Precipitated Withdrawal
When an individual is recovering from addiction, experiencing withdrawal is almost inevitable. Withdrawal occurs when a person in recovery suffers a combination of mental and physical side effects after quitting or reducing intake of an addictive substance. Some may also experience an intensified form of withdrawal symptoms in response to the medication prescribed throughout medication-assisted […]
Parents Passing Down Addiction
Hello, my name is Allie Kraska, Content Creator for Royal Life Centers. Member of ACOA since 1996. Between sips of caffeine and railing at god, I write for your entertainment and insight. Since I’m here every day, I figured it might be nice (if not a tad egotistical) if I share a bit about myself. […]
The Atheist and the 12 Steps
First, I should tell you that I’m a lifelong atheist and I am 10 years sober with the help of a 12-step fellowship. (notice I’m not saying I’m a member or representative of any single fellowship or group in that fellowship, as that would be a tradition violation). I went to 30 days of inpatient […]
Group Therapy: What Do Groups Provide?
Group therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. Recovery groups provide what all human beings need—and what chemically dependent people need more than anyone: recognition by others of their humanness, affirmation of their value as human beings, and validation of their feelings. In a group setting, people are able to share more openly […]
A How-to Guide: Set your Recovery Up for Success
Generally speaking, the goal for anyone in recovery is to maintain their sobriety for the long-term. Everyone knows that it begins with stopping the addictive substances, but how do we continue to be successful in the long-term? Setting yourself up for success early on is extremely important when it comes to recovery, but it’s not […]
Everything You Need to Know About AA: A Beginner’s Guide
Alcoholics Anonymous or AA, is the de facto 12-step fellowship for those recovering from substance use disorder, alcoholism and addiction. Exposure to the fellowship usually begins in treatment, and for good reason. AA has been around since 1935 and has helped millions of alcoholics and addicts get and stay sober. In a modern world of […]
I Can Use Other Stuff as Long as It’s Not My Drug of Choice, Right?
As an addict myself, I can say that getting sober wasn’t easy. The first couple of times I went to treatment was under threat from my parents, they said I wouldn’t be allowed to live with them anymore if I didn’t go to rehab. So, I went, but staying sober never lasted very long. Fast […]
How Do I Know I Need Rehab?
So, things have gotten bad since your addiction has taken hold of you. But, you’re still not sure if they’re bad enough to enter into a treatment facility. Well, you don’t need to be physically addicted or suffer terrible consequences before you make the decision to enter rehab. When substance abuse starts to affect your […]
Recovery Is Filled with Paradoxes
First you are told that chemically dependent people are ego-centric and self-centered. You are instructed to breakdown your ego, admit to all your worst faults, and learn humility. Then you are told your worst problem is a lack of self-esteem, and in recovery you are advised to build up a sense of yourself and belief in yourself. […]
Detox vs. Recovery
You’ll Starve If You Just Get Detoxed: You’ll Feast for Life with Recovery Detoxification is like a few small appetizers before a multicourse meal and is very short lived and essentially useless without recovery. Recovery is the antipasto salad, the mixed green salad, the pasta, several entrees, and dessert. Detoxification is a thin slice in time and […]
