A safe, sober, and enjoyable summer—that’s RCA’s goal for every member of our community. Spending time with loved ones, enjoying the great outdoors, and creating new memories are all possible in recovery. But for some, summer can also bring up triggers and challenges that may threaten their sobriety.

Did you know that being outside can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost immunity?1 People who live near green areas report lower levels of anxiety and depression, and spending time in nature has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.2 With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these benefits by incorporating some outdoor activities into your routine. If you’re in recovery, spending time outdoors can be part of your self-care routine and the way you support your mental health and overall wellness.

Fathers in recovery can face unique challenges as they work to maintain their sobriety and navigate the demands of parenthood. Being present as a parent while focusing on recovery, keeping up with responsibilities at work and at home while in treatment, and rebuilding relationships with family members takes time, attention, and energy. Working on healthy coping skills is one of the best ways that dads can be their best selves for their loved ones. Coping skills help people manage stress and work through difficult emotions without turning to anger, isolation, or substance use. While the most effective coping skills for each person are different, there are a few tried-and-true methods that can be helpful for men in recovery.

Like most people, you may not know what to do when it’s time to get into drug rehab. You may feel scared, alone, or even ashamed. You may also feel torn between getting help and continuing to use drugs.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Millions of people have gone through drug rehab and successfully come out the other side. This guide will help you understand what to expect from drug rehab and how to get the most out of it.

For ages, communities have struggled with the complex issue of drug addiction, which has left a path of destruction in its wake. While there are many factors that contribute to addiction, one that has long perplexed scientists and academics is whether this harmful habit has a genetic component. Does the occurrence of addiction in families suggest a hereditary predisposition? Can we link certain genes to addictive tendencies? Investigating the complex link between genetics and drug addiction helps us to understand the fundamental causes of this condition and may have implications for prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction. Faith in Recovery explores the fascinating query: Is drug addiction genetic?

Myths About Substance Addiction

When it comes to substance abuse, many people have some preconceived notions about whom addiction affects, why a person struggles with substances, and the subsequent choices they make. The problem is that many of these ideas are entirely false and only further the stigma attached to substance abuse.