Keeping you in-the-know about addiction and recovery.
White Lights
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. A real patient story, in honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month. Dave was in his mid-thirties. He possessed the kind of humor that made entire rooms betray themselves. Nurses trying not to audibly laugh at the desk would suddenly snort into computer monitors. Social workers
The Hidden Health Effects of High-Dose Nicotine Pouches
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. I started noticing a pattern before I understood the diagnosis Not in a detox unit. Not in a smoking cessation clinic. But in otherwise healthy young men sitting in an outpatient office: high school athletes, college students, gym-goers, kids who looked like they should have
What Happens When You Stop Drinking for 30 Days?
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. For a lot of people, alcohol has become woven into their daily and weekly routines. Wine with dinner, a beer after a long day, or a cocktail on the weekends. It becomes so embedded in daily life that many have not even thought about what would happen if they stopped, even just for a month. Taking
What Alcohol Leaves Behind
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time often filled with statistics, campaigns, and reminders to “seek help.” Those things matter. But sometimes numbers can flatten what addiction really is: not an abstract diagnosis, not a public health slogan, but
How Alcohol Affects the Body Differently After Age 65
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. As people get older, many will start to notice that alcohol affects them differently than it did when they were younger. A drink that once felt social and manageable may now lead to stronger physical effects, disrupted sleep, or longer recovery time. These changes are the direct result of natural changes in how
Addiction Is a Chronic Medical Condition—Not a Moral Failing
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. Understanding Addiction as a Disease Addiction is often misunderstood as a problem of willpower or personal choice. In reality, addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing, and should be understood and treated as a medical condition, much like hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery
How to Find the Right Addiction Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. If you’re reading this, chances are something doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’ve noticed changes in someone you love, like missed work, mood swings, secrecy, or health concerns that keep piling up. Maybe you’ve had the same conversation over and over again, promising things will change. Or maybe you’re quietly wondering if it’s time to get help, but you’re not even sure
Understanding Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Health insurance can feel confusing, especially when different programs and plan names sound similar and are often talked about together. Medicare, Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid… It is a lot to take in, and many people are never given a clear explanation of
Sober Influencers, New Year’s Resolutions, and the Evolving Narrative Around Addiction
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. As the year comes to a close, many individuals begin to reflect on their overall wellness and consider changes they want to make in the months ahead. Increasingly, conversations about sobriety, alcohol use, and lifestyle choices are being shaped by a growing community of sober social
Staying Grounded in Recovery During the Holidays
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care The time leading up to Christmas can be joyful, meaningful, and extremely challenging, especially for individuals in recovery. Changes in routine, family gatherings, heightened emotions, and increased exposure to alcohol can create stress that feels difficult to manage. While the holidays are often framed as a time of celebration, they
Why Gratitude Matters in Recovery
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care As the crisp air of late November settles in and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it offers us a natural pause to reflect, especially those of us walking the path of recovery. At Aware Recovery Care, we believe the act of giving thanks is a necessary
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