Recovery may seem like a dream in the distant future for some. But the truth is, long-term recovery is a reality for many. And as much as alcohol misuse may seem to “choose” who it wants and the onus of the battle with alcoholism falls on the shoulders of the individual, it requires support from loved ones and professional treatment to reach long-term sobriety.

Joy Sutton, host of American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) Sober Thursdays, met with four current employees of the nationwide leader in addiction treatment.

If (as the current paradigm shift in recovery suggests) the opposite of addiction is connection not sobriety, then it makes perfect sense that initiating new romantic relationships early on in recovery is commonplace.  As with so many facets of recovery, there is an abundance of “advice” on relationships.  The recovery “wisdom” on relationships has some worthwhile points to consider, but is often fraught with arbitrary absolutes and unfounded, unrealistic mandates.  Thus far, there has been no empirical data linking horticultural adeptness to interpersonal effectiveness.  So if you buy a plant and it doesn’t go so well, fret not, that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in building meaningful and lasting relationships.

Every human being alive is familiar with the unpleasant experience of anxiety. Most of us feel some level of anxiety on a daily basis. Some situations are more stressful than others, but generally we are able to continue functioning in spite of this anxiety.

Many people find that a drink of alcohol “calms the nerves” in stressful situations. It might not seem like a big deal, and for many it is not, but for those who suffer from an anxiety disorder, the combination of anxiety and alcohol can lead down a dangerous path and towards necessary alcohol rehab programs.

At Faith in Recovery, we treat people with drug and alcohol use disorders from a faith-based perspective. In addition to Scripture, prayer is also a common resource utilized at our Christian drug rehabilitation facility to help clients overcome addiction and the challenges that it comes with. With this in mind, National Day of Prayer 2022 is right around the corner, and we’re sharing prayers and ways you or a loved one can participate this year.

Alcohol is both a legal and an intoxicating substance that is often intertwined in socially work-related settings. Needing to impress a potential client? Take them out for drinks. Happy Hour with co-workers meant to build comradery and good will? Show up after work ready for conversation and drinking. The Christmas party at work? Wear your “ugly sweater” and expect an assortment of drinks available at the makeshift bar. For many, these incidental potential interactions with alcoholic beverages hold no emotional weight.

Teens and drugs go together like soap and suds.  Nearly 80% of kids try alcohol before aging out of the teen years.  Last month about a third of high school seniors in the US drank.  Over 80% of teens are offered illegal substances, and over half accept.  Teens experiment with drugs.  Rather than entertain fantasy that somehow we can eliminate all teenage substance experimentation, it is important to look honestly into the most effective ways to prevent teenage substance abuse.