Handling Emotions Even without the problems that substance abuse brings, life can be a real struggle for an individual that is unable to handle their emotions. Without emotional maturity, it is virtually impossible to find real happiness. Adults who don’t mature emotionally are also more likely to engage in substance abuse. They turn to chemicals … Continued
You often hear that the first step to recovery is recognizing that you have a problem, and need help. But what if your loved one is resistant to drug treatment? What should you do? The answer, unfortunately, is complicated. Family and loved ones typically advocate seeking help faster than a drug or alcohol addict. While … Continued
How do you know when you’ve hit it? We’ve all heard of the term “hitting rock bottom”…but where exactly is it? Is it the same rock bottom that others hit? For many, “rock bottom” is a point an addict reaches when they are finally willing to seek help. Things are now so bad for them … Continued
You’ve probably heard friends say, “I’m having a panic attack!” when they refer to a particularly stressful situation. Maybe they’re worried about an upcoming test or job interview, or they’re nervous about a big date, a doctor’s appointment or a loved one’s surgery. Being worried or even especially anxious, however, isn’t a panic attack. Panic … Continued
Two Different Diseases, Similar Symptoms Once again, after “Jerry” came down off his high, he was left feeling sad and depressed. He often felt lower than before he got his fix. This has been going on since college, maybe even high school. Every time it was the same thing. He’d be feeling down and then … Continued
Pushing against an immovable object is an exercise in frustration, and a big waste of time and energy. Yet for many of us, we do just that when we refuse to fully accept ourselves as we are, warts and all. There are just some things that have to be accepted for what they are. For … Continued
People who are trapped in addiction can suffer greatly. Their obsession with alcohol and drugs can lead to the destruction of everything they hold dear. It is usually obvious that their addictive behavior is the source of the misery, but the individual may still be unwilling to change. This is because there is comfort in … Continued
It’s a situation no manager ever wants to be in. Something is wrong with your best employee, and you just can’t put your finger on it. Maybe their work has become careless or sloppy. Perhaps their breaks have gotten longer and longer. Or maybe their once professional appearance has slipped due to poor personal hygiene. … Continued
It’s a long road back from addiction. While recovery is different for every individual, one thing remains the same: all persons in recovery need the support of others. And these others need to be intimately familiar with what it means to be an addict. Recovering addicts can experience agonizing doubt, fear, cravings and rocky instability … Continued