People who are new to recovery often find that they have aches and pains they never noticed before. Or they decide that, now that they are sober, it’s time to take care of some nagging health issues.
Like most of us, they turn to the Internet for health information. Problem is, there is a whole lot of bad information out there. Some of it is really bad.
Going to a party tonight? Here are seven quick tips that can help you to stay sober.
(See Part 1 of our sober holidays tips.) For people in recovery, the holidays can be tough. Seeing family, visiting old friends, having unfulfilled expectations, maybe missing a loved one you lost this year — it can all lead to tension and sadness, as well as thoughts of using.
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Your counselor, doctor, or treatment center may refer you to a specific AA contact or group. If not, there are several ways to find a meeting.
Don’t miss our updated list of sober holiday tips.
For people in recovery, the holidays can be tough. 
Seeing family, visiting old friends, having unfulfilled expectations, maybe missing a loved one you lost this year — it can all lead to tension and sadness, as well as thoughts of using. Plus, temptation seems to be everywhere…
Addiction is a disease of the brain. It is not due to a moral failure or a lack of willpower. It doesn’t happen because someone is a “bad” person. It is a chronic disease, just like diabetes or high blood pressure.
The first time a person takes drugs it is by choice. But over time, with continued use, the drugs “hijack” the reward system in the brain, as well as causing other changes. These changes affect a person’s ability to make good choices and control their behavior.
In time, they are addicted: they have strong cravings for drugs and compulsively seek out more, even when they know there could be devastating consequences, such as going to jail or dying.
The picture is similar with “alcohol use disorders.” In the early days, alcohol use is optional. But over time, it becomes more important, there are strong cravings for a drink, and … Read more...
