Whether your loved one is currently in treatment or will (hopefully) be in the near future, there is always the fear that they will want to leave early. Staying in treatment for a full stay is essential for recovery; you know this, RCA knows this, and your loved one knows it – they’re just overwhelmed and feeling hopeless at this moment. But this is the exact time for them to reinvest in their treatment and recovery. Those who leave treatment early have a higher rate of recidivism. They need you to reinforce and remind them why they’re there. Here’s how to do that.

Regardless of our age, our parents will always have some sort of influence on our lives.

These influences not only include the genes that we inherit biologically but also the behaviors, habits, values, morals, and communication styles we have adopted from our parents or caregivers. The same goes for children of addicts. Growing up with drug-addicted parents can be difficult in more ways than one. If you’re in this situation, below is a guide on how to deal with drug-addicted parents that can help.

If you’re newly sober, nutrition may be the last thing on your mind. And while you certainly shouldn’t deny yourself a yummy cookie or a plate of fries every now and then (it’s certainly better than a drink or a drug!), being mindful about what you eat can help make the recovery process easier. In addition to improving your physical health, eating foods rich in certain nutrients can help reduce stress levels, curb cravings, and relieve other uncomfortable symptoms common in early sobriety. Below are 4 nutrition tips for early recovery.

If I live just for myself I can do what I want when I want. If I do not mistreat others they probably will not mistreat me. However, if I have no connections with others no one is likely to help me or care for me. If I live just for myself I can do what I want but be alone. If I am connected with others, then I also live for them and for us, as well as for me. Now others will help me and care for me. However, at times I will need to act for them and for our relationship, even at my own expense. At times I will need to address relationship concerns, to keep the relationship growing, even if raising these concerns is uncomfortable.

Jobs in recovery

If you’re recently out of treatment or are looking to make a fresh start, taking that first step into finding a new job while in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can be a big one. Where to start? How to address those gaps of employment? Do you have to disclose past substance use?

Outside of the obvious, there are plenty of benefits that come along with having a job. In fact, having a job can help you maintain recovery. According to a prominent study, successfully finding jobs in recovery is associated with lower rates of relapse.

I knew my life was off track and that I drank a bit too much, but I didn’t put the two things together.

In the same way that I’m 5’8″ and I have blue eyes, both things were true but not causal.

I knew my life was off track. My career was stalled. My marriage ended. And the caliber of the guys I dated was declining faster than I could believe.