/08/financial-wreckage-gambling-rebuild/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/08/financial-wreckage-gambling-rebuild/Learn how gambling addiction destroys finances, why escalation happens, and how structured residential treatment supports rebuilding stability and trust.Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTCross-Addiction: When One Vice Replaces Anotherhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/03/cross-addiction-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/03/cross-addiction-men/Learn why men replace one addiction with another, how dopamine drives cross-addiction, and how structured residential treatment prevents relapse cycles.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTDopamine Fasting in Recovery: Regulating the Reward System After Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/03/dopamine-fasting-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/03/03/dopamine-fasting-recovery/Learn how dopamine dysregulation impacts addiction, especially gambling, and how structured residential treatment helps reset the reward system.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolygraphs in Recovery: Safety Tool or Weapon?https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/20/polygraphs-in-recovery-safety-or-weapon/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/20/polygraphs-in-recovery-safety-or-weapon/Are polygraphs helpful or harmful in addiction recovery? Learn when polygraphs support healing and when they undermine trust.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTRebuilding Intimacy: Is It Possible After the Lies?https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/20/rebuilding-intimacy-after-betrayal/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/20/rebuilding-intimacy-after-betrayal/Is intimacy possible after betrayal? Learn what rebuilding intimacy actually requires and how trauma-informed recovery supports repair.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT“Is It My Fault?” Answering the Partner’s Hardest Questionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/12/is-it-my-fault-betrayal-trauma/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/12/is-it-my-fault-betrayal-trauma/Partners often ask “Is it my fault?” after betrayal. Learn why self-blame happens and how trauma-informed care supports healing.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhat Is Betrayal Trauma? Signs and Symptomshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/12/what-is-betrayal-trauma/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/12/what-is-betrayal-trauma/Learn what betrayal trauma is, common signs and symptoms, and how trauma-informed treatment supports partners impacted by addiction.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTDigital Detox: Breaking the Screen Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/07/digital-detox-breaking-screen-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/07/digital-detox-breaking-screen-addiction/Learn the signs of screen addiction, why digital detox is difficult, and how trauma-informed treatment helps men break compulsive tech use.Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTIntimacy Anorexia: Why You Push Love Awayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/07/intimacy-anorexia-men-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/02/07/intimacy-anorexia-men-recovery/Learn what intimacy anorexia is, why men push love away, and how trauma-informed treatment helps rebuild emotional connection.Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Cycle of Shame: Understanding the Sex Addict’s Brainhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/31/cycle-of-shame-sex-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/31/cycle-of-shame-sex-addiction/Learn how the cycle of shame fuels sex and porn addiction, why willpower fails, and how understanding the brain supports lasting recoverySat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhy We Treat Process Addictions Alongside Substance Usehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/31/process-addictions-and-substance-use-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/31/process-addictions-and-substance-use-treatment/Learn why treating process addictions alongside substance use is critical for lasting recovery and how integrated treatment addresses the root causes.Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT5 Signs It’s Time for Residential Treatment (Not Just Outpatient)https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/25/signs-residential-treatment-is-needed/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/25/signs-residential-treatment-is-needed/Learn the signs residential treatment is needed, how to know when outpatient care isn’t enough, and how families can choose the right level of support.Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTHow to Stage an Intervention (That Actually Works)https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/25/how-to-stage-an-intervention/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/25/how-to-stage-an-intervention/Learn how to stage an intervention that actually works, why preparation and professional guidance matter, and how families can create clarity without confrontation.Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTSetting Boundaries: A Script for Wiveshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/17/setting-boundaries-with-an-addicted-spouse/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/17/setting-boundaries-with-an-addicted-spouse/Learn how to set healthy boundaries with an addicted spouse using clear language and follow-through. A practical script for wives navigating addiction and recovery.Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Ultimatum Trap vs. The Leverage Modelhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/17/ultimatum-trap-vs-leverage-model/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/17/ultimatum-trap-vs-leverage-model/Learn the difference between ultimatums and leverage in addiction recovery, why ultimatums often fail, and how families can create change through clarity and boundaries.Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmotional Regulation for Men: Learning to Feel Without Escapinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/10/emotional-regulation-in-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/10/emotional-regulation-in-addiction-recovery/Emotional regulation in addiction recovery helps men tolerate feelings without escaping into compulsive behaviors. Learn how regulation skills support long-term recovery.Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTWhen Willpower Isn’t Enough: When Men Need Professional Treatmenthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/10/when-to-seek-addiction-treatment-for-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/10/when-to-seek-addiction-treatment-for-men/Learn when to seek addiction treatment for men, why willpower alone often fails, and how professional support helps men break cycles and build lasting recovery.Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTNutrition for Recovery: Repairing the Gut–Brain Axishttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/nutrition-for-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/nutrition-for-addiction-recovery/Nutrition for addiction recovery supports emotional regulation, cravings, and nervous system health. Learn how repairing the gut–brain axis strengthens men’s recovery.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe “Pink Cloud” Syndrome: Navigating Early Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/pink-cloud-syndrome-early-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/pink-cloud-syndrome-early-sobriety/Pink cloud syndrome in sobriety can create optimism and risk in early recovery. Learn how men can stay grounded and avoid setbacks when the pink cloud fades.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTSleep and Recovery: Why Rest Is a Relapse Prevention Toolhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/sleep-and-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2026/01/05/sleep-and-addiction-recovery/Sleep and addiction recovery are closely linked. Learn how poor sleep increases relapse risk and why rest is essential for emotional regulation and stability in men’s recovery.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTIdentity Reconstruction: Who Are You Without the Drink?https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/29/identity-reconstruction-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/29/identity-reconstruction-in-recovery/Learn why identity reconstruction is a critical part of recovery for men and how redefining who you are without alcohol supports long-term sobriety and stability.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTThe Difference Between “Problem Drinking” and Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/29/problem-drinking-vs-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/29/problem-drinking-vs-addiction/Learn the difference between problem drinking and addiction, why the line often feels blurry for men, and when professional support becomes the next step toward recovery.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTThe Holiday Relapse Trap: Why Stress and Isolation Trigger Addictive Behaviors in Menhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/21/holiday-relapse-prevention-for-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/21/holiday-relapse-prevention-for-men/Holiday relapse prevention for men starts with understanding stress, isolation, and triggers. Learn how men can protect recovery from sex, porn, and gambling addiction during the holidays.Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTA New Year of Recovery: How Men Can Build a Sustainable Plan for Changehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/21/new-year-recovery-plan-for-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/21/new-year-recovery-plan-for-men/A new year recovery plan for men focuses on structure, accountability, emotional regulation, and relational healing.Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTHealing From Betrayal Trauma During the Holidays: A Guide for Spouseshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/15/healing-from-betrayal-trauma-during-the-holidays/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/15/healing-from-betrayal-trauma-during-the-holidays/Betrayal trauma can intensify during the holidays. Learn how to find stability, protect your emotional health, and navigate the season with clarity and support.Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTWhat Process Addiction Really Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypeshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/15/what-process-addiction-really-looks-like-beyond-the-stereotypes/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/15/what-process-addiction-really-looks-like-beyond-the-stereotypes/Process addiction goes far beyond stereotypes. Learn how sex, gambling, and other compulsive behaviors develop, how to identify the signs, and what effective treatment looks like.Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTWhen Your Husband is Addicted to Gambling: What Spouses Need to Knowhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/09/when-your-husband-is-addicted-to-gambling-a-guide-for-spouses/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/09/when-your-husband-is-addicted-to-gambling-a-guide-for-spouses/Learn how gambling addiction affects marriages, what betrayal trauma looks like, and how spouses can regain safety and stability. Support and treatment options included.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTWhy Men Struggle to Ask for Help: Barriers to Treatment for Process Addictionshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/09/why-men-avoid-treatment-for-process-addictions-and-how-to-break-through-the-barriers/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/09/why-men-avoid-treatment-for-process-addictions-and-how-to-break-through-the-barriers/Learn why men often avoid seeking help for sex addiction, gambling addiction, and other process addictions. Understand the emotional and cultural barriers and how treatment can change everything.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTThe Hidden Cost of High Functioning Porn Addiction in Menhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/02/high-functioning-porn-addiction-men/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/12/02/high-functioning-porn-addiction-men/The Cost of High Functioning Porn Addiction in Men Most people imagine addiction as something obvious. Missed work. Major consequences. Visible chaos. P...Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTUnderstanding Intimacy Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2025/10/06/understanding-intimacy-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2025/10/06/understanding-intimacy-disorders/Understanding Intimacy Disorders: What They Are, What They’re Not, and How We Treat Them at Valiant Living What Is an Intimacy Disorder? An intimacy dis...Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTAddiction as a Disease of the Family Systemhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2022/01/14/addiction-as-a-disease-of-the-family-system/https://www.valiantliving.com/2022/01/14/addiction-as-a-disease-of-the-family-system/Addiction is a family disease. “The havoc active addiction creates in families and relationships stresses everyone in these ‘systems’—parents, children,...Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMTHow the Internal Family Systems Model Views Individuals as Systemshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/12/30/how-the-internal-family-systems-model-views-individuals-as-systems/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/12/30/how-the-internal-family-systems-model-views-individuals-as-systems/Internal Family Systems IFS is a powerfully transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy, based on the idea that the mind is naturally multiple...Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Nature of Sex Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/12/07/the-nature-of-sex-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/12/07/the-nature-of-sex-addiction/Some controversy remains around intimacy disorders as sex addiction has yet to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ...Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMTFollow Your Heart: Ways to Improve Your Cardiovascular Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/16/follow-your-heart-ways-to-improve-your-cardiovascular-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/16/follow-your-heart-ways-to-improve-your-cardiovascular-health/The cardiovascular system controls heart and circulatory functions, making it a vital part of your body’s functioning and overall health. Poor cardiovas...Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTAnxiety Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/15/anxiety-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/15/anxiety-disorders/Most people have experienced anxiety at one point or another. Situational anxiety can affect anyone, but there are people who experience more intense an...Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTI’ve Got This: Managing Symptoms for Mental Health Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/15/ive-got-this-managing-symptoms-for-mental-health-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/15/ive-got-this-managing-symptoms-for-mental-health-disorders/Managing a mental health disorder, regardless of what disorder it is, is not an easy thing to do. At times you might feel drained, disheartened, or even...Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTIt’s Ok to Not Be Ok: Self-Affirming Phrases for Better Mental Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/14/its-ok-to-not-be-ok-self-affirming-phrases-for-better-mental-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/14/its-ok-to-not-be-ok-self-affirming-phrases-for-better-mental-health/According to the National Institute for Mental Health, a staggering 51.5 million adults in America live with mental illness; that is nearly one in five ...Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Give and Receive Peer Support in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/14/how-to-give-and-receive-peer-support-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/14/how-to-give-and-receive-peer-support-in-recovery/Recovery from addiction can be a lonely road. Resisting cravings, building a new life, attending meetings — all of it can feel overwhelming. Socially is...Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow Gaslighting Feeds Your Loved One’s Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/13/how-gaslighting-feeds-your-loved-ones-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/13/how-gaslighting-feeds-your-loved-ones-addiction/When a person is struggling with addiction their life is altered in various ways. Many people who struggle with addiction engage in behaviors such as ly...Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTMeet Me in the Middle: The Sandwich Generationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/12/meet-me-in-the-middle-the-sandwich-generation/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/12/meet-me-in-the-middle-the-sandwich-generation/The term Sandwich Generation refers to individuals who serve as dual caretakers for their children under the age of 18 and their aging parents. The term...Sun, 12 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTThat’s What Friends Are For: Friendship and Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/12/thats-what-friends-are-for-friendship-and-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/12/thats-what-friends-are-for-friendship-and-recovery/Your social interactions are a central theme in every stage of development. Intimate relationships are a testament to your humanness and are also vital ...Sun, 12 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTMust Have Self-Help Workbooks that Deal With Mental Health and Substance Use Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/11/must-have-self-help-workbooks-that-deal-with-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/11/must-have-self-help-workbooks-that-deal-with-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorders/Suppose you are one of 35 million adults (14.3%) who suffer from a mental health disorder or 8.5 million adults (24%) affected by a substance use disord...Sat, 11 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTSubstance Use and Its Impact on Personality Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/10/substance-use-and-its-impact-on-personality-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/10/substance-use-and-its-impact-on-personality-disorders/Personality is defined as patterns of perceiving, feeling, thinking, and relating oneself to others. Individual personalities make each person unique, b...Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTOne, Two Punch: the “Tag-Team” Approach to Treating Bipolar Disorderhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/09/one-two-punch-the-tag-team-approach-to-treating-bipolar-disorder/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/09/one-two-punch-the-tag-team-approach-to-treating-bipolar-disorder/Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression) affects 2.8% percent of Americans over 18. It is a mood disorder that ...Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTPolar Opposites: Differences Between Bipolar I and II Disorderhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/09/polar-opposites-differences-between-bipolar-i-and-ii-disorder/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/09/polar-opposites-differences-between-bipolar-i-and-ii-disorder/Imagine this: You experience a sudden, random, huge burst of energy, creativity, and motivation. However, this is not just a “few cups of coffee” burst ...Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTCounting Sheep: An Overview of Sleep Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/08/counting-sheep-an-overview-of-sleep-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/08/counting-sheep-an-overview-of-sleep-disorders/People who get an adequate amount of healthy, restorative sleep are better able to cope with stress and physical pain during their waking hours. Unfortu...Wed, 08 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTCovid-19: An End-of-the-Summer Updatehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/07/covid-19-an-end-of-the-summer-update/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/09/07/covid-19-an-end-of-the-summer-update/The United States is currently experiencing a rise in covid cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. In fact, as of July, 35% of the counties and 90% of jur...Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMTConsequences of Not Having a Work-Life Balancehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/31/consequences-of-not-having-a-work-life-balance/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/31/consequences-of-not-having-a-work-life-balance/Work plays an important part in your lives, not only for the economic resources and benefits, but because work is an essential part of a person’s identi...Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTAn Overview of Stresshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/27/an-overview-of-stress/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/27/an-overview-of-stress/In the course of your daily life, it is normal to experience one or more demands that place mental, physical, and emotional pressure on you. Stress is h...Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTGender Differences in Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/27/gender-differences-in-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/27/gender-differences-in-addiction/Substance use disorder does not discriminate. It can happen to a person of any age, socioeconomic bracket, race, or gender. However, trends in addiction...Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTChemical Dependency: What Is It and How Is It Different From Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/25/chemical-dependency-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-different-from-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/25/chemical-dependency-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-different-from-addiction/The terms addiction and chemical dependency are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the two. Addiction is classifi...Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTAdapting to a Blended Familyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/23/adapting-to-a-blended-family/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/23/adapting-to-a-blended-family/Blended families are formed when two people start a life together and bring children from previous relationships. Each blended family encounters its own...Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTDefense Mechanismshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/22/defense-mechanisms/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/22/defense-mechanisms/Defense mechanisms offer protection from stress or anxiety by allowing the individual to adapt to internal conflict and stressors. They circumvent thoug...Sun, 22 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT5 Amazing Podcasts About Addiction Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/20/5-amazing-podcasts-about-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/20/5-amazing-podcasts-about-addiction-recovery/The Recovery Elevator Paul Churchill’s podcast, The Recovery Elevator, is his unique way of holding himself accountable during his journey to recovery. ...Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTSocial Media and Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/17/social-media-and-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/17/social-media-and-sobriety/Let’s face it, technology is probably a major part of your everyday life. You probably use one or more social media platforms, the most popular being Fa...Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTCan Coffee Consumption Lead to Caffeine Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/15/can-coffee-consumption-lead-to-caffeine-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/15/can-coffee-consumption-lead-to-caffeine-addiction/Caffeine is, by far, the most heavily used drug in the world, with 75% of it being ingested via coffee. In fact, one cup of coffee has about 100 mg of c...Sun, 15 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTSensory and Physical Changes in Men During Middle Adulthoodhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/11/sensory-and-physical-changes-in-men-during-middle-adulthood/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/11/sensory-and-physical-changes-in-men-during-middle-adulthood/Sensory and physical changes in middle adulthood are so gradual that most people are not even aware of them while they are happening. There are several ...Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTSynergism Between Alcohol and Other Drugshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/08/synergism-between-alcohol-and-other-drugs/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/08/synergism-between-alcohol-and-other-drugs/Synergism is the term for when two drugs are taken together and produce a multiplying effect. This concept is widely associated with mixing alcohol and ...Sun, 08 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTStaying Sober While Managing Your Caregiver Responsibilitieshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/05/staying-sober-while-managing-your-caregiver-responsibilities/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/05/staying-sober-while-managing-your-caregiver-responsibilities/Many middle-aged adults find themselves with responsibilities for not only their children but their elderly parents as well. This can be extremely stres...Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Support Your Child During Your Divorcehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/03/how-to-support-your-child-during-your-divorce/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/03/how-to-support-your-child-during-your-divorce/Divorce is a painful process, and unfortunately, children often experience the impact of divorce long after it is over. It is common for children to exh...Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT25 Affirmations to Use in Drug and Alcohol Treatmenthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/01/25-affirmations-to-use-in-drug-and-alcohol-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/08/01/25-affirmations-to-use-in-drug-and-alcohol-treatment/Affirmations are short, powerful statements that help you overcome your negative thoughts, manifest goals, and empower yourself. Using affirmative langu...Sun, 01 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMTTreatments for Substance Use Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/29/treatments-for-substance-use-disorders/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/29/treatments-for-substance-use-disorders/Treating substance abuse disorders can be challenging but, with the right treatment methods, sobriety is possible. Finding the right treatment is one of...Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTFinding Self-Empowerment in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/27/finding-self-empowerment-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/27/finding-self-empowerment-in-recovery/Battling addiction is painful and can trigger feelings of helplessness. Active addiction can make you feel powerless because it takes away your ability ...Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTNelsan Ellis: A Cautionary Tale About Detoxing Alonehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/25/nelsan-ellis-a-cautionary-tale-about-detoxing-alone/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/25/nelsan-ellis-a-cautionary-tale-about-detoxing-alone/On July 8, 2017, critically acclaimed actor and playwright, Nelsan Ellis, passed away at the Woodhull Medical Center in New York. He was best known for ...Sun, 25 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTMisuse of Prescription Stimulantshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/23/misuse-of-prescription-stimulants/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/23/misuse-of-prescription-stimulants/Approximately 16 million adults in the United States used prescription stimulants in the past year. Drugs such as Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, and Conc...Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTFactors That Contribute to Substance Use Disordershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/21/valr-july21-long02/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/21/valr-july21-long02/When we are born, no one knows whether we will develop a substance abuse problem but we can make a prediction based on predisposing characteristics. The...Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTPrompts for Your Addiction Recovery Journalhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/19/prompts-for-your-addiction-recovery-journal/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/19/prompts-for-your-addiction-recovery-journal/Journaling is a very effective way to express your thoughts while keeping them private. It allows you to discuss difficult things, track your progress, ...Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTFinding Self-Forgivenesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/17/finding-self-forgiveness/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/17/finding-self-forgiveness/Feelings of guilt and shame are common for those in the throes of addiction. There will be countless times throughout your recovery where you will refle...Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTIntensive Outpatient Programs: An Overviewhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/15/intensive-outpatient-programs-an-overview/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/15/intensive-outpatient-programs-an-overview/Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer services for people who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction but do not require medi...Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTDual Diagnosis: An Overviewhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/13/dual-diagnosis-an-overview/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/13/dual-diagnosis-an-overview/When a person has both a mental disorder and a drug or alcohol problem, they are considered to be dually diagnosed. It is not uncommon for people to exp...Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTCrime of the Century: HBO's New Documentary on the Opioid Epidemichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/11/crime-of-the-century-hbos-new-documentary-on-the-opioid-epidemic/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/11/crime-of-the-century-hbos-new-documentary-on-the-opioid-epidemic/As of 2019, nearly 500,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids. HBO explores this opioid epidemic in their lates...Sun, 11 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTShould You Consider Depressant Medications?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/09/should-you-consider-depressant-medications/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/09/should-you-consider-depressant-medications/Prescription depressants are substances that are typically used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and insomnia. They depress the normal funct...Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSDhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/05/the-benefits-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-ptsd/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/05/the-benefits-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-ptsd/Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that people develop after they have experienced or been exposed to a life-threatening s...Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTInpatient and Outpatient Treatment: An Overviewhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/03/inpatient-and-outpatient-treatment-an-overview/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/03/inpatient-and-outpatient-treatment-an-overview/Choosing an addiction treatment program is one of the most consequential decisions you will make during your journey to sobriety. The program that you s...Sat, 03 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT10 Powerful Books about Addiction and Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/01/10-powerful-books-about-addiction-and-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/07/01/10-powerful-books-about-addiction-and-recovery/Millions of Americans currently suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, yet many of those people feel alone or misunderstood. Although they are not a re...Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Vitamin D Deficiency?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/30/what-is-vitamin-d-deficiency/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/30/what-is-vitamin-d-deficiency/Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition with implications for mental health. Several randomized controlled trials have now shown that raising vitamin...Wed, 30 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Community Care?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/27/what-is-community-care/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/27/what-is-community-care/We often hear about the importance of self-care in the era of mental health clickbait and an increasing desire for likes on social media. But what about...Sun, 27 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTSetting Your Personal Timelinehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/26/setting-your-personal-timeline/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/26/setting-your-personal-timeline/It is very easy to compare yourself to other people. When you look around, you may start to believe that you are not on the right path. In those moments...Sat, 26 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Importance of Individuationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/24/the-importance-of-individuation/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/24/the-importance-of-individuation/As defined by the Oxford dictionary, to individuate is to distinguish from others of the same kind. In practice, this means deciding how you will differ...Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTEverything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From Mountain Bikinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/22/everything-i-needed-to-know-about-life-i-learned-from-mountain-biking/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/22/everything-i-needed-to-know-about-life-i-learned-from-mountain-biking/Whizzing down the mountain, the wind whips against your face and gives you an exhilarating rush. The tires of your bike roll beneath you down the ricket...Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTAdding Self-Care Sundays to Your Routinehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/18/adding-self-care-sundays-to-your-routine/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/18/adding-self-care-sundays-to-your-routine/Another Sunday has come and you are trying to decide how to spend the day. You have a set of chores to get done such as cleaning the house, doing the la...Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTSummer Vacation After the Pandemichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/15/summer-vacation-after-the-pandemic/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/15/summer-vacation-after-the-pandemic/The first day of summer is Sunday, June 20th. As more and more Americans get vaccinated, travel restrictions are being lifted. This presents the perfect...Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTGroup Celebrations Enhance Your Lifehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/13/group-celebrations-enhance-your-life/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/13/group-celebrations-enhance-your-life/Gatherings of people to celebrate an important milestone in their lives can bring so much joy to life. Finally, we are reaching a point in this global p...Sun, 13 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Healing Benefits of Laughterhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/11/the-healing-benefits-of-laughter/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/11/the-healing-benefits-of-laughter/Life often presents us with great adversity. Finding effective, healthy ways to cope with the difficulties in life can take time and discipline, but onc...Fri, 11 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTAlcoholics Anonymous and Related Support Groupshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/09/alcoholics-anonymous-and-related-support-groups/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/09/alcoholics-anonymous-and-related-support-groups/If you are looking for a substance abuse support group, here are some resources to explore which approach works best for you. Alcoholics Anonymous Origi...Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Healing Capacity of Live Musichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/07/the-healing-capacity-of-live-music/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/07/the-healing-capacity-of-live-music/The grass rustles between your toes, which extend past the picnic blanket you placed out on the lawn. You lean back onto your shoulders as you rest the ...Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTHugging Again After the Pandemichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/05/hugging-again-after-the-pandemic/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/05/hugging-again-after-the-pandemic/When was the last time you gave or received a hug? Who did you hug? Where were you? It has been a long time since we have had a significant ability for ...Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTCelebrating Father’s Dayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/03/celebrating-fathers-day/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/03/celebrating-fathers-day/On Sunday, June 20, we will be celebrating dads everywhere. Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show gratitude to the men raising children in you...Thu, 03 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTGetting In Touch With Your Bodyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/01/getting-in-touch-with-your-body/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/06/01/getting-in-touch-with-your-body/Getting In Touch With Your Body Coping with mental health struggles is a complicated, multi-faceted endeavor. While caring for your emotional and psycho...Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Two Dimensions of Fearing Intimacyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/31/fearing-intimacy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/31/fearing-intimacy/Intimacy is an integral part of the recovery process, with each journey being a wholly personal and emotional venture. However, while intimacy is an ess...Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTAddiction and Professionalism Aren’t Mutually Exclusivehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/27/addiction-and-professionalism/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/27/addiction-and-professionalism/Many images come to mind when words like “addiction” or “substance abuse” are brought up, with depictions of those suffering from addiction even going s...Thu, 27 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTPreparing for the COVID-19 Vaccinationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/26/covid-19-vaccine/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/26/covid-19-vaccine/When looking into getting the COVID-19 vaccination, you have several options. You can get Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson. Pfizer and Moderna ar...Wed, 26 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Value of Healing Through Volunteeringhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/24/healing-through-volunteering/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/24/healing-through-volunteering/While the notion that taking time to help others may seem to detract from the personalized nature of addiction recovery, there is a great amount to be g...Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTTwo Faces of Denialhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/19/faces-of-denial/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/19/faces-of-denial/Denial is something that can not just stifle the development of new sober practices but also compromise one’s sense of self-worth, leading one to unnece...Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Value of Nature as a Means to Copehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/17/nature-as-a-means-to-cope/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/17/nature-as-a-means-to-cope/Nature helps so many overcome their life stressors. It serves as a means for so many to cope. When someone is ill, several studies have proven that look...Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTRoll With the Good Timeshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/14/good-times-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/14/good-times-recovery/Recovery is a lot of hard work, and maintaining one’s sobriety takes a lot of responsibility. Going to group therapy sessions, diving into difficult mem...Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Cope With Burnouthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/13/coping-with-burnout/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/13/coping-with-burnout/Tending to someone else’s needs all the time gets tiring. You can only do so much before you reach a point of burnout. Once you’ve overextended your ene...Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTFinding Stabilization in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/12/stabilization-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/12/stabilization-in-recovery/The complicated addiction recovery process can feel intimidating, as an individual is faced with a number of lifestyle changes and new mental frameworks...Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTTransitioning With Sober Livinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/10/sober-living-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/10/sober-living-recovery/Engaging in a professional detox program is essential for beginning one’s journey through the recovery process. While accomplishing such a difficult pha...Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTSelf-Sabotaging Behaviors in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/07/self-sabotaging-behaviors-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/07/self-sabotaging-behaviors-recovery/Recovery is a long and difficult process with any number of personal hurdles throughout, and while the resulting change can be profound and define the p...Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTFinding Your Family in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/06/finding-family-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/06/finding-family-in-recovery/Family plays an integral role throughout many aspects of each individual’s life. However, the idea of a “family” can mean many things, with each individ...Thu, 06 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTTrust and Trauma in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/04/trust-trauma-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/04/trust-trauma-in-recovery/Trauma impacts an individual in many unique ways, any of which can make it difficult to cope with daily events. Those suffering from traumatic experienc...Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTAllowing Yourself Time to Resthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/02/time-to-rest/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/05/02/time-to-rest/After enduring hardship, one of the most core components of trauma or recovery is rest. To allow yourself the time to heal from everyday mishaps to trag...Sun, 02 May 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow Emotional Landscaping Can Help Youhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/30/how-emotional-landscaping-can-help-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/30/how-emotional-landscaping-can-help-you/If you could picture your emotion as a landscape, what would you draw? Where would you be? If you could place yourself in the image, where would you pla...Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Relationship Between Therapist and Clienthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/24/the-relationship-between-therapist-and-client/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/24/the-relationship-between-therapist-and-client/The relationship between the therapist and the client is a working relationship that depends on how the client wants to direct conversations. In this re...Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTUnderstanding Different Types of Attachment Styleshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/22/understanding-different-types-of-attachment-styles/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/22/understanding-different-types-of-attachment-styles/In childhood, we form different attachment styles in our relationships with people. There are three categories of attachment styles under Child Developm...Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTRelish in Your Accomplishmentshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/20/relish-in-your-accomplishments/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/20/relish-in-your-accomplishments/Never be afraid to pat yourself on the back. With having lived the amount of life that you have, you have garnered a lot of cumulative knowledge. You ap...Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTApril is Alcohol Awareness Monthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/18/april-is-alcohol-awareness-month/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/18/april-is-alcohol-awareness-month/April is Alcohol Awareness Month — a time to take stock in accomplishments with sobriety and acknowledge those still struggling with substance use disor...Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Solution-Focused Therapy?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/17/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/17/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/Solution-focused therapy is an evidence-based practice to assist people of all age ranges in dealing with a wide variety of complex challenges. To date,...Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Healing Power of Exploring the Outdoorshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/15/the-healing-power-of-exploring-the-outdoors/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/15/the-healing-power-of-exploring-the-outdoors/Have you ever felt stressed and then decided to take a walk outside to calm down? Did it work? Most likely, you returned to the setting you came from in...Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTSpring Cleaning and the Mindhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/14/spring-cleaning-and-the-mind/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/14/spring-cleaning-and-the-mind/Springtime, which runs from March 20 to June 20, invites many possibilities. One option is to try your hand at spring cleaning. Clearing out the clutter...Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Basics of Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/12/the-basics-of-problem-solving-therapy-pst/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/12/the-basics-of-problem-solving-therapy-pst/Problem-solving therapy PST is an evidence-based practice to help people work through problems. It involves seven steps. These steps include: 1. Identif...Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTCurating Your Social Media to Promote Mental Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/10/curating-your-social-media-to-promote-mental-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/10/curating-your-social-media-to-promote-mental-health/If you are living and breathing in the 21st century, then you’re also probably on social media. Kudos to those of you who have avoided the trends, posts...Sat, 10 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Iceberg of Emotionshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/09/the-iceberg-of-emotions/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/09/the-iceberg-of-emotions/We often experience emotions as an iceberg. In the conscious mind, above the water, we consider our feelings — whether it’s anger, sadness, or joy. Howe...Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTCharacterizing Your Thought Patternshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/07/characterizing-your-thought-patterns/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/07/characterizing-your-thought-patterns/A key component of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is characterizing your maladaptive thoughts. Maladaptive thoughts are ways of thinking that do not...Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Trauma-Informed Care?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/05/what-is-trauma-informed-care/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/05/what-is-trauma-informed-care/Trauma underpins most major mental illnesses and substance use disorders. When life deals someone with a challenging card, they only have so many ways t...Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Use Socratic Questioning in Therapyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/04/how-to-use-socratic-questioning-in-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/04/04/how-to-use-socratic-questioning-in-therapy/You can learn about a person and help them come to realizations about themselves by asking them a series of questions. Named for the Greek philosopher S...Sun, 04 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMTDefining Self-Determinationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/31/self-determination/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/31/self-determination/In life, we each get to make decisions for ourselves. That is our right to self-determination. Sometimes when we are struggling with mental health conce...Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTAn Overview of Motivational Interviewinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/26/motivational-interviewing/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/26/motivational-interviewing/Motivational Interviewing MI is a tool that a lot of clinicians use to learn more about their clients and the client’s desire for change. Some of the ba...Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTMaking Minor Adjustments for Major Changehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/25/minor-adjustments-for-major-change/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/25/minor-adjustments-for-major-change/Making big changes seems overwhelming and too much for us to handle. Instead of shifting your focus all at once, it can be helpful to break down the ove...Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTThe Story Behind “Rock Bottom”https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/23/rock-bottom/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/23/rock-bottom/“Rock Bottom” is often referred to as the period when the effects of addiction are causing someone to spiral downward and the individual struggling with...Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Get Your Partner to Open Uphttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/19/couple-communication/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/19/couple-communication/Are you having a hard time communicating with your partner? That is a normal occurrence in most relationships. Some of the communication barriers includ...Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTFending Off Cravingshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/17/fending-off-cravings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/17/fending-off-cravings/While in recovery, it is natural to experience cravings. You may have a desire to use again at random moments. This is part of the recovery process. Sub...Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTMarch Madness: The Game of Basketball As a Metaphor for Therapyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/15/march-madness-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/15/march-madness-therapy/Typically during this time of year, we gear up for the famous National Collegiate Athletic Association’s NCAA basketball tournament: March Madness. The ...Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTAdapting to Daylight Savingshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/13/daylight-savings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/13/daylight-savings/Daylight savings is coming up tomorrow, March 14. You will be turning your clocks ahead one hour in a “spring forward” fashion. For many, this means mor...Sat, 13 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTStorytelling to Heal from Traumahttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/12/storytelling-to-heal-from-trauma/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/12/storytelling-to-heal-from-trauma/Telling your story can make all the difference. After having experienced trauma, however, it can be difficult to vocalize, organize, and summarize what ...Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTBiopsychosocial Understanding of Selfhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/11/biopsychosocial-understanding/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/11/biopsychosocial-understanding/The biopsychosocial-spiritual-cultural model helps mental health professionals understand clients as they exist in their environments. So what does that...Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTLeaning on Friendshiphttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/09/leaning-on-friendship/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/09/leaning-on-friendship/Sometimes in life, our job or our romantic relationships are not bringing us the satisfaction we seek. This is when friendship becomes fundamental. Frie...Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhy Your Social Network Mattershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/05/your-support-network/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/05/your-support-network/Do you feel well connected to your community? Do you feel isolated sometimes? Both of these questions play into the overarching idea of a social network...Fri, 05 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTRemembering Dr. Suesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/02/remembering-dr-suess/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/02/remembering-dr-suess/“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” March 2 is Dr. Suess’s birthday and has become National Dr. S...Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTEmpowerment in Practicehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/01/empowerment-in-practice/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/03/01/empowerment-in-practice/Empowerment theory encourages groups of people to band together to overcome adversity. There are three tenants of cognitive empowerment, according to Gu...Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Say You’re Sorryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/28/how-to-say-youre-sorry/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/28/how-to-say-youre-sorry/There always comes a point where we recognize we’ve made a mistake and we have to say those three simple words — “I am sorry.” Before we say that, howev...Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTPracticing Assertive Communicationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/27/practicing-assertive-communication/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/27/practicing-assertive-communication/There are many different styles of communication but if you are trying to express your needs calmly and succinctly, you should consider practicing asser...Sat, 27 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Avoid Ruminationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/26/how-to-avoid-rumination/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/26/how-to-avoid-rumination/Do you often find yourself replaying scenes from your past again and again in your mind? Is there a loop in your head replaying a fear of the future tha...Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTJohn Mulaney Working to Overcome Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/26/john-mulaney-working-to-overcome-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/26/john-mulaney-working-to-overcome-addiction/Just like many of us, celebrities all too often fall into the trap of substance abuse. In a 2019 interview with Esquire, comedian John Mulaney detailed ...Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTShame and Guilt in Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/24/shame-and-guilt-in-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/24/shame-and-guilt-in-addiction/Experiencing shame and guilt is a common part of addiction, recovery, and life itself. When you fixate on failed relationships, lost opportunities, or m...Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTDepression is Not Lazinesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/21/depression-is-not-laziness/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/21/depression-is-not-laziness/Depression, being “bummed,” or experiencing the feeling of hopelessness is a normal fluctuation in your mental state. During this period, the person exp...Sun, 21 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTFamily Dynamics Around Addiction and Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/18/family-dynamics-around-addiction-and-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/18/family-dynamics-around-addiction-and-recovery/Addiction of any kind and the recovery process affects family dynamics in multiple ways. People assume different roles throughout the process and grappl...Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat is a Panic Attack?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/17/what-is-a-panic-attack/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/17/what-is-a-panic-attack/A panic attack is a sudden onset of overwhelming fear causing physical symptoms like rapid heart palpitations, sweating, vision changes, hyperventilatio...Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTUnderstanding Angerhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/15/understanding-anger/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/15/understanding-anger/Anger, while often frowned upon in our society as a forbidden emotion, is a natural feeling for humans to experience. We all get mad at times. However, ...Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat Detox Entailshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/13/what-detox-entails/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/13/what-detox-entails/Have you ever heard the term detoxification while reading about getting sober, but curious to learn more? In this article, we will explain what detoxifi...Sat, 13 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTAre You in the “Pink Cloud?”https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/10/are-you-in-the-pink-cloud/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/10/are-you-in-the-pink-cloud/The “pink cloud” is the period during recovery some people describe as where they are experiencing euphoria and an abundance of optimism around the pros...Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTValentine's Date and Gift Ideashttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/08/valentines-date-and-gift-ideas/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/08/valentines-date-and-gift-ideas/With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering what you can do to make your loved one feel special given all you have been through togethe...Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Use Naloxonehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/06/how-to-use-naloxone/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/06/how-to-use-naloxone/Naloxone is an injectable or nasal spray medication used to treat an opioid overdose. Its distribution has greatly decreased the number of opioid overdo...Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTDating in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/03/dating-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/02/03/dating-in-recovery/Forming romantic relationships after addiction can be a challenge. You may struggle with lower self-esteem even in sobriety or just feel uncomfortable b...Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMTTips for Participating in Group Therapyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/30/tips-for-participating-in-group-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/30/tips-for-participating-in-group-therapy/Group therapy can help you heal collectively. By sharing your experiences with others who may have had similar situations or coping mechanisms, you can ...Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTLetting Go of the Male Insensitivity Mythhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/28/letting-go-of-the-male-insensitivity-myth/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/28/letting-go-of-the-male-insensitivity-myth/Men cry. That may come as a shock to you, but it is part of our life experience. We cry when we experience loss, when we feel unreciprocated affection, ...Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTDo You Have a Process Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/26/do-you-have-a-process-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/26/do-you-have-a-process-addiction/A process addiction is when a favorite pastime becomes problematic. Instead of indulging periodically in moderation with your favorite things, they beco...Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTGet in the Right Headspace to Tell Your Kids You're Seeking Treatmenthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/26/get-in-the-right-headspace-to-tell-your-kids-youre-seeking-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/26/get-in-the-right-headspace-to-tell-your-kids-youre-seeking-treatment/You have made the decision to seek treatment for your addiction, but you still need to have that conversation with your children on why you are leaving ...Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTMaintaining Relationship Intimacyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/24/maintaining-relationship-intimacy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/24/maintaining-relationship-intimacy/Are you having difficulty becoming or staying aroused? There are several psychological and biological factors that may be contributing to this roadblock...Sun, 24 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Collaborate with Your Medication Prescriberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/21/how-to-collaborate-with-your-medication-prescriber/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/21/how-to-collaborate-with-your-medication-prescriber/Do you find it hard to be honest with your medication prescriber? Are you sometimes missing doses either unintentionally or intentionally? Do you wish y...Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTWhat Brings You Joy?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/18/what-brings-you-joy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/18/what-brings-you-joy/What did you love to do as a child? Did you love to paint? Did you take dance classes? Finding a hobby that recharges you can help you overcome various ...Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTTips on Embracing Uncertaintyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/17/tips-on-embracing-uncertainty/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/17/tips-on-embracing-uncertainty/Uncertainty is woven into the fabric of life. We are never quite sure of the consequences of our actions or the effects that any major event may have in...Sun, 17 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Create a Daily Schedule and Stick to Ithttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/15/how-to-create-a-daily-schedule-and-stick-to-it/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/15/how-to-create-a-daily-schedule-and-stick-to-it/Creating a daily schedule helps to establish priorities in your life. It can give you a sense of fulfillment when you reach your goals. Sticking to that...Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Talk to My Partner About My Trauma?https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/13/how-do-i-talk-to-my-partner-about-my-trauma/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/13/how-do-i-talk-to-my-partner-about-my-trauma/Opening up to a partner about past or present trauma is a huge relationship hurdle to work through. We want the people we love to support us through the...Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Attend AA Meetings During Quarantinehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/10/how-to-attend-aa-meetings-during-quarantine/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/10/how-to-attend-aa-meetings-during-quarantine/Dealing with alcohol addiction is especially challenging during quarantine. Several treatment facilities are closed or have gone virtual. During quarant...Sun, 10 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTTypes of Mental Health Providershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/08/types-of-mental-health-providers/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/08/types-of-mental-health-providers/Are you looking for a new therapist? Is your mind boggled by how many different titles therapists have? Are you not sure which one to choose based on th...Fri, 08 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Deal with Zoom Fatiguehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/06/how-to-deal-with-zoom-fatigue/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/06/how-to-deal-with-zoom-fatigue/As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may be growing tired of virtual meetings. The term “Zoom fatigue” has been popularized to describe this phenomen...Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMTHow to Keep a New Year’s Resolutionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/03/how-to-keep-a-new-years-resolution/https://www.valiantliving.com/2021/01/03/how-to-keep-a-new-years-resolution/With 2021 underway, it may be a good time to reevaluate your progress on your personal goals for growth. In December, we wrote a reminder to readers to ...Sun, 03 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT5 Tenants of Recovery from Alcoholism and Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/30/5-tenants-of-recovery-from-alcoholism-and-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/30/5-tenants-of-recovery-from-alcoholism-and-addiction/Millions of people who struggle with alcoholism or addiction want recovery but do not fully understand the concept. They often imagine that recovery inc...Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow the Great Outdoors Can Help Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/28/how-the-great-outdoors-can-help-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/28/how-the-great-outdoors-can-help-your-recovery/According to Harvard Medical School, Americans spend approximately 90% of their lives indoors, with the percentage increasing as a person ages. Such a s...Mon, 28 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTLearning Guided Imagery Can Reduce Your Anxietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/27/learning-guided-imagery-can-reduce-your-anxiety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/27/learning-guided-imagery-can-reduce-your-anxiety/Many people utilize yoga and meditation to supplement talk therapy and group meetings to develop a positive mindset. Still, many people do not have expe...Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTSetting Boundaries for Your Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/27/setting-boundaries-for-your-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/27/setting-boundaries-for-your-sobriety/Now that you’re in recovery, it’s vital to be proactive in setting boundaries for yourself. This includes protecting your health by being outspoken with...Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Long Do Drug Cravings Last During Withdrawal?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/26/how-long-do-drug-cravings-last-during-withdrawal/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/26/how-long-do-drug-cravings-last-during-withdrawal/For a person contemplating entering recovery for their struggle with addiction, one of the biggest concerns revolves around experiencing physical cravin...Sat, 26 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Keeping a Journal Improves Your Mental Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/23/how-keeping-a-journal-improves-your-mental-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/23/how-keeping-a-journal-improves-your-mental-health/If you don't write in a journal because you associate it with the dramatic emotions of a teenage girl writing in her diary, think again. Keeping a journ...Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTDo You Have Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/19/do-you-have-adult-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/19/do-you-have-adult-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Many people associate attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with children, but many adults struggle with ADHD as well. ADHD typically starts i...Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTGoing Cold Turkeyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/19/going-cold-turkey/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/19/going-cold-turkey/From an old American idiom referring to a straightforward, no-frills manner of speaking, ‘cold turkey’ has come to mean taking a similarly direct approa...Sat, 19 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTAsking if a Treatment Program Is a Good Fit for Youhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/15/asking-if-a-treatment-program-is-a-good-fit-for-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/15/asking-if-a-treatment-program-is-a-good-fit-for-you/A person who is ready to enter a recovery program often wonders if they will be a good fit and what other people in the program may be like. Valiant Liv...Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTI Think I Have A Problemhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/12/i-think-i-have-a-problem/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/12/i-think-i-have-a-problem/Whether you’ve had a wake-up call in the form of an unsettling experience, been shaken by the recovery or overdose of someone close to you, or simply fe...Sat, 12 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTConfronting Your Partner About Their Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/10/confronting-your-partner-about-their-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/10/confronting-your-partner-about-their-addiction/When a spouse or partner develops an addiction, it affects both people in the relationship. While the addicted person may suffer a great deal, the brunt...Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTIf You Think Your Partner is Battling Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/08/if-you-think-your-partner-is-battling-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/08/if-you-think-your-partner-is-battling-addiction/If you suspect that your romantic partner struggles with addiction, you may feel hesitant to say something to them. You may worry that they’ll laugh it ...Tue, 08 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTFocus on the Positive in the New Yearhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/06/focus-on-the-positive-in-the-new-year/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/06/focus-on-the-positive-in-the-new-year/New Year's Eve is typically when everyone thinks about the great things that happened over the past year. Last year, millions of people planned for a wo...Sun, 06 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTSinger Melissa Etheridge's Foundation Honors Her Son Who Lost His Battle With Opioid Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/03/singer-melissa-etheridges-foundation-honors-her-son-who-lost-his-battle-with-opioid-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/12/03/singer-melissa-etheridges-foundation-honors-her-son-who-lost-his-battle-with-opioid-addiction/For three decades, singer Melissa Etheridge made news for her powerful songs, multiple Grammy nominations, and influence on the world of rock music. Her...Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMTLearning to Forgive Yourselfhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/30/learning-to-forgive-yourself/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/30/learning-to-forgive-yourself/Many times in life, we are presented with an opportunity to forgive someone. A person will ask for forgiveness for something they said or did, hoping fo...Mon, 30 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Creating a Self-Care Package Helps Heal Youhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/28/how-creating-a-self-care-package-helps-heal-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/28/how-creating-a-self-care-package-helps-heal-you/One of the most challenging lessons that come during recovery is learning to take care of yourself. Whether you are dealing with alcohol, drugs, or copi...Sat, 28 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Stop Being Stuck in the Pasthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/26/how-to-stop-being-stuck-in-the-past/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/26/how-to-stop-being-stuck-in-the-past/One of the common traits of experiencing mental health issues like depression and anxiety is spending time wishing we could change our past. People tend...Thu, 26 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Medically-Supervised Detoxing Is Besthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/25/why-medically-supervised-detoxing-is-best/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/25/why-medically-supervised-detoxing-is-best/When a person is addicted to alcohol or drugs, they often find themselves in need of detoxification, also called detox. The idea of going cold turkey of...Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Fake Social Media Lives Can Leave You Feeling Inferiorhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/24/how-fake-social-media-lives-can-leave-you-feeling-inferior/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/24/how-fake-social-media-lives-can-leave-you-feeling-inferior/Social media websites are popular ways to stay in touch with friends and family, make new acquaintances, and promote hobbies or work. Facebook boasts 2....Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTDo You Have the Winter Blues, or is It SAD?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/23/do-you-have-the-winter-blues-or-is-it-sad/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/23/do-you-have-the-winter-blues-or-is-it-sad/This time of year means a time change, shorter days, and colder weather. For some people, the focus is on the holidays and breaking out favorite sweater...Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTDo You Have an Intimacy Disorder?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/19/do-you-have-an-intimacy-disorder/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/19/do-you-have-an-intimacy-disorder/Many people find that they experience difficulty in maintaining healthy, long-lasting romantic relationships. They may not know that they have an intima...Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Return of Sports and Staying Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/19/the-return-of-sports-and-staying-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/19/the-return-of-sports-and-staying-sober/The advent of COVID-19 affected the social lives and entertainment schedules of many people. One of the biggest adjustments for sports fans this year ha...Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTAre You Ready to Be a Sponsor?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/14/are-you-ready-to-be-a-sponsor/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/14/are-you-ready-to-be-a-sponsor/Many people who attend 12-step groups ask someone in the group to be their sponsor. A sponsor is someone farther along in recovery who feels comfortable...Sat, 14 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat to Do Before Leaving for Residential Treatmenthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/10/what-to-do-before-leaving-for-residential-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/10/what-to-do-before-leaving-for-residential-treatment/Committing to going into a residential program to treat an addiction or a mental health condition is a brave decision. The next step can seem complicate...Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Treat An Avoidant Personality Disorderhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/10/how-to-treat-an-avoidant-personality-disorder/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/10/how-to-treat-an-avoidant-personality-disorder/An avoidant personality disorder is a lesser-known mental health condition that affects one percent of the general population. People who deal with this...Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Dangers of Process Addictionshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/07/the-dangers-of-process-addictions/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/07/the-dangers-of-process-addictions/When someone hears the word 'addiction', they typically think of drugs and alcohol. A less commonly known term is a process addiction, although this can...Sat, 07 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTMaintaining Sobriety During the Holiday Seasonhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/04/maintaining-sobriety-during-the-holiday-season/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/04/maintaining-sobriety-during-the-holiday-season/When the holiday season starts, it brings many opportunities for parties and family gatherings. For many people, this means enjoying an alcoholic drink ...Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhen Cough Syrup Becomes an Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/03/when-cough-syrup-becomes-an-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/11/03/when-cough-syrup-becomes-an-addiction/As we head into the cold and flu season, many people stock up on medicine cabinet supplies such as cough syrup. When used as directed, this product is s...Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMTCan I Deal with Chronic Pain without Taking Drugs?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/30/can-i-deal-with-chronic-pain-without-taking-drugs/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/30/can-i-deal-with-chronic-pain-without-taking-drugs/One of the most sensitive topics of discussion in recovery is how to stay sober and deal with chronic pain. One opinion that people in recovery have lea...Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Cause of Counter-Dependencyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/29/the-cause-of-counter-dependency/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/29/the-cause-of-counter-dependency/The topic of codependency comes up regularly within many discussions revolving around addiction. Many people battling addiction are often codependent on...Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Should I Worry About the Wreckage of the Future?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/25/why-should-i-worry-about-the-wreckage-of-the-future/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/25/why-should-i-worry-about-the-wreckage-of-the-future/Now that you are putting some days together in your recovery, you can still cause some future wreckage. If you keep doing all the same things that you w...Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Consequences Equal Change in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/24/why-consequences-equal-change-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/24/why-consequences-equal-change-in-recovery/Nothing changes if nothing changes. This statement pretty much sums up the intent to get into recovery and alter someone’s life for the better. Addictio...Sat, 24 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Humility Is an Imperative Part of Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/23/why-humility-is-an-imperative-part-of-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/23/why-humility-is-an-imperative-part-of-recovery/You have spent enough time being reckless with selfishness due to your behaviors under the influence. Now in recovery, you can rectify that behavior by ...Fri, 23 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Say What I Mean and Mean What I Say (Without Being Mean)?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/19/how-do-i-say-what-i-mean-and-mean-what-i-say-without-being-mean/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/19/how-do-i-say-what-i-mean-and-mean-what-i-say-without-being-mean/Setting boundaries is an essential part of having healthy relationships in recovery. Whether you are the one trying to help someone to get sober or you ...Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Have a Sober Halloween During a Global Pandemichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/19/how-to-have-a-sober-halloween-during-a-global-pandemic/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/19/how-to-have-a-sober-halloween-during-a-global-pandemic/The 31st of October is a day for kids and bigger kids to celebrate a day of costumes and candy galore. This very social holiday will definitely have to ...Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips for Confronting Someone You Believe Has Relapsedhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/17/tips-for-confronting-someone-you-believe-has-relapsed/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/17/tips-for-confronting-someone-you-believe-has-relapsed/When you believe that someone you are close to has relapsed, there is no easy way to start a conversation about your suspicions. If they have denied rel...Sat, 17 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT8 Reasons Why You Should Participate in Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/10/8-reasons-why-you-should-participate-in-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/10/8-reasons-why-you-should-participate-in-your-recovery/Participating in your recovery can seem daunting. All the different ways suggested to show up can be overwhelming. Attending weekly recovery meetings an...Sat, 10 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy You Should Quit Vaping Because of COVID-19https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/10/why-you-should-quit-vaping-because-of-covid-19/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/10/why-you-should-quit-vaping-because-of-covid-19/Stress and anxiety have been a common theme throughout the recent global pandemic. When these reactions arise, seeking coping mechanisms can assist in a...Sat, 10 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Is “Evidence-Based” Addiction Treatment?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/09/what-is-evidence-based-addiction-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/09/what-is-evidence-based-addiction-treatment/Everywhere you look, you may come across certain recovery buzzwords that catch your eye but do not provide enough information for you to decide with wha...Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do I Feel So Misunderstood?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/04/why-do-i-feel-so-misunderstood/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/04/why-do-i-feel-so-misunderstood/As you begin your recovery journey, there may be indications that make you realize that you feel misunderstood. Feeling your feelings for the first time...Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Does Everyone Keep Saying I Need Help Too?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/03/why-does-everyone-keep-saying-i-need-help-too/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/03/why-does-everyone-keep-saying-i-need-help-too/Now that your loved one has started receiving treatment for their drug and/or alcohol addiction, you may be under the impression that you are free and c...Sat, 03 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTAJ McClean and His Newest Challenge in Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/02/aj-mcclean-and-his-newest-challenge-in-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/10/02/aj-mcclean-and-his-newest-challenge-in-sobriety/Backstreet’s back--in recovery for one of its members. AJ McClean’s struggle with drugs and alcohol has been chronicled for the last 20 years, and now t...Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do You Know If You Have a Good Sponsor?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/30/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-a-good-sponsor/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/30/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-a-good-sponsor/Sponsorship is a crucial element in staying sober. Having someone who knows what it is like to be addicted to drugs or alcohol, can guide you in their p...Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Does Recovery Look Like After Rehab?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/30/what-does-recovery-look-like-after-rehab/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/30/what-does-recovery-look-like-after-rehab/The general perception of what could happen once you stop getting drunk and high is that everything will be boring and dull. Drugs and alcohol deceptive...Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Know About National Recovery Monthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/29/what-you-should-know-about-national-recovery-month/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/29/what-you-should-know-about-national-recovery-month/Every year in September, National Recovery Month is observed to increase awareness and celebrate those who have been successful in their recovery journe...Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Long Does It Take to Recover?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/25/how-long-does-it-take-to-recover/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/25/how-long-does-it-take-to-recover/Some of the common questions people in recovery get are, "How long do you have to go to those classes?" or "When can you start drinking or using with us...Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT8 Opportunities You Will Find in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/24/8-opportunities-you-will-find-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/24/8-opportunities-you-will-find-in-recovery/Addiction can limit people from being the best version of themselves. Opportunities tend to dry up when addiction is involved because of the way that dr...Thu, 24 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTSelf-Care Without Guilthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/23/self-care-without-guilt/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/23/self-care-without-guilt/As you align in your recovery program, your spiritual principles are meant to mold you into a selfless version of yourself. You were taught to give to o...Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWill My Marriage Survive in Sobriety?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/19/will-my-marriage-survive-in-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/19/will-my-marriage-survive-in-sobriety/Vows are taken to solidify a marriage, but what that really entails is full of unknowns. There is no way to foresee how "in sickness and in health" will...Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Are the Markers of Shame?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/19/what-are-the-markers-of-shame/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/19/what-are-the-markers-of-shame/One of the reasons people continue to drink alcohol and use drugs addictively is because the shame they experience is often too big of a burden to carry...Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTElton John Celebrates 30 Years of Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/17/elton-john-celebrates-30-years-of-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/17/elton-john-celebrates-30-years-of-sobriety/Celebrities getting sober is a fantastic way to show hope in recovery. Knowing that they can get sober while being in the spotlight and their ritzy life...Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Benefits of Being Single in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/10/the-benefits-of-being-single-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/10/the-benefits-of-being-single-in-recovery/Most of us want what we cannot have and think the grass is greener on the other side. Such is the case with being single in recovery. After the hell of ...Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Prevent Relapse During the COVID-19 Pandemichttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/10/how-to-prevent-relapse-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/10/how-to-prevent-relapse-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/With no vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, businesses, schools, and places of worship are still being affected throughout the country. The limit...Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Is Treatment for Elder Addiction So Important?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/09/why-is-treatment-for-elder-addiction-so-important/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/09/why-is-treatment-for-elder-addiction-so-important/We often look to our grandparents and older loved ones as the standard of wisdom with reference to all of their life experiences. Yet the truth of the m...Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTCan I Ever Find Gratitude With All the Changes I Am Going Through?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/04/can-i-ever-find-gratitude-with-all-the-changes-i-am-going-through/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/04/can-i-ever-find-gratitude-with-all-the-changes-i-am-going-through/The only thing you have to change in recovery is everything. All the changes that you will have to make will create growing pains and uncertainty, makin...Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Labor Day Can Look Like in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/02/what-labor-day-can-look-like-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/09/02/what-labor-day-can-look-like-in-recovery/Labor Day in 2020 is going to take on a new light this year. With many people still unable to work due to the limitations that are being made during the...Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do I Keep Chasing Chaos?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/30/why-do-i-keep-chasing-chaos/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/30/why-do-i-keep-chasing-chaos/One thing that may have thrown you for a loop is how the chaos continues to find you now that you are sober from drugs and alcohol. You believe that dru...Sun, 30 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWays to Maintain Your Long-Term Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/29/ways-to-maintain-your-long-term-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/29/ways-to-maintain-your-long-term-sobriety/You have repeatedly been told that you must live in the present moment, one day at a time, to avoid getting ahead of yourself. What you have to consider...Sat, 29 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWill I Be Able to Send My Loved One to Rehab Involuntarily?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/25/will-i-be-able-to-send-my-loved-one-to-rehab-involuntarily/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/25/will-i-be-able-to-send-my-loved-one-to-rehab-involuntarily/When a loved one seems out of control and near death from addiction, you may have no idea what to do for them. After exhausting every effort to help the...Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWays to Own Your Uniquenesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/24/ways-to-own-your-uniqueness/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/24/ways-to-own-your-uniqueness/Have you ever heard the phrase terminal uniqueness? If you have, you know that it’s not a term of endearment, but really gives the impression of entitle...Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTCompassion: We Are All Recovering From Somethinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/23/compassion-we-are-all-recovering-from-something/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/23/compassion-we-are-all-recovering-from-something/With all the turmoil that the world has had to endure this year, the one thing that seems to be lacking is having compassion for one another. Trying to ...Sun, 23 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Find the Initiative to Heal?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/19/how-do-i-find-the-initiative-to-heal/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/19/how-do-i-find-the-initiative-to-heal/In between cleaning up your consequences, working your program, showing up for your job, taking care of your family, managing a place to live, paying yo...Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Make the Most of Each Sober Day?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/19/how-do-i-make-the-most-of-each-sober-day/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/19/how-do-i-make-the-most-of-each-sober-day/Getting sober can create many exciting opportunities, but there will be those days when you will not be feeling it. Life on life’s terms still occurs ev...Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips to Start the School Year With Uncertaintyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/17/tips-to-start-the-school-year-with-uncertainty/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/17/tips-to-start-the-school-year-with-uncertainty/How everyone will attend school next year is looking different for students, teachers, and parents across the country. With the global pandemic still cr...Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do They Want to Hear My Share?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/11/why-do-they-want-to-hear-my-share/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/11/why-do-they-want-to-hear-my-share/A jarring aspect of recovery meetings is getting called on to share, especially if you are new. Talking about your awkward feelings and the adverse situ...Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Being Beautiful on the Inside Can Be Enduringhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/10/how-being-beautiful-on-the-inside-can-be-enduring/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/10/how-being-beautiful-on-the-inside-can-be-enduring/Addiction rips through the lives of people who are unexpecting what comes next. Alcohol and drugs initially make people feel like they are invincible an...Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTLove Where You Livehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/10/love-where-you-live/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/10/love-where-you-live/Wherever you go, there you are. This philosophy means that while you may think that other things hold you back in your life—if you are not happy with wh...Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT7 Signs That Might Lead You to a Relapsehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/04/7-signs-that-might-lead-you-to-a-relapse/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/04/7-signs-that-might-lead-you-to-a-relapse/Relapse prevention is a must to stay sober. An addiction can be relentless while waiting on the sidelines for you to make a mistake. As a human, you wil...Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Communicate With My Higher Power?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/03/how-do-i-communicate-with-my-higher-power/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/03/how-do-i-communicate-with-my-higher-power/Recovery suggests finding a higher power as a means to gain the direction and strength needed to stay sober. The intangibility of a higher power, howeve...Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Miley Cyrus Got Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/02/why-miley-cyrus-got-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/08/02/why-miley-cyrus-got-sober/When you think of Miley Cyrus, you may remember her Disney Channel days of Hannah Montana. You might also remember her outrageous interviews and tumultu...Sun, 02 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMTWill I Ever Repair the Damage of My Past?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/30/will-i-ever-repair-the-damage-of-my-past/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/30/will-i-ever-repair-the-damage-of-my-past/Shame and guilt are some of the worst feelings. In fact, you may have continued to drink alcohol and use drugs to avoid having to deal with these types ...Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do They Keep Saying I Am a Miracle in My Meetings?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/25/why-do-they-keep-saying-i-am-a-miracle-in-my-meetings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/25/why-do-they-keep-saying-i-am-a-miracle-in-my-meetings/Ever walk into a recovery meeting and hear someone say, "Don't leave before the miracle happens?" If you haven't, maybe you have heard someone tell you ...Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTDo I Have to Relapse?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/24/do-i-have-to-relapse/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/24/do-i-have-to-relapse/When you attend recovery meetings, you hear people talk about their relapse and what happened to them. The problem you have is that you feel like everyo...Fri, 24 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTEminem: Celebrating 12 Years of Continuous Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/23/eminem-celebrating-12-years-of-continuous-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/23/eminem-celebrating-12-years-of-continuous-sobriety/One thing is for certain, the rapper Eminem is not afraid to share his recovery to the world. Twelve consecutive years of sobriety from drugs and alcoho...Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Develop Strong Spiritual Intuition?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/19/how-do-i-develop-strong-spiritual-intuition/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/19/how-do-i-develop-strong-spiritual-intuition/One concern that people have during the throes of addiction is not making the right choices under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The longer the dru...Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips to Become Accountable in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/19/tips-to-become-accountable-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/19/tips-to-become-accountable-in-recovery/To get, and stay, sober, accountability is one of the concepts in recovery that is a must. You would have already accomplished cessation if you were abl...Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTGuide to Attaining Emotional Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/17/guide-to-attaining-emotional-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/17/guide-to-attaining-emotional-sobriety/Recovery starts with the quest to stop drinking and using drugs but it turns into a mission to learn how to live a fulfilling life. Turns out, staying s...Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Motivation Is Essential in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/16/why-motivation-is-essential-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/16/why-motivation-is-essential-in-recovery/For any endeavor to work, there must be some motivation behind the effort, and a recovery program is no different. Without motivation in the equation, y...Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTCan I Get Sober on a Court Card?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/11/can-i-get-sober-on-a-court-card/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/11/can-i-get-sober-on-a-court-card/There is no one way to get sober because everyone’s road to recovery will be different. While most people do not come on their own accord, some will arr...Sat, 11 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Are the Best Activities to Accomplish When You Feel Alone?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/10/what-are-the-best-activities-to-accomplish-when-you-feel-alone/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/10/what-are-the-best-activities-to-accomplish-when-you-feel-alone/More than ever, our society has tried to figure out how to make use of our time when we feel alone. With social distancing measures in place for COVID-1...Fri, 10 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Acknowledgment Will Serve You Better Than Your Denialhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/10/why-acknowledgment-will-serve-you-better-than-your-denial/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/10/why-acknowledgment-will-serve-you-better-than-your-denial/One of the key characteristics of addiction is denial. Whether you refute that you have a problem with drugs and alcohol, or think you are above getting...Fri, 10 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Make July 4th Fire Up Your Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/04/how-to-make-july-4th-fire-up-your-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/04/how-to-make-july-4th-fire-up-your-sobriety/July 4th is a holiday that is definitely associated with drinking and using. Although the main attraction is the fireworks show every year, the events l...Sat, 04 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Know I Am Done?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/03/how-do-i-know-i-am-done/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/03/how-do-i-know-i-am-done/People come into recovery thinking that they are done living in their active addiction and are ready to move into their recovery. The problem is that ju...Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT3 Reasons to Exercise During Addiction Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/02/3-reasons-to-exercise-during-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/07/02/3-reasons-to-exercise-during-addiction-recovery/Physical activity is essential to maintain a healthy body. According to The American Heart Association, the recommended amount of exercise per week is 1...Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do I Have Relearn Life Skills?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/30/why-do-i-have-relearn-life-skills/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/30/why-do-i-have-relearn-life-skills/As drug and alcohol addiction demolished your life, you may not have realized the full extent of your wreckage. As you “come to” in your sobriety and st...Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Become Constructive and not Destructivehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/29/how-to-become-constructive-and-not-destructive/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/29/how-to-become-constructive-and-not-destructive/Getting sober does not necessarily mean that changes happen automatically.c You must take the initiative to alter your behaviors in a more appropriate w...Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Deal with The News of a Loved One’s Medical Diagnosis in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/25/how-do-i-deal-with-the-news-of-a-loved-ones-medical-diagnosis-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/25/how-do-i-deal-with-the-news-of-a-loved-ones-medical-diagnosis-in-recovery/There may come a time when a loved one comes down with a severe medical ailment that makes you spin out of control with fear. You may start pondering ho...Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Should I Celebrate Dad Now that He is Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/24/why-should-i-celebrate-dad-now-that-he-is-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/24/why-should-i-celebrate-dad-now-that-he-is-sober/For most of your life, your father may have consumed copious amounts of drugs and alcohol, embarrassing you every step of the way. When you were around ...Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWays to Stop Being so Frustrated in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/23/ways-to-stop-being-so-frustrated-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/23/ways-to-stop-being-so-frustrated-in-recovery/As the days start to run together, the pink cloud you were once floating on may have started drifting away. Instead of feeling on fire for recovery, you...Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Keeping You from Achieving Spiritual Enlightenment?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/19/what-is-keeping-you-from-achieving-spiritual-enlightenment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/19/what-is-keeping-you-from-achieving-spiritual-enlightenment/As you progress through your recovery, you start to see the necessity of connecting to a Higher Power as a means of staying sober. The problem that you ...Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Settling Financial Wreckage of the Past Really Involveshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/19/what-settling-financial-wreckage-of-the-past-really-involves/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/19/what-settling-financial-wreckage-of-the-past-really-involves/Many of us who suffer from addiction had accrued debts before we got sober, which needs to be paid off. Coming into recovery, we are broken and broke wi...Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Navigate Through Uncertainty with Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/17/how-to-navigate-through-uncertainty-with-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/17/how-to-navigate-through-uncertainty-with-sobriety/Life is full of twists and turns, which can create feelings of adversity when you are really looking for some triumph. More people have found themselves...Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do You Deal with Feelings When their Hurt?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/11/how-do-you-deal-with-feelings-when-their-hurt/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/11/how-do-you-deal-with-feelings-when-their-hurt/One of the reasons people relapse is because they wish to drink or use drugs when someone has hurt their feelings. Whether they feel like they are criti...Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy You Are Only Responsible For the Effort Not the Outcomehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/10/why-you-are-only-responsible-for-the-effort-not-the-outcome/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/10/why-you-are-only-responsible-for-the-effort-not-the-outcome/Look back and see how often you got what you wanted when you were running the show. You may have tried to control everything to no avail. Even when you ...Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Do My Character Defects Even Mean?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/10/what-do-my-character-defects-even-mean/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/10/what-do-my-character-defects-even-mean/As you started making your way through the 12-Steps, your primary intention was to learn about yourself. It is crucial to spot the patterns in your life...Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Have the Best Summer Ever and Stay Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/04/how-to-have-the-best-summer-ever-and-stay-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/04/how-to-have-the-best-summer-ever-and-stay-sober/Summertime is a season where people fantasize about being in the sunshine, on vacation at the beach, relaxing, and oh yeah - partying down with a drink ...Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTCan I Stay Sober at a Wedding?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/03/can-i-stay-sober-at-a-wedding/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/03/can-i-stay-sober-at-a-wedding/As June kicks off the summer months, we find ourselves in the "wedding season". Couples love to say their nuptials in front of friends and family when t...Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips to Build Your Recovery Tool Kithttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/02/tips-to-build-your-recovery-tool-kit/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/06/02/tips-to-build-your-recovery-tool-kit/As you make your way through your recovery with a one-day-at-a-time mantra, what you do today can help you to project for tomorrow. Seeds are planted in...Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Replace Guilt With Gratitude?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/29/how-do-i-replace-guilt-with-gratitude/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/29/how-do-i-replace-guilt-with-gratitude/The things that you did when you were drinking and using were probably pretty shameful and degrading. In fact, the more you think about these things you...Fri, 29 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Make Recovery Your Number One Priorityhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/28/how-to-make-recovery-your-number-one-priority/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/28/how-to-make-recovery-your-number-one-priority/You have probably heard that whatever you put before your sobriety you will lose. While this may not make sense to you, please heed the warning of this ...Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Long Does It Take to Feel Better in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/27/how-long-does-it-take-to-feel-better-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/27/how-long-does-it-take-to-feel-better-in-recovery/One thing is certain. A life that is rampant with drug and alcohol addiction is a life that is filled with misery and shame. If this describes your life...Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips to Keep Anger One Letter Away from Dangerhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/26/tips-to-keep-anger-one-letter-away-from-danger/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/26/tips-to-keep-anger-one-letter-away-from-danger/A range of emotions can come about during addiction and during the process of getting sober. Drugs and alcohol can wreak havoc on the body, mind, and so...Tue, 26 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT6 Activities to Do Over Memorial Day Weekend and Stay Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/25/6-activities-to-do-over-memorial-day-weekend-and-stay-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/25/6-activities-to-do-over-memorial-day-weekend-and-stay-sober/Every year as the school year winds down and glimpses of summer are on the horizon, Memorial Day makes its way through the calendar year. Although Memor...Mon, 25 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTIs There Science Behind Holistic Medicine?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/22/is-there-science-behind-holistic-medicine/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/22/is-there-science-behind-holistic-medicine/Holistic therapy and alternative healing methods are often considered one and the same. These two healing practices are deemed similar because they are ...Fri, 22 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTJohnny Lowe: The Family Afterwardhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/20/johnny-lowe-the-family-afterward/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/20/johnny-lowe-the-family-afterward/April 2nd was a proud day for actor Rob Lowe. His son, Johnny Lowe, celebrated his 2-year sobriety milestone at the beginning of April at 25 years old. ...Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Am I So Squirrelly Before My Next Sobriety Milestone?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/19/why-am-i-so-squirrelly-before-my-next-sobriety-milestone/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/19/why-am-i-so-squirrelly-before-my-next-sobriety-milestone/If you have been around the rooms of recovery, you have probably seen people take different milestones in their recovery. 30-days, 60-days, 90-days, 6-m...Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat is the Big Deal About Self-Care Anyway?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/14/what-is-the-big-deal-about-self-care-anyway/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/14/what-is-the-big-deal-about-self-care-anyway/In order for humans to withstand survival, practicing self-care is a must. You tried to take care of yourself during your addiction by making sure that ...Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTRed Table Talk: Addiction Specialhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/13/red-table-talk-addiction-special/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/13/red-table-talk-addiction-special/Technology keeps creating different platforms to help get more information across. Facebook Watch, a place where videos can be viewed on Facebook, has a...Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Zoom Meetings Are for Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/12/what-zoom-meetings-are-for-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/12/what-zoom-meetings-are-for-recovery/With the recent events surrounding the pandemic, recovery meetings have been affected all-round. Shelter in place means that many businesses were influe...Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Connect to Others When I Physically Can’t?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/07/how-do-i-connect-to-others-when-i-physically-cant/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/07/how-do-i-connect-to-others-when-i-physically-cant/Human touch is something that most humans crave in some capacity. You may not be the most touchy-feeling person, but a physical connection is typically ...Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Can’t My Mother Get Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/06/why-cant-my-mother-get-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/06/why-cant-my-mother-get-sober/Addiction can be one of the ways that mothers can get disconnected from their children. A mom who is consistently under the influence is not being her g...Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Cinco De Mayo Might Sink Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/04/why-cinco-de-mayo-might-sink-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/05/04/why-cinco-de-mayo-might-sink-your-recovery/May 5th is one of those days where drinking and abusing drugs is socially accepted. This inebriated holiday is legendary for booze-fueled happy hours an...Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Do I Need to Know About Vaping?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/30/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-vaping/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/30/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-vaping/There was a time when e-cigarettes were viewed as a healthy alternative to kick the habit of traditional cigarettes. In order to wean off cigarettes tha...Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTJim Montgomery: Road to Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/28/jim-montgomery-road-to-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/28/jim-montgomery-road-to-recovery/The stigma of addiction often makes people think that it only affects lower class, non-working individuals. The truth is that addiction can happen to an...Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTDo Delusional Disorders Really Exist?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/24/do-delusional-disorders-really-exist/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/24/do-delusional-disorders-really-exist/The symptoms of addiction and mental health issues include delusional thoughts and actions. If you live in a place that has prevalent homelessness, you ...Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTNine Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Get Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/23/nine-tell-tale-signs-its-time-to-get-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/23/nine-tell-tale-signs-its-time-to-get-sober/There are two types of people who need to get sober. Those who already know they need to get sober but are not willing to take the necessary measures to...Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTReasons Why Your Environment Is Crucial for Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/22/reasons-why-your-environment-is-crucial-for-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/22/reasons-why-your-environment-is-crucial-for-your-recovery/Having some shelter is a basic necessity for the well-being of someone’s self-care. Without a place to retreat, life tends to become chaotic and unpredi...Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Can Telemedicine Do for Your Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/17/what-can-telemedicine-do-for-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/17/what-can-telemedicine-do-for-your-recovery/We are fortunate in this day and time to have amazing technology that enables us to connect to people anywhere we can also receive our technology. Talki...Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Is Rule 62?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/15/what-is-rule-62/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/15/what-is-rule-62/Having fun in sobriety is a must. The problem most people come upon is that they have no idea how to have fun without the effects of alcohol and/or drug...Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Be of Service on Earth Dayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/14/how-to-be-of-service-on-earth-day/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/14/how-to-be-of-service-on-earth-day/As sober members of recovery, we can always use new ways to be of service to keep it refreshing and fun. Service is an important aspect of recovery whic...Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTCan I Stay Sober This Easter?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/10/can-i-stay-sober-this-easter/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/10/can-i-stay-sober-this-easter/There are some days where staying sober can be harder than others. Family holidays such as Easter, which is also a religious holiday, can be difficult t...Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTStep Four: Personal Inventoryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/08/step-four-personal-inventory/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/08/step-four-personal-inventory/Now that you have worked through Steps One, Two, and Three, you should be really proud of the progress you are making. The 12-Steps are thorough, to say...Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Know About Online Meetingshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/06/what-you-should-know-about-online-meetings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/06/what-you-should-know-about-online-meetings/With the scare of the coronavirus, people have started trying to stay out of public and are making sure their hands are clean. For someone in recovery, ...Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Make Friends in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/03/how-do-i-make-friends-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/03/how-do-i-make-friends-in-recovery/The best thing about starting over in recovery is that you get an opportunity to put your life back together in a way that is more beneficial than what ...Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Must I Share My Story in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/02/why-must-i-share-my-story-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/02/why-must-i-share-my-story-in-recovery/Talking about your addiction may be embarrassing and daunting for you to fathom. Opening up to others about where the depths of drugs and alcohol take y...Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTGuide to Staying Sober through Spring Breakhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/01/guide-to-staying-sober-through-spring-break/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/04/01/guide-to-staying-sober-through-spring-break/That time of year has come when school is out or you are using vacation time , and you are ready to party! The thing is that you are now sober, and drin...Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTReasons Why Being A Newcomer Isn’t So Badhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/31/reasons-why-being-a-newcomer-isnt-so-bad/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/31/reasons-why-being-a-newcomer-isnt-so-bad/Every person who has come into recovery was once a newcomer. If you are a newcomer, rest easy that everyone who is trying to remain sober knows how you ...Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Can I Be Grateful for My Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/30/how-can-i-be-grateful-for-my-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/30/how-can-i-be-grateful-for-my-recovery/You may have come into recovery kicking and screaming because no one really wants to get sober. Although you may have found yourself sick and tired of b...Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTTop 5 Motives to Stay Sober on St. Patrick’s Dayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/26/top-5-motives-to-stay-sober-on-st-patricks-day/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/26/top-5-motives-to-stay-sober-on-st-patricks-day/March brings about a fun drinking holiday that promotes green shamrocks and could be destructive for someone who struggles with addiction. Most people w...Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTIs My Drug or Alcohol Use a Vice or an Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/25/is-my-drug-or-alcohol-use-a-vice-or-an-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/25/is-my-drug-or-alcohol-use-a-vice-or-an-addiction/Denial is often a part of addiction. Instead of wanting to get sober and receiving freedom from drugs and alcohol, you may find yourself labeling your d...Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Your Feelings May Be Your Biggest Problem Todayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/24/why-your-feelings-may-be-your-biggest-problem-today/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/24/why-your-feelings-may-be-your-biggest-problem-today/One of the commonalities in recovery is that everyone seems to have issues with their feelings. Some suppress them with drugs and alcohol. Others are ov...Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTDoes Alcohol Make You More Anxious?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/19/does-alcohol-make-you-more-anxious/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/19/does-alcohol-make-you-more-anxious/You may have started drinking to get rid of your nerves and found that the effects of alcohol actually backfired after a while. Meaning that what used t...Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Relapse Doesn’t Make You a Failurehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/17/why-relapse-doesnt-make-you-a-failure/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/17/why-relapse-doesnt-make-you-a-failure/There is a saying in recovery that is intended to keep people who relapse from drugs and alcohol from feeling like a failure. “Relapse is part of recove...Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTI Am All Alone. Who Do I Talk to About My Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/16/i-am-all-alone-who-do-i-talk-to-about-my-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/16/i-am-all-alone-who-do-i-talk-to-about-my-addiction/If you are someone who suffers from an addiction, you may find yourself eventually all alone due to the consequences of your actions. You may believe th...Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Stop Complaining and Start Complimenting?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/12/how-do-i-stop-complaining-and-start-complimenting/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/12/how-do-i-stop-complaining-and-start-complimenting/Now that social media is the main outlet for people to post their thoughts and emotions, the world is more accepting of complaints it seems. More people...Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat is the Nature of Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/11/what-is-the-nature-of-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/11/what-is-the-nature-of-addiction/No one wants to think that they are selfish and self-centered. With addiction, unfortunately, there is no way around the selfish and self-centered ways ...Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat “Spring Cleaning” Could Mean for Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/10/what-spring-cleaning-could-mean-for-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/10/what-spring-cleaning-could-mean-for-your-recovery/Every year after winter ends and springtime starts, there is a certain buzz in the air where people start enjoying the sunshine and milder weather once ...Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTAre There Coincidences in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/06/are-there-coincidences-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/06/are-there-coincidences-in-recovery/Have you ever encountered something that you could not believe happened the way it went down? Eerily, you may have wondered how in the world did that ev...Fri, 06 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTEsteemable Acts: Keeping Up with Your Therapyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/05/esteemable-acts-keeping-up-with-your-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/05/esteemable-acts-keeping-up-with-your-therapy/Taking care of yourself through esteemable acts is an important concept for your upkeep in recovery. Esteemable acts are the actions that create or recr...Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Will Showing Up Give You the Best Results in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/04/why-will-showing-up-give-you-the-best-results-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/03/04/why-will-showing-up-give-you-the-best-results-in-recovery/For recovery to work, the main thing you have to do is suit up and show up. While this may seem like a difficult task to achieve, being present in your ...Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Look for in a Sponsorhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/27/what-you-should-look-for-in-a-sponsor/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/27/what-you-should-look-for-in-a-sponsor/Whether you are looking for a sponsor or have been asked to sponsor someone else, there is much to do to live up to this recovery moniker. A sponsor is ...Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWill Your Social Anxiety Take You Out?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/25/will-your-social-anxiety-take-you-out/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/25/will-your-social-anxiety-take-you-out/Someone who suffers from addiction may also find themselves experiencing some social anxiety now that they are sober. Most people use drugs and alcohol ...Tue, 25 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTJessica Simpson’s Road to Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/22/jessica-simpsons-road-to-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/22/jessica-simpsons-road-to-recovery/Over the past two decades, Jessica Simpson has proven herself to be a bonafide singer, a fashion designer, and an adoring family woman. When her reality...Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat’s the Big Deal About 12-Step Programs?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/21/whats-the-big-deal-about-12-step-programs/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/21/whats-the-big-deal-about-12-step-programs/Once someone has begun their journey in sobriety, at first, they may feel completely apathetic to doing anything to help their recovery. Rather than fee...Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy are My Parents Better at Being Sober Grandparents?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/21/why-are-my-parents-better-at-being-sober-grandparents/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/21/why-are-my-parents-better-at-being-sober-grandparents/There is no doubt you have seen your parents gush over their grandchildren, your kids. You have probably seen them act completely different than how you...Fri, 21 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWays to Take Responsibility and Move Onhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/19/ways-to-take-responsibility-and-move-on/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/19/ways-to-take-responsibility-and-move-on/Many people who suffer from addiction use drugs and alcohol because they are not interested in taking responsibility for the adversity, they have caused...Wed, 19 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy is Kensington Considered the Epicenter for the Opiate Crisis?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/17/why-is-kensington-considered-the-epicenter-for-the-opiate-crisis/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/17/why-is-kensington-considered-the-epicenter-for-the-opiate-crisis/In 2016, the opioid crisis took the United States by storm. Conventional and middle-class neighborhoods around the country also began to see drug use wh...Mon, 17 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Results of Conflict Resolution in Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/15/the-results-of-conflict-resolution-in-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/15/the-results-of-conflict-resolution-in-your-recovery/Relationships bare much weight on the recovery process because of the way mental health and emotional sobriety can be tested. When things do not go your...Sat, 15 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTReasons Aftercare Should Be a Part of Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/14/reasons-aftercare-should-be-a-part-of-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/14/reasons-aftercare-should-be-a-part-of-your-recovery/Attending a rehabilitation facility is a step in the right direction towards recovery. Drug and alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to stop on your...Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTIs Acceptance the Answer to All My Problems?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/13/is-acceptance-the-answer-to-all-my-problems/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/13/is-acceptance-the-answer-to-all-my-problems/In recovery, you will hear many topic meetings discuss acceptance as the answer to all your problems. When you hear this, you may believe that statement...Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy We in Recovery Are the Luckiesthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/09/why-we-in-recovery-are-the-luckiest/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/09/why-we-in-recovery-are-the-luckiest/No one is ever really jealous of the life of addiction. There are so many pitfalls and disasters that take place when we are under the influence of drug...Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTWill My Religious Convictions Help My Loved One to Get Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/07/will-my-religious-convictions-help-my-loved-one-to-get-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/07/will-my-religious-convictions-help-my-loved-one-to-get-sober/Families that have strong ties to religion may wonder why their loved one cannot get sober by simply using the religious guidelines they are meant to ad...Fri, 07 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTI Made Amends with My Friend. Why Won’t They Forgive Me?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/05/i-made-amends-with-my-friend-why-wont-they-forgive-me/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/05/i-made-amends-with-my-friend-why-wont-they-forgive-me/Now that you are working the 12-Steps, you recently gave an amends letter to one of your oldest and dearest friends to help resolve your past issues. Yo...Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTTips to Travel Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/03/tips-to-travel-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/02/03/tips-to-travel-sober/Now that you have become sober, you may be wondering how this will affect your travels. Whether you are a world-class traveler, travel for business, or ...Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Get Over the Family Drama that Happened During the Holidays?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/29/how-do-i-get-over-the-family-drama-that-happened-during-the-holidays/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/29/how-do-i-get-over-the-family-drama-that-happened-during-the-holidays/The holidays would not be the holidays without some families generating drama over something that happened when the family got together. Even though you...Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhen Do I Tell My Kids About My Past?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/28/when-do-i-tell-my-kids-about-my-past/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/28/when-do-i-tell-my-kids-about-my-past/Some parents have put their kids through the wringer with their addiction and then there are other parents who have kids that have never see them drink ...Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTReasons People Who Get Sober Together Form a Tight Bondhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/24/reasons-people-who-get-sober-together-form-a-tight-bond/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/24/reasons-people-who-get-sober-together-form-a-tight-bond/Friends who are addicted to drugs and alcohol will drink and use them together. Even though they may not really like each other or trust one another, th...Fri, 24 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTIs “Doctor Shopping” Still a Trend?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/23/is-doctor-shopping-still-a-trend/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/23/is-doctor-shopping-still-a-trend/People who become addicted to prescription medication will do anything they can to keep these “legal” drugs flowing for them. Whether they steal from me...Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to Have a Super Sober Bowlhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/21/how-to-have-a-super-sober-bowl/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/21/how-to-have-a-super-sober-bowl/The first weekend in February typically houses all the Super Bowl festivities. Super Bowl Sunday is a day synonymous with parties and not just regular o...Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTIsolation Only Makes You Think of Youhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/20/isolation-only-makes-you-think-of-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/20/isolation-only-makes-you-think-of-you/Coming out of the holidays is a huge proponent of wanting to isolate. With all of the overwhelming circumstances surrounding sobriety, family, presents,...Mon, 20 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy is Sleep so Beneficial for Addiction Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/17/why-is-sleep-so-beneficial-for-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/17/why-is-sleep-so-beneficial-for-addiction-recovery/People who battle addiction often battle sleep as well. Spending days awake due to the effects of drugs such as cocaine and meth can eradicate sleeping ...Fri, 17 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTI’m Getting Bored in My Recovery Program. What Do I Do?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/15/im-getting-bored-in-my-recovery-program-what-do-i-do/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/15/im-getting-bored-in-my-recovery-program-what-do-i-do/There may come a time in your recovery program where you feel like you have done it all, seen it all, and met everybody you need to continue to stay sob...Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow Can I Stop Letting the Winter Blues Get Me Down?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/14/how-can-i-stop-letting-the-winter-blues-get-me-down/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/14/how-can-i-stop-letting-the-winter-blues-get-me-down/During the colder months of the year, depression can be a problem for some people. With the sun being out less along with shorter and colder days, the p...Tue, 14 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTStep One: Powerless and Unmanageablehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/10/step-one-powerless-and-unmanageable/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/10/step-one-powerless-and-unmanageable/One of the biggest truths to face in a recovery program is to admit that you are powerless over drugs or alcohol. One of the hardest realities to find w...Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Should I Watch For Regarding Suicide in the New Year?https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/09/what-should-i-watch-for-regarding-suicide-in-the-new-year/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/09/what-should-i-watch-for-regarding-suicide-in-the-new-year/Now that the Holidays are over, reality sets in that there is a New Year ahead. For some, this is an exciting time to make changes to compensate for las...Thu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhy Having a Healthy Relationship with Yourself will Help You Have Healthy Relationships with Othershttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/08/why-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-yourself-will-help-you-have-healthy-relationships-with-others/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/08/why-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-yourself-will-help-you-have-healthy-relationships-with-others/Healthy relationships are similar to the concept of not being able to take care of other people if you are not taking care of yourself first and foremos...Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWays to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions This Yearhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/07/ways-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-this-year/https://www.valiantliving.com/2020/01/07/ways-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-this-year/Did you know that mid-January is when people stop working on their resolutions for the New Year? This type of information is one of the reasons that a p...Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTWhat Does Relapse Prevention Mean?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/31/what-does-relapse-prevention-mean/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/31/what-does-relapse-prevention-mean/To remain sober, there are different layers to recovery that are extremely helpful. You have unity, recovery, and service that are instrumental to preve...Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat to Expect When You are Trying to Stay Sober Over the Holidayshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/29/what-to-expect-when-you-are-trying-to-stay-sober-over-the-holidays/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/29/what-to-expect-when-you-are-trying-to-stay-sober-over-the-holidays/Holidays are that time of year where everyone is in the hustle and bustle of all things that are festive. School vacation, holiday work parties, friend ...Sun, 29 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT8 Things You Need in a Recovery Lifestylehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/28/8-things-you-need-in-a-recovery-lifestyle/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/28/8-things-you-need-in-a-recovery-lifestyle/Now that you are sober, you may question what is next. Being in recovery means that everything must change, especially your lifestyle. Hanging out with ...Sat, 28 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWill I Have Fun in my Recovery Without Drugs and Alcohol?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/26/will-i-have-fun-in-my-recovery-without-drugs-and-alcohol/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/26/will-i-have-fun-in-my-recovery-without-drugs-and-alcohol/When people think of drugs and alcohol, a common visual people think of is partying or going to happy hour with friends. Although those who are in the t...Thu, 26 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Google is Promoting Digital Wellnesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/21/how-google-is-promoting-digital-wellness/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/21/how-google-is-promoting-digital-wellness/We live in a world full of people who overuse their phones on a daily basis and “feel naked” without having their device in their hands at all times. To...Sat, 21 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat is a Higher Power?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/20/what-is-a-higher-power/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/20/what-is-a-higher-power/One of the ways people in a 12-Step program become alienated is when they hear they must find a Higher Power. The most confusing part of the Higher Powe...Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Really Happens When You Take Things Too Personal?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/18/what-really-happens-when-you-take-things-too-personal/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/18/what-really-happens-when-you-take-things-too-personal/People who are addicted to drugs and alcohol have been described as “childish, emotionally sensitive, and grandiose” because of fear. When you feel back...Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWays to Balance Your Mental Healthhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/15/ways-to-balance-your-mental-health/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/15/ways-to-balance-your-mental-health/Balance is one of those words that means something different to everyone and is something that many people try to achieve daily. The real question is wh...Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Grieve and Stay Sober Over the Holidays?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/12/how-do-i-grieve-and-stay-sober-over-the-holidays/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/12/how-do-i-grieve-and-stay-sober-over-the-holidays/When the holidays come around, this time of the year can be difficult for those who have lost someone they loved. Everyone around you seems to be in the...Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT9 Ways You’ll Become a Better Person Now that You are Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/10/9-ways-youll-become-a-better-person-now-that-you-are-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/10/9-ways-youll-become-a-better-person-now-that-you-are-sober/Life is filled with those who aspire to become better people. When addiction strikes, however, the desire to be a better person gets replaced with the a...Tue, 10 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Building Momentum in Your Recovery is Beneficialhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/09/why-building-momentum-in-your-recovery-is-beneficial/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/09/why-building-momentum-in-your-recovery-is-beneficial/For sobriety to work, effort must take place to create momentum in recovery. Momentum is defined as “the quality of motion of a moving body, measured as...Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Am I So Judgmental Now that I Am Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/06/why-am-i-so-judgmental-now-that-i-am-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/06/why-am-i-so-judgmental-now-that-i-am-sober/As you sit in your recovery meetings, you may find yourself listening to others with a “what were they thinking” perception. Rather than lend support, y...Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Will We Talk About in Therapy?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/05/what-will-we-talk-about-in-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/05/what-will-we-talk-about-in-therapy/Therapy is often misconceived as something unnecessary. Laying on a couch while you spill your guts to a stranger can seem daunting or a waste of time, ...Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Know About Vaping THChttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/03/what-you-should-know-about-vaping-thc/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/12/03/what-you-should-know-about-vaping-thc/Media channels have been covering the vaping epidemic for months now, In October, after Michigan became the first state to ban e-juice flavors, the Cent...Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Set Boundaries?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/29/how-do-i-set-boundaries/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/29/how-do-i-set-boundaries/In order for your sobriety to stay intact, boundary-setting must be a part of the equation in your recovery program. You may be squirming just thinking ...Fri, 29 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Happens When Someone Gets Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/26/what-happens-when-someone-gets-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/26/what-happens-when-someone-gets-sober/The latest advertisement for Volkswagen talks about how everyone is concerned with knowing how fast a car goes from zero to sixty but then turns the que...Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTAre you Introverted Now that You are Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/25/are-you-introverted-now-that-you-are-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/25/are-you-introverted-now-that-you-are-sober/Drugs and alcohol can create a whole new alter ego that you were not aware existed before you became intoxicated. Although you may be modest when sober,...Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs Passing Out Really Sleeping?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/23/is-passing-out-really-sleeping/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/23/is-passing-out-really-sleeping/Drugs and alcohol are notorious for breaking a person’s sleep cycle. Whether you are staying up all night or for days in some cases or you are passing o...Sat, 23 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Know if You Need to Digital Detoxhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/20/how-to-know-if-you-need-to-digital-detox/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/20/how-to-know-if-you-need-to-digital-detox/We usually only think of addictions surrounding drugs and alcohol, although someone can show tendencies of digital addiction. When we think of digital, ...Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Long Do I Have to Go to Therapy?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/19/how-long-do-i-have-to-go-to-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/19/how-long-do-i-have-to-go-to-therapy/A recovery modality often promotes a few different aspects as part of an equation to help someone learn how to stay sober. Support, education, and thera...Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat You Should Know About Wolf Therapyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/16/what-you-should-know-about-wolf-therapy/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/16/what-you-should-know-about-wolf-therapy/Over the past decade, Wolf Therapy has become a more prevalent type of holistic therapy that has worked for Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) in kids a...Sat, 16 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Happens in the First 90 Days?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/15/what-happens-in-the-first-90-days/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/15/what-happens-in-the-first-90-days/Now that we are at the end of the year, you have probably seen all the challenges to make the last 90 days of the year great or heard in meetings to do ...Fri, 15 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWays to Be Thankful This Thanksgivinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/12/ways-to-be-thankful-this-thanksgiving/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/12/ways-to-be-thankful-this-thanksgiving/Taking time to be thankful this year in November when Thanksgiving comes around, is the best way to celebrate the holiday. Now that you are sober, you r...Tue, 12 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Rigorous Honesty is Imperative to Recover from Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/09/why-rigorous-honesty-is-imperative-to-recover-from-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/09/why-rigorous-honesty-is-imperative-to-recover-from-addiction/If you have ever heard the saying “you are as sick as your secrets”, you may wonder how that really affects your recovery. You got sober to stop drinkin...Sat, 09 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat is that Invisible Line They Keep Talking About?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/06/what-is-that-invisible-line-they-keep-talking-about/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/06/what-is-that-invisible-line-they-keep-talking-about/People typically start drinking and using to relieve stress and relax, to end their curiosity, or because of peer pressure. During this time of discover...Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTBest Tips to Stay Sober on Thanksgivinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/05/best-tips-to-stay-sober-on-thanksgiving/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/05/best-tips-to-stay-sober-on-thanksgiving/As the holiday season officially kicks off with Thanksgiving Day, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to celebrating this holiday. With food ...Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Sesame Street Has Made Recovery into a Characterhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/03/how-sesame-street-has-made-recovery-into-a-character/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/03/how-sesame-street-has-made-recovery-into-a-character/The opioid crisis in America has affected people of all ages including young children. When mommies and daddies are unable to show up for their kids due...Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Time Management is Necessary for Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/01/why-time-management-is-necessary-for-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/11/01/why-time-management-is-necessary-for-recovery/One of the mainstays in recovery is practicing the principles in all your affairs and this encompasses time management. Honestly, you have done enough t...Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Are the Most Common Coping Mechanisms?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/29/what-are-the-most-common-coping-mechanisms/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/29/what-are-the-most-common-coping-mechanisms/Getting through life at any stage at times can be unbearable. Dealing with all the obstacles that come up are difficult to manage when a person has no c...Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTThe New Shocking Truth About Vapinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/25/the-new-shocking-truth-about-vaping/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/25/the-new-shocking-truth-about-vaping/As the vaping epidemic continues to unravel more information showing the negative effect e-cigarettes have on people who use them, the more the vaping i...Fri, 25 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWill Holistic Therapy Work for You?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/23/will-holistic-therapy-work-for-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/23/will-holistic-therapy-work-for-you/Therapy is typically a suggestion people receive who are suffering from addiction or mental health issues. The point of attending therapy is to work out...Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat are the Joys of Sobriety?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/21/what-are-the-joys-of-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/21/what-are-the-joys-of-sobriety/Getting sober was probably not your idea because most likely you were unknowingly beaten into a sense of reasonableness. One of the common fears about g...Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy the Third Time is a Charm in Quality Decision Makinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/18/why-the-third-time-is-a-charm-in-quality-decision-making/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/18/why-the-third-time-is-a-charm-in-quality-decision-making/Recovery gives you the ability to learn how to make quality decisions. You might wonder what a quality decision is and if you are even making them. Chan...Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTReasons to Prove People Righthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/17/reasons-to-prove-people-right/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/17/reasons-to-prove-people-right/There is a little bit in all of us wanting to be right most of the time. To admit that you want to be right would mean that you are elevating ego over h...Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat’s the Big Deal About Staying Sober on Halloween?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/15/whats-the-big-deal-about-staying-sober-on-halloween/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/15/whats-the-big-deal-about-staying-sober-on-halloween/Halloween may be your favorite time of the year because of the spooky essence, being able to dress up in a costume, the endless candy, and maybe your fa...Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy the 12th Step Can Be More Than Just Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/12/why-the-12th-step-can-be-more-than-just-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/12/why-the-12th-step-can-be-more-than-just-recovery/Sobriety is a steppingstone for the rest of your life. You could be turned off that you have to go to so many 12-Step meetings and curious as to why ser...Sat, 12 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhich Celebrities are Sober and Can Inspire Your Own Sobriety?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/10/which-celebrities-are-sober-and-can-inspire-your-own-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/10/which-celebrities-are-sober-and-can-inspire-your-own-sobriety/Sobriety is a personal choice that may be difficult for some to come out and be open about it to others. Thankfully, 12-Step programs are meant to be an...Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Do They Keep Talking About Miracles Around Here?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/09/why-do-they-keep-talking-about-miracles-around-here/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/09/why-do-they-keep-talking-about-miracles-around-here/If you have been in a recovery setting for long enough, you will start to hear slogans and catchphrases that have been used for decades that are still r...Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy It is Important When You Don’t Know What to Do - Do Nothinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/06/why-it-is-important-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do-do-nothing/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/06/why-it-is-important-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do-do-nothing/Impulsivity is the foundation of addiction. Instead of doing the right thing, the impulsive nature of drugs and alcohol wins out every time when someone...Sun, 06 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Should You Know About Xanax?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/03/what-should-you-know-about-xanax/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/03/what-should-you-know-about-xanax/Anxiety is a real condition that can be debilitating in adults and in kids. People who experience anxiety have intense levels of fear and worry about ev...Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow the Wreckage of Your Past Affects Youhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/02/how-the-wreckage-of-your-past-affects-you/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/02/how-the-wreckage-of-your-past-affects-you/Now that you have gotten sober and you are working a recovery program, you have probably digested some pretty big truths about yourself. Even if you tho...Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Valiant Living Onboards Clients for Successhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/01/how-valiant-living-onboards-clients-for-success/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/10/01/how-valiant-living-onboards-clients-for-success/Orientation for a rehabilitation center can be frightening and uncertain for someone who has suffered long enough in their addiction. The point of intak...Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Find a Hobby Now that You are Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/30/how-to-find-a-hobby-now-that-you-are-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/30/how-to-find-a-hobby-now-that-you-are-sober/Did you just get sober and have now found yourself with some time on your hands that you have no idea what to with? You have been to a meeting, met with...Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy is Getting into Action so Important in Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/26/why-is-getting-into-action-so-important-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/26/why-is-getting-into-action-so-important-in-recovery/Plain and simple, the rule of thumb is that you must put as much effort into your sobriety as you did your addiction. For many of us who struggle with a...Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTDoes Vulnerability Make You Weak?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/25/does-vulnerability-make-you-weak/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/25/does-vulnerability-make-you-weak/Putting yourself out there for everyone to see could be something uncomfortable for you to approach because you feel like you could come off as a weak-m...Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWill I Outgrow My Friends Now that I am Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/24/will-i-outgrow-my-friends-now-that-i-am-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/24/will-i-outgrow-my-friends-now-that-i-am-sober/Friends are an important part of life. You need them to laugh with, to enjoy whatever area of your life you know them from, and to lean on when times ge...Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTDoes Acupuncture Help to Recover from Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/23/does-acupuncture-help-to-recover-from-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/23/does-acupuncture-help-to-recover-from-addiction/For thousands of years, the Chinese practice of acupuncture has been used as a method to alleviate a plethora of bodily ailments. Aches of all types, an...Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTAre You Spending Too Much Time on Social Media?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/19/are-you-spending-too-much-time-on-social-media/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/19/are-you-spending-too-much-time-on-social-media/Everywhere you look, social media is being referenced in some manner. Whether you see hashtags, posts being referenced, or politician’s tweets being pub...Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWays to Increase Your Productivity in Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/18/ways-to-increase-your-productivity-in-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/18/ways-to-increase-your-productivity-in-sobriety/People who use drugs and alcohol may consume them with the intention to help their productivity soar. Alcohol, methamphetamines, and stimulants, like Ri...Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTNinth Month: Ninth Stephttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/16/ninth-month-ninth-step/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/16/ninth-month-ninth-step/12-Step programs use the number of the 12-Step to correlate with the number of the month to pinpoint their capability. September promotes the ninth step...Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTReasons Why You Can’t Take Everyone with You into New Beginningshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/12/reasons-why-you-cant-take-everyone-with-you-into-new-beginnings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/12/reasons-why-you-cant-take-everyone-with-you-into-new-beginnings/Recovery typically means finding new playgrounds and new playmates as a way to keep from repeating old addictive behaviors. Being around people and goin...Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Connection is the Best Currency in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/11/why-connection-is-the-best-currency-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/11/why-connection-is-the-best-currency-in-recovery/Alcoholism and drug addiction can place someone in a very lonely place. Too often people who suffer from substance abuse distance themselves from loved ...Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Support for the Family is an Important Piece of Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/09/why-support-for-the-family-is-an-important-piece-of-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/09/why-support-for-the-family-is-an-important-piece-of-recovery/When addiction becomes apparent within a family circle, often the person with the addiction is the one who is solely in the spotlight. The problem with ...Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTTips to Downsize Your Angerhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/05/tips-to-downsize-your-anger/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/05/tips-to-downsize-your-anger/Life gets “lifey” and one of the most prevalent emotions that occur when you get overwhelmed is anger. Fear and anxiety take over and you begin getting ...Thu, 05 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTEsteemable Acts: How to Go Grocery Shoppinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/04/esteemable-acts-how-to-go-grocery-shopping/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/04/esteemable-acts-how-to-go-grocery-shopping/Getting sober becomes enhanced by implementing a healthy diet. The problem that people tend to have is that they have no idea what they should eat to be...Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy You Want to Work Your Program on Labor Day Toohttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/02/why-you-want-to-work-your-program-on-labor-day-too/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/09/02/why-you-want-to-work-your-program-on-labor-day-too/Labor Day is on the horizon and you may be wondering what you should do on that holiday now that you are sober. Having an extra day off work or school c...Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Do I Fall Back in Love with My Spouse in My Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/29/how-do-i-fall-back-in-love-with-my-spouse-in-my-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/29/how-do-i-fall-back-in-love-with-my-spouse-in-my-recovery/The statement, “an alcoholic in his cups is an unlovely creature,” from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page 16, rings true for many people who ba...Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTDo You Suffer From Reverse Pride?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/27/do-you-suffer-from-reverse-pride/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/27/do-you-suffer-from-reverse-pride/Pride is one of those emotions that can sometimes be overlooked as something other than what it is - a huge part of your self-esteem. The definition of ...Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTShould I Really Be Concerned with Vaping?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/23/should-i-really-be-concerned-with-vaping/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/23/should-i-really-be-concerned-with-vaping/E-cigarettes have taken the country by storm. What started out as a way to curb traditional cigarettes has turned into just another way to become addict...Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs Social Anxiety Ruining Your Relationships?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/20/is-social-anxiety-ruining-your-relationships/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/20/is-social-anxiety-ruining-your-relationships/Have you ever become so terrified when you have had to talk and engage with other people that you have become overly panicky? Becoming frozen with fear ...Tue, 20 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Carfentanil?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/19/what-is-carfentanil/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/19/what-is-carfentanil/Cannabis has been made recreationally legal in a few states across the United States and more states are soon to follow. With marijuana being legal and ...Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Relapse Prevention is a Musthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/15/why-relapse-prevention-is-a-must/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/15/why-relapse-prevention-is-a-must/There will come a time in everybody’s sobriety where they will question why they are getting sober in the first place. The disease of addiction is power...Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTCan I Stay Sober on a Plane?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/13/can-i-stay-sober-on-a-plane/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/13/can-i-stay-sober-on-a-plane/Whether you are flying on a plane for personal reasons or flying for business, traveling can be a very stressful time that you feel comforted using drug...Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTBenefits of Harm Reductionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/11/benefits-of-harm-reduction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/11/benefits-of-harm-reduction/One of the misconceptions that have been stigmatized by our society is that people who abuse drugs and alcohol are “bad people” and are not met with com...Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs the Show “Intervention” a Real Representation of Addiction?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/10/is-the-show-intervention-a-real-representation-of-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/10/is-the-show-intervention-a-real-representation-of-addiction/Reality TV shows often get a bad rap for provoking the people on the show into acting in an explosive and dramatic way to get more ratings. The producer...Sat, 10 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTThe Reality about DUIshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/09/the-reality-about-duis/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/09/the-reality-about-duis/In a recent news report in California, the number of DUIs over July 4th is disturbing, to say the least. 589 alleged DUI drivers were arrested from 6 pm...Fri, 09 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Implement a Healthy Diet in Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/07/how-to-implement-a-healthy-diet-in-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/07/how-to-implement-a-healthy-diet-in-sobriety/Now that you have stopped using drugs and alcohol and have started down the wonderful journey of sobriety, you may be ready to take a look at changing y...Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy You Should Have Faith Over Fearhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/05/why-you-should-have-faith-over-fear/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/05/why-you-should-have-faith-over-fear/Every human being is overcome with fear at some point in their lives whether they want to admit it or not. Being afraid in any capacity is just part of ...Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTTips to Attend a Wedding Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/03/tips-to-attend-a-wedding-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/03/tips-to-attend-a-wedding-sober/June, July, and August are the most popular months to get married. The weather, beautiful scenery, and blooming flowers during these summer months seems...Sat, 03 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat IFS Means for the Future of Valiant Livinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/01/what-ifs-means-for-the-future-of-valiant-living/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/08/01/what-ifs-means-for-the-future-of-valiant-living/We have an exciting endeavor that we are embarking on this month that we are proud to incorporate into our recovery services. At Valiant Living, we like...Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTAm I Really a Victim or Am I Just Acting Like One?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/30/am-i-really-a-victim-or-am-i-just-acting-like-one/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/30/am-i-really-a-victim-or-am-i-just-acting-like-one/Someone who has been through any trauma, abuse, illness, or crisis can be considered a victim. Having to deal with the aftermath of the circumstances th...Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Resolve Your Fears in Sobrietyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/26/how-to-resolve-your-fears-in-sobriety/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/26/how-to-resolve-your-fears-in-sobriety/Everyone gets afraid at some point in their lives. For some people, their fears push them to be better, and for others, their fears push them back altog...Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTShould I Be in a Relationship with Someone in Rehab?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/26/should-i-be-in-a-relationship-with-someone-in-rehab/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/26/should-i-be-in-a-relationship-with-someone-in-rehab/Now that you are receiving treatment for your alcohol and drug substance abuse, you are probably feeling better physically and starting to see past your...Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTCan you Overdose on Weed?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/24/can-you-overdose-on-weed/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/24/can-you-overdose-on-weed/People have different views regarding the drug, marijuana. Some people do not see it as a drug at all because they see cannabis as medicine and as the o...Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Can I Stay Sober on the 4th of July?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/20/how-can-i-stay-sober-on-the-4th-of-july/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/20/how-can-i-stay-sober-on-the-4th-of-july/July Fourth is one of those holidays which has a dual meaning. Obviously, this day symbolizes the United States independence from Great Britain in 1776....Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Should I Be a Sponsor?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/20/why-should-i-be-a-sponsor/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/20/why-should-i-be-a-sponsor/The rule of thumb in a recovery program is to give back what was so freely given to you. Being of service is a crucial part of staying sober. Instead of...Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs July 4th Really Meant to be Celebrated Sober?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/18/is-july-4th-really-meant-to-be-celebrated-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/18/is-july-4th-really-meant-to-be-celebrated-sober/Every day and every holiday were meant to be celebrated sober including July 4th. Independence Day is usually filled with BBQ’s, beach time, family and ...Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTSigns of Gaming Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/13/signs-of-gaming-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/13/signs-of-gaming-addiction/Digital technology over the years has continued to become a huge asset to users. With social media, emails, text messages, the internet, apps, and onlin...Sat, 13 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Make Patience a True Virtue in Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/11/how-to-make-patience-a-true-virtue-in-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/11/how-to-make-patience-a-true-virtue-in-recovery/Ever feel like you cannot get somewhere fast enough? That the person you are talking to is not giving you time to talk? Is it possible that your kid wil...Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTThe Challenges Vaping Poseshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/10/the-challenges-vaping-poses/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/10/the-challenges-vaping-poses/E-cigarettes came onto the market in the United States right around 2006-2007. If you were to go back through an e-cigarette timeline, you can see where...Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTTips to Support Your Kid in Their Sobriety When You Are Already Soberhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/07/tips-to-support-your-kid-in-their-sobriety-when-you-are-already-sober/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/07/tips-to-support-your-kid-in-their-sobriety-when-you-are-already-sober/One of the most difficult aspects of sobriety as a parent is to experience your child, at any age, go down the same rabbit hole of addiction that you di...Sun, 07 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Has EMDR become So Popular For Recovery?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/04/why-has-emdr-become-so-popular-for-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/04/why-has-emdr-become-so-popular-for-recovery/One of the recent trends in therapy is using EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing EMDR was discovered in 1987 by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., as ...Thu, 04 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTDisturbed: A Reason to Fighthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/03/disturbed-a-reason-to-fight/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/03/disturbed-a-reason-to-fight/If you have never heard of the band, Disturbed, they are the epitome of what rock’n’roll is considered to be. Depending on what age you are, their music...Wed, 03 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTEsteemable Acts: A Job Interviewhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/01/esteemable-acts-a-job-interview/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/07/01/esteemable-acts-a-job-interview/Getting on your feet financially in recovery can hinge on getting a job. Although you may want to find work to help your pocketbook, you could be in fea...Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTThe Importance of Structure in Your Daily Routinehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/30/the-importance-of-structure-in-your-daily-routine/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/30/the-importance-of-structure-in-your-daily-routine/After treatment, we need to make a lot of adjustments and lifestyle changes for lifelong recovery. We face many challenges that put us at high risk for ...Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTBelieving in Yourself Throughout Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/28/believing-in-yourself-throughout-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/28/believing-in-yourself-throughout-recovery/When we are struggling with addiction, recovery can seem impossible. It can be hard to understand the root of addiction, why the drug or alcohol use con...Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTTips on How to Help a Loved One with Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/26/tips-on-how-to-help-a-loved-one-with-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/26/tips-on-how-to-help-a-loved-one-with-addiction/Addiction is a long journey of loneliness, frustration, and learning. There can be a lot of advice from well-meaning people on how to help your loved on...Wed, 26 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTRecovery: One Day at a Timehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/22/recovery-one-day-at-a-time/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/22/recovery-one-day-at-a-time/Addiction is a complicated brain disease that changes the way your brain functions. When we use drugs or alcohol, we are at high risk of growing depende...Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT6 Tips for Managing Anger while Recovering from Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/20/6-tips-for-managing-anger-while-recovering-from-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/20/6-tips-for-managing-anger-while-recovering-from-addiction/Anger is sometimes a good thing. When we see someone do something unfair or unethical, anger is the healthy response. However, anger can easily become t...Thu, 20 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTBenzodiazepine Addiction: The Quiet and Deadly Public Health Crisishttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/18/benzodiazepine-addiction-the-quiet-and-deadly-public-health-crisis/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/18/benzodiazepine-addiction-the-quiet-and-deadly-public-health-crisis/Benzodiazepines benzos are a class of medications typically prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle tension. Benzos, such ...Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT8 Ways to Be Social Without Drinkinghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/15/8-ways-to-be-social-without-drinking/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/15/8-ways-to-be-social-without-drinking/Social connection is one of the most important parts of recovering from addiction. People who feel like they have friends and family they can trust, rel...Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs Marijuana a Problem?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/14/is-marijuana-a-problem/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/14/is-marijuana-a-problem/Many people argue that marijuana is safe because the withdrawals are not as intense as they are with other substances. There is also a misconception tha...Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT5 Ways to Get Better Sleep in Addiction Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/10/5-ways-to-get-better-sleep-in-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/10/5-ways-to-get-better-sleep-in-addiction-recovery/Getting enough quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your recovery and to improve your life in general. Deep sleep is when your body he...Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTGetting to the Root of Your Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/10/getting-to-the-root-of-your-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/10/getting-to-the-root-of-your-addiction/Addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone from any background, social status, race, and gender. When you are addicted, it can be difficul...Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTCan I Visit my Loved One in Treatment?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/07/can-i-visit-my-loved-one-in-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/07/can-i-visit-my-loved-one-in-treatment/In treatment, your loved one will learn how to stay sober, avoid triggers, and completely change his or her drinking and drug-using lifestyle. Detox and...Fri, 07 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT5 Ways Addiction Changes Your Behaviorhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/05/5-ways-addiction-changes-your-behavior/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/05/5-ways-addiction-changes-your-behavior/A substance use disorder can make your life worse in many ways. It can damage your career, your relationships, your health, your finances, and even get ...Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT5 Ways to Cope on the Anniversary of a Traumatic Eventhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/04/5-ways-to-cope-on-the-anniversary-of-a-traumatic-event/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/04/5-ways-to-cope-on-the-anniversary-of-a-traumatic-event/"The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or...Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Pets can be Therapeutic in Addiction Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/01/how-pets-can-be-therapeutic-in-addiction-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/06/01/how-pets-can-be-therapeutic-in-addiction-recovery/"The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or...Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhat Not to Say to Someone Struggling with Addictionhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/29/what-not-to-say-to-someone-struggling-with-addiction/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/29/what-not-to-say-to-someone-struggling-with-addiction/It’s very hard to understand what addiction is like if you have never struggled with it yourself. It’s normal to be concerned about a friend or family m...Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Dangerous?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/25/is-benzodiazepine-withdrawal-dangerous/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/25/is-benzodiazepine-withdrawal-dangerous/Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan are typically prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, muscle tension, and seizures....Sat, 25 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTHelp a Loved One Returning Home After Treatmenthttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/20/help-a-loved-one-returning-home-after-treatment/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/20/help-a-loved-one-returning-home-after-treatment/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 su...Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow to Help a Friend with Mental Illnesshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/17/how-to-help-a-friend-with-mental-illness/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/17/how-to-help-a-friend-with-mental-illness/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...Fri, 17 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTMaintaining Your Recovery After a Breakuphttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/15/maintaining-your-recovery-after-a-breakup/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/15/maintaining-your-recovery-after-a-breakup/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 fra...Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy Joining a Gym Can Help Your Recoveryhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/15/why-joining-a-gym-can-help-your-recovery/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/15/why-joining-a-gym-can-help-your-recovery/It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of exercise in recovery. It produces endorphins and helps balance your neurotransmitters, which improves...Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow Long Does Caffeine Stay in Your System?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/11/how-long-does-caffeine-stay-in-your-system/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/11/how-long-does-caffeine-stay-in-your-system/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 conside...Sat, 11 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTControl Your Social Media Usehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/10/control-your-social-media-use/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/10/control-your-social-media-use/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. Soc...Fri, 10 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhy It’s Best to Leave Politics Out of 12-step Meetingshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/07/why-its-best-to-leave-politics-out-of-12-step-meetings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/07/why-its-best-to-leave-politics-out-of-12-step-meetings/We live in politically divided times. Cable news and social media have helped create an environment of political hostility. However passionately you may...Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTMake Therapy More Effectivehttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/05/make-therapy-more-effective/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/05/make-therapy-more-effective/Therapy, both group and individual, is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. The majority of people with substance use disorders also ...Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTWhen Should You Call Your Sponsor?https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/03/when-should-you-call-your-sponsor/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/03/when-should-you-call-your-sponsor/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 fi...Fri, 03 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTTips for Sharing at 12-step Meetingshttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/01/tips-for-sharing-at-12-step-meetings/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/05/01/tips-for-sharing-at-12-step-meetings/Sharing at 12-step meetings is a way to feel like part of the group, which strengthens recovery. It helps you get clarity on problems and keeps you from...Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTTaking the long viewhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/23/taking-the-long-view/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/23/taking-the-long-view/Justin came to us with severe alcohol withdrawal. When we used a breathalyzer, he tested beyond the lethal limit. Note that was “lethal” not “legal”—tha...Tue, 23 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTMindfulness in Recovery Traininghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/16/mindfulness-in-recovery-training-2/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/16/mindfulness-in-recovery-training-2/Special thanks to John Bruna and The Mindful Life Program for a wonderful training this past weekend on Mindfulness in Recovery.Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTA front-row seat to transformationhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/11/a-front-row-seat-to-transformation/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/04/11/a-front-row-seat-to-transformation/Working at a detox is like having a front-row seat to the earliest stages of transformation. It’s been amazing to see the first glimmers of hope break t...Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTMindfulness in Recovery Traininghttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/03/14/mindfulness-in-recovery-training/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/03/14/mindfulness-in-recovery-training/At Valiant Living, we are pleased to be hosting the “Mindfulness in Recovery” Training with John Bruna coming up on April 12-13. That will be on a Frida...Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTNaloxone & Naltrexone Training next Wednesdayhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/03/04/naloxone-naltrexone-training-next-wednesday/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/03/04/naloxone-naltrexone-training-next-wednesday/As part of Valiant Living's educational initiative for service providers, we are offering a training on the use of Naloxone and Naltrexone in overdose a...Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTValiant Living Detox Center—three weeks inhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2019/01/29/valiant-living-detox-center-three-weeks-in/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/01/29/valiant-living-detox-center-three-weeks-in/Three weeks in, and we are off to a great start at Valiant Living’s new detox center. We officially opened and began serving clients on January 7th. Thi...Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTComing Soom: Valiant Living Detox Center!https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/01/03/coming-soon-valiant-living-detox-center/https://www.valiantliving.com/2019/01/03/coming-soon-valiant-living-detox-center/We are thrilled to be opening a Valiant Living detox center in January of 2018. This small 8-bed facility will provide 24/7 medical care above and beyon...Thu, 03 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTIncreasing your Capacity for Intimacy when Recovering from Co-Dependencyhttps://www.valiantliving.com/2018/12/17/increasing-your-capacity-for-intimacy-when-recovering-from-co-dependency/https://www.valiantliving.com/2018/12/17/increasing-your-capacity-for-intimacy-when-recovering-from-co-dependency/Most of us have felt embarrassment when a relationship didn’t work out the way we intended or if we got involved with someone that wasn’t “good” for us....Mon, 17 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT