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

Encouraging Change: Initiating the Conversation about Alcohol Abuse with a Loved One
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Watching a loved one struggle with alcoholism can be heartbreaking, and broaching the topic of treatment is often a challenge. Here are some tips on how to encourage your loved one to seek treatment for their alcoholism. Choose the Right Time and Setting Begin the

Navigating the Conversation: Encouraging a Loved One to Seek Treatment for Drug Use
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Drug use by a loved one can be a challenging and sensitive topic to address. Approaching the conversation with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude is crucial to encourage them to seek treatment. Here are some tips on broaching the subject and guiding your loved

Prenatal Exposure to Opioids Linked to Health Risks in Children
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care A newly published study in JAMA Network Open[i] finds that children exposed to opioids while in the womb more commonly suffer from a number of health conditions, including asthma and eczema. The Critical Role Opioids Play In Fetal Development As the paper states: “Opioids play

Embracing Positive Change in 2024: Tips for a Fulfilling Year of Recovery
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care The beginning of a New Year often sparks a desire for personal renewal and growth, especially for those in recovery. Here, we offer five addiction recovery tips for 2024 that we hope will help you in your journey: 1. Embrace Goal Clarity: Define your goals

New Test Approved by FDA to Detect Individuals at Risk for Opioid Use Disorder
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care The Food and Drug Administration has just approved a test to determine whether someone is genetically predisposed to opioid use disorder. AvertD Test Overview The test, called AvertD, uses DNA swabbed from a patient’s cheek to determine if they carry some combination of genetic variants

How Shame and Embarrassment Serve as a Barrier to Seeking Addiction Help.
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol often get misunderstood and criticized in society, making it hard for many to seek help for substance dependence, according to a recent report in Psychological Science in the Public Interest.[i] The report, penned by psychological scientist Anne C. Krendl

Could Mindfulness Help Those with Opioid Use Disorder?
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care A new pilot study[i] published in Explore by researchers from the Rutgers School of Health Professions suggests that women who practice mindfulness may gain better control of their drug cravings during medically assisted opioid use disorder treatment. Research Findings on Women and Opioid Cravings Previous

Exploring Effective Treatments for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. The journey to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a challenging yet transformative process. Fortunately, there are various treatments available that cater to the diverse needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse. These treatments aim not only to address the physical aspects of addiction

Self-Care Holidays
Reviewed by: Lauren Grawert, M.D. Happy Holidays! I hope you are gearing up for the new year with plenty of eggnog, mistletoe, and apple cider. The holiday season can be a busy, exciting, and stressful time. Below are my top tips for home efficiency and self-care. After all, self-care is

Recognizing the Signs of an Addiction. Is It Time to Get Help?
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Addiction is a complex and challenging condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Recognizing the need for addiction treatment is a crucial step toward recovery. The Common Signs of an Addiction Taking the First Steps Towards Recovery Recognizing the need for

How Do I Know if My Loved One Is Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Worrying that a loved one may be struggling with addiction is an emotional roller coaster, a relentless ride between fear, confusion, and heartache. It’s a tumultuous journey filled with sleepless nights, anxious days, and a constant knot in the stomach. The mind becomes a battleground

Addiction, Families, and the Holidays. Some Thoughts.
Reviewed by: Aware Recovery Care Living with a family member struggling with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is one of the most significant challenges a family can face. Add in the holiday season, and those difficulties only multiply. For someone addicted or in recovery, the holidays are often a