Keeping you in-the-know about addiction and recovery.
The Essential Role of Peer Recovery Coaches in Addiction Treatment
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. Support in recovery can come from many places in many forms: a trusted therapist, the right medication, a caring family, or a strong community. But one of the most powerful sources of support is often the least recognized: peer recovery coaches. What Are Peer Recovery
Why ADHD and Substance Use Disorders Often Travel Together — And What We Can Do About It
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. October is ADHD Awareness Month. So, it’s a good time to talk about a clinically important observation: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently occur together. We know that the overlap is not a coincidence – there’s growing evidence for shared biology, shared
National Recovery Month
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Celebrating the Strength of Recovery Every September, National Recovery Month gives us the chance to celebrate the millions of Americans living in recovery and to remind those still struggling that recovery is possible. It’s a time to honor the courage it takes to seek help,
How Sleep and Stress Affect Long-Term Addiction Recovery (and Tips to Improve Both)
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. When it comes to addiction recovery, people often focus on strategies like therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes. While these are essential, two critical and often underestimated factors can make a powerful difference in your long-term success: sleep and stress management. Both sleep and stress
The Health Benefits of Quitting or Reducing Alcohol
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. Alcohol is a widely accepted part of social culture, often seen as harmless or even beneficial in small amounts. But while it is legal, that does not mean it is healthy, especially when consumed regularly or in excess. If you are someone who has been
Healing the Whole Person: Treating PTSD and Addiction
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. Most of us experience trauma in some form during our lifetimes, and trauma can shape our lives in unseen ways. If trauma leaves a lasting imprint, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a mental health condition marked by ongoing emotional distress that can sometimes
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. What Are Co-Occurring Disorders? Co-occurring disorders—also known as dual diagnoses—refer to the presence of both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition in the same individual. This combination is far more common than most folks realize. In fact, more than half of
Get the Facts: Substance Use in the LGBTQ Community
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Addiction impacts people from all walks of life. However, certain groups experience addiction at higher rates than others. Even though members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to use to drugs and alcohol, there aren’t many studies that focus specifically on why this might
How Are Men Really Doing?
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. So, how are men doing? Well, unfortunately things could be better. Despite all our progress in other health arenas, there is still significant stigma and misunderstanding surrounding male mental health. Current American expectations still dictate that men should
Your Brain Can Heal: How Recovery Helps Rewire and Restore
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care It’s a fact that addiction changes the brain. Most of us are not born dependent on substances, though addiction can form over time from learned behaviors that create habitual pathways in the brain. Thankfully, the reverse is also true, and the brain can change once
Understanding Alcohol’s Toll on Mental Wellness
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care It’s not uncommon to turn to alcohol to cope with trauma, mental health struggles, and plain old stress. All around us, cultural messages perpetuate the myth that alcohol can soothe and heal our psychic ills. Just turn on a TV sitcom and you may see
Why Sooner Is Better: The Power of Early Intervention for Alcohol Use
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care It’s never easy to see someone struggle with alcohol use, which can take an emotional and physical toll on everyone in their midst. The transition from gray-area “problem drinking” to full-blown alcohol dependence can happen quickly. That’s why it’s critical to act early—whether it means