There is a common misperception that some addictions are more “serious” than others, that alcohol addiction isn't as serious as an addiction to heroin, crack, or methamphetamine.
Common stereotypes paint images of alcoholics getting drunk at home and heroin addicts as engaged in criminal behavior, unemployed, homeless, or giving up on life. After all, alcohol is a legal and socially acceptable substance here in the U.S. Thus, it is perceived as less serious.
After a long day, there is nothing more relaxing than having a few drinks to help you unwind, right? But did you know that drinking can make you feel more stressed?
Many people talk about having a drink to take the edge off when they are feeling stressed, but studies have shown that alcohol has the opposite effect. Alcohol increases the stress response by stimulating the production of the same hormones produced by the body when under stress.
When a loved one announces that they plan to start the New Year sober, it can be an enormous relief. However, cutting back on drinking is just the first step. Recovery is an ongoing process and the support you offer your loved ones is often invaluable during their New Year's resolution.
According to a survey conducted by Yahoo, New Year’s Eve and Christmas are the biggest drinking days of the year in the United States. For those in recovery, it can be a challenge to maintain sobriety throughout the busy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s period with so many parties and celebrations on the agenda. But that’s no reason to isolate yourself from friends and family or avoid the festivities altogether by staying home. There are many sober and safe ways to celebrate.
You might not think that your loved one’s substance use disorder is a family business, but their struggles are a complex battle that come with very real consequences to your family. Substance use disorder is often referred to as a family disease, which is true both from a genetic and social point of view.
You might already understand that there are physical, mental and societal challenges that come with substance use disorders and that jeopardize your family’s well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the true impact substance use disorder could be having on your family:
Stressful situations are inevitable and real, so how do you keep your calm when you feel overwhelmed and more is being demanded of you than you can really handle? Stress levels are rising and a report revealed that more adults are experiencing extreme levels of stress than the previous year. Though many will find it easy to reach for the bottle, alcohol itself causes stress and only provides a temporary relief. So how can you relax without alcohol? Here are some tips to help you unwind without a glass of wine.
If you pine for a cold one, a decantered one, or one on the rocks after a busy day at the office, you’re not alone. Modern professionals have increasing pressures, a shortage of time to properly de-stress and are bombarded with messaging that having a drink is the most appropriate way to wind down, take the stress off and relax. But is having a drink really the best way to reduce stress?
Reducing the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder, the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (NCADD), founded and sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month. By encouraging communities to talk about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery we can better prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorders as well as support those in our communities who are affected by them.
Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful tool within your reach when it comes to sobriety. Seeking out inspiration can really make a difference to finding motivation as you’re walking your path to recovery.
The difference between who you are now and who you are working towards becoming is made much smaller, and even bridged, by finding people in your life who are positive role models and can provide you with inspiration on a daily basis. Positive people in your life can not only serve as inspiration but as mentors and a personal connection to what you want to achieve during your recovery. Here’s how to find those people and start positively impacting your recovery:
