Therapist practicing motivational interviewing techniques

Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Many counseling approaches can help you address mental disorders such as addiction. However, treatment won’t go far unless you have the motivation to change. Motivational interviewing techniques help you find motivation within yourself.5 Common Motivational Interviewing TechniquesDuring motivational interviewing therapy, a counselor can use a range of techniques to guide you toward change. Below is…

Man learns all about the AA Big Book and it's philosophies

The AA Big Book: A Blueprint for Sobriety

Getting sober isn’t easy. However, there are many treatment programs to guide people. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known because it uses a blueprint to help people achieve sobriety. This blueprint comes in the form of the AA Big Book.The History of the BookFirst published in 1939, the Big Book is the…

Woman struggling with how addiction affects family and friends

How Addiction Affects Family and Friends

Regarding addiction, many people only consider the physical and mental effects to those with the disease. They may not recognize how addiction affects family and friends. However, these individuals also suffer great hardships when loved ones have an addiction.Top Problems That Result From How Addiction Affects Family and FriendsAll families are different, so the dynamics…

sober new years even ideas

Sober New Years Eve Ideas

In the past, you watched the ball drop with a drink in your hand. This year’s going to be different. Because you’ve decided to make a lifestyle change, you need sober New Years Eve ideas. Here’s how to make it through a day which traditionally involves alcohol, without drinking.Gauge Your Readiness to be around AlcoholDid…

mixing benzos and alcohol

The Danger of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are strong tranquilizers designed to calm the central nervous system. Namely, they’re anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Halcion. Thus, benzos are popular to soothe stress and also, off-label, to experience surges of pleasure. In fact, National Public Radio reported that benzo prescriptions have risen by 5.4 million since 1999. Unfortunately,…

mindfulness quotes bring peace

5 Mindfulness Quotes that Create Peace During Addiction Recovery

As many folks soon learn, there’s a great sense of relief when an individual successfully completes an addiction treatment program. As they head out the door of rehab, they hopefully leave with the coping skills for recovery and to avoid relapses. Mindfulness is a great coping skill. For a recovering addict, it makes sense to…

is drug addiction a choice

Is Drug Addiction a Choice?

Many people today debate whether people choose to suffer addiction or if this condition is a legitimate disease. So is drug addiction a choice? Or does modern science prove disease causes addiction?Past Beliefs about AddictionIn the past, Americans and people throughout the world believed addiction was a choice. That is, you choose to push your…

staying sober during Thanksgiving

Staying Sober During Thanksgiving

The holiday season can present pitfalls for someone who recently attained sobriety. Everywhere you look, marketing messages combine alcohol with big meals and family gatherings. Besides that, your own family might routinely serve alcohol at the feast. Because it’s tough to deal with the onslaught of temptation, here are some tips for staying sober during…

quotes about mindfulness

Helpful Quotes About Mindfulness You Can Use in Sobriety

Returning home after intensive rehab treatment is tough. Suddenly, you’re thrust back into the same daily routine and everyday stress. Given that, it’s common for those recovering to start down the path to drug or alcohol use again. Thus, Beaches Recovery seeks to prevent relapse by teaching coping strategies for mindfulness. In other words, clients…

dbt vs cbt

Is There a Difference Between DBT vs. CBT?

Addiction treatment involves various therapies. Specialists in this field understand the importance of taking the right therapeutic approach to each client. Regarding behavioral therapy, many people might consider the differences in DBT vs. CBT. These two therapies share some similarities, but the ways they differ make them most appropriate for specific situations.Negative Thoughts Can Turn…