Early sobriety can feel surprisingly good. Many men experience a burst of energy, optimism, and confidence in the weeks following sobriety. Sleep improves. Relationships feel lighter. Anxiety may decrease. Motivation returns. This phase is often referred to as the “pink cloud.” While this experience can be encouraging, it can also be misleading. When misunderstood, the […]
Tag Archives: Addiction Recovery
29
Dec
Dec
For many men, alcohol is not just something they use.It becomes part of who they are. The drinker.The fun one.The stress-reliever.The guy who can hold it together no matter what. When a man considers stopping or changing his relationship with alcohol, the fear is often not just about cravings. It is about identity.If I am […]
29
Dec
Dec
Many men enter January wondering the same thing:“Do I really have a problem, or did things just get out of hand?” The language we use around drinking matters. Terms like problem drinking, heavy use, or stress drinking often feel safer than the word addiction. They create space to minimize, rationalize, or delay change. But for […]
Addiction, Family, Gambling Addiction, Mental Health, Recovery, Relationships, Sex Addiction
A New Year of Recovery: How Men Can Build a Sustainable Plan for Change
21
Dec
Dec
A new year recovery plan for men begins with structure, honesty, and support, not resolutions. January often feels like a clean slate for men struggling with process addictions such as sex addiction, pornography addiction, or gambling addiction. Many attempt to reset with goals or promises, only to find themselves repeating the same patterns weeks later. […]
Addiction, alcoholism, Mental Health, Recovery, Relationships, Treatment, Uncategorized
The Holiday Relapse Trap: Why Stress and Isolation Trigger Addictive Behaviors in Men
21
Dec
Dec
Holiday relapse prevention for men becomes critical during a season filled with stress, isolation, and emotional pressure. While the holidays are often marketed as a time of connection and joy, many men in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, or gambling addiction experience the opposite. Increased stress, disrupted routines, financial strain, and emotional disconnection can […]
Addiction, Mental Health, Recovery, Sex Addiction
Why Men Struggle to Ask for Help: Barriers to Treatment for Process Addictions
09
Dec
Dec
Most men are not taught how to ask for help. They are taught how to perform, endure, and keep moving. They hide their fear. They white knuckle their pain. They solve problems on their own. These expectations place enormous pressure on men who are quietly spiraling in sex addiction, gambling addiction, or other process addictions. […]
02
Dec
Dec
The Cost of High Functioning Porn Addiction in Men Most people imagine addiction as something obvious. Missed work. Major consequences. Visible chaos.Porn addiction rarely presents that way. In fact, some of the men who suffer most are the ones who appear to be performing well in every other area of life. They hold jobs. They […]
19
May
May
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 unnecessarily belittle themselves — even in the face of progress. Addressing denial in recovery is a topic that will come up throughout one’s journey, but it won’t always present itself in […]
30
Jan
Jan
Group therapy can help you heal collectively. By sharing your experiences with others who may have had similar situations or coping mechanisms, you can not only grow together but also learn a lot about yourself in the process. Overall, group therapy should be a time for creating connections and fostering community. Avoid Projection One of […]
26
Jan
Jan
A process addiction is when a favorite pastime becomes problematic. Instead of indulging periodically in moderation with your favorite things, they become excessive and destructive. Some examples of process addictions include eating, exercise, gambling, sex, video gaming, shopping, and pornography. Each of these behaviors may supplement your lifestyle and bring joy, but when we engage […]