Perfectionism is a common characteristic trait for many people living with active addiction and those in recovery. It seems like a conflicting statement: the drive to be perfect but reliant on substance use as a coping mechanism. In actuality, those in recovery or active addiction tend to hold themselves to...
PTSD and Substance Abuse: Recognizing Red Flags and Green Flags
As an experienced Addiction therapist I have found it is useful to define triggers as red flags and coping skills as green flags. I find it is easier for those in early recovery to have an understanding of what a trigger is and how to cope with it in a...
Baking Powder, Or….? Make Up Artist Finds Cocaine in Sephora Delivery
When New Jersey makeup artist Christina Milano made her online purchase at Sephora, she expected to replenish her kit. Rather than just getting a few new brushes and contour kits, Milano was in for the shock of her life. While she received the $250 make up delivery she was expecting,...
Co-Occurring and Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse Related To Mental Health
According to Angela Kimball, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans experience mental illness. When the illness is combined with the recreational use of illegal drugs, addiction occurs easily and quickly. Many people living with drug addiction began using drugs young as a form...
The Power of Music for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
Has music ever sent chills down your spine? Has a song ever spoke to your soul due to its breathtaking melody or profound lyrics? Music has become an influential part of our day-to-day lives. It is so powerful that it can fill us with joy or make us cry just...
Drug and Alcohol-Related Birth Defect Awareness Week
A baby on the way is a cause for great joy and excitement, whether it’s the firstborn or another welcome addition to the family. Unfortunately, addiction does not take holidays, and many women are still engage in substance abuse after becoming pregnant. The CDC reported that 1 in 9 women...
Wendy Williams: ‘I Have Been Living in a Sober House’
Two weeks after returning to her nationally syndicated talk show, Wendy Williams is finally sharing her truth. Teary eyed and emotional, the 54 year old talk show host admitted that her extended hiatus from ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ was due to her battle with addiction. “For some time now, and...
10 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Sober Couples
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romance is in the air! Flowers and chocolates and wine are abundant, but maintaining your sobriety can make celebrating Valentine’s a bit tricky. Here’s 10 romantic date ideas for sober couples! Cook at Home. Whether you make an old favorite or try out...
7 Reasons to Stay Sober This St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 falls on Saturday, March 17th, bringing a celebration of Irish culture to communities across the country in the form of parades, music and dance performances, food festivals, and gallons upon gallons of alcoholic beverages. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day is the fourth most popular holiday for...
Overdose Survivors Share What You Should Know About Addiction
The current substance abuse crisis affecting the United States is impossible to ignore. It has made orphans of children, stolen brothers and sisters, and lead to parents having to bury their children. The substance abuse epidemic claims thousands every day and yet society still carries stigmas that suggest those who...
