Benefits of Positive Words of Affirmation for Addiction Recovery
Philosophy Behind Mindset Work The lines that we repeat to ourselves in our inner dialogue are oftentimes the scripts that shape our behavior patterns, guiding beliefs and lives as a whole. While we are far more than our thoughts, the image that we hold of ourselves impacts more than we often would like to admit, especially in the face of challenges. On the road to recovery from addiction and substance abuse, recreating an uplifting and resolute interior voice is essential to overcoming adversity and channeling inner strength to make lasting change. Mindset Work in Addiction Recovery Addiction recovery is multifaceted [...]
How to Boost Your Addiction Recovery Journey With Organization
Few people like living in chaos – if given the choice, many would choose to live in such a way that emulates peace and relaxation. But due to the busy nature of our lives, this is a reality few can obtain. That being said, there are ways in which you can incorporate peace into your daily life, even if the overall tone of your day is busy. This is incredibly important for anyone to do, but even more crucial for those in addiction recovery. By adding healthy habits, ditching old ones and revamping your life with organization in all its [...]
National Recovery Month — Samantha Laughlin’s Story
September marks National Recovery Month. This national observance promotes and supports new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. During National Recovery Month, we also celebrate all individuals in recovery, the treatment service providers and the individuals who make recovery possible. In honor of National Recovery Month, Bluff’s Clinical Liaison, Samantha Laughlin, CAC, CAMS, CPS-AD, shares her personal story. Through her own experiences and her career trajectory in treatment, Samantha has found a passion for supporting other women in recovery. Tell us your story. I’m the youngest of six half-siblings — the “love child” between my mom and my dad. Gambling and [...]
The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
Anyone in recovery can tell you that it isn’t just a mental process. Your body and your mind both face serious obstacles in the process of detox and rehab, and nourishing both is important. The first line of defense for healing the mind is through therapy, often cognitive behavioral therapy, but what practices focus on taking care of your body? While there are many avenues for strengthening your physical body and restoring proper functioning, such as exercise and medication, nutrition can (and should) be one of the main focuses of your recovery. Every person at every stage of recovery can [...]
Detox from Drugs and Alcohol with These Nutritional Boosts
The first days of active recovery are a grueling process for your body. When a person stops using drugs or alcohol after frequent use, the body goes through a period of withdrawal. For a few days, the body is expelling toxins and relearning how to function without the presence of the substance of use. The physical toll of substance use The physical toll of withdrawal is intense, and symptoms can include fatigue, muscle soreness, aches, trembling, loss of appetite, irritability, vomiting and more. In recovery, not only is the body depleted from the experience of withdrawal, but nutritional deficits linger [...]
A Beginner’s Guide to Holistic Addiction Recovery
Holistic refers to an evidence-based, “whole person” approach to healthcare and treatment. While conventional medicine focuses on treating illnesses and conditions as individual diagnoses, holistic treatments believe in a full-spectrum approach to treatment. When you embark on a holistic recovery journey, you’ll simultaneously receive care for your mind, body and soul, in addition to the specific area of struggle. If you aren’t sure a holistic recovery program is for you, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at holistic recovery and what the addiction recovery process looks like for those wanting to [...]
Why Goal Setting is the Key to Personal and Professional Success
The beginning of a new year is a blank slate, a new beginning, the provision of limitless opportunities — and as exciting as that can be, the vastness can feel intimidating at times. Unfortunately, many people let this initial intimidation talk them out of setting goals at all. Not only can this stunt our mental and emotional health, but it can also greatly hinder (sometimes prevent altogether) our ability to achieve both personal and professional success. There are many benefits to implementing the practice of goal setting into your lifestyle, including boosting your confidence, improving your focus and productivity, and [...]
Why You Should Pursue Recovery Even During the Holidays
Making the decision to quit substance use is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Perhaps you’re coming up with multiple excuses as to why you don’t need help. Maybe you’re telling yourself you have this under control or that now isn’t a good time to seek help because it’s the holiday season, so you’ll put it off until after. There are many reasons why people are reluctant to choose and seek recovery during the holidays, but the disease of addiction doesn’t adhere to any agenda or timeline. It will dominate your life until you break the control it [...]
How Families Can Offer Mental Health Support at Christmas
The holidays, while they can be stressful, offer much joy and excitement for many. However, some people find them increasingly overwhelming, especially with the expectations they entail. Seeing family and friends and attending holiday parties, for example, can put increased pressure on those who battle a mental health disorder or have recently been in recovery. Because of this, the family (be it the immediate family or one’s chosen family) has the unique chance to support and help maintain the mental health and recovery of their loved one during this time. How families can offer mental health support Community has been [...]
10 Tips for Staying Sober During the Holiday
The holidays and recovery can be a challenging combination to navigate, but you don’t need to isolate yourself during this time of year in order to maintain sobriety. While it’s very common for holiday parties and social gatherings to be alcohol-infused, there are plenty of alternative ways to maintain the festive spirit while remaining sober. In this article, we’re going to give you the 10 best tips for staying sober during the holidays. Tips for the holidays and recovery There will inevitably be situations, environments and even people who are going to (intentionally or unintentionally) test your commitment to your [...]
