Keeping you in-the-know about addiction and recovery.
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
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