Can Painkillers Be Taken in Recovery?

Life is challenging enough, but add in addiction and recovery can feel like another challenge on the road of life. Sometimes it feels like the physical, spiritual, and emotional pain is too much. There are painkillers for some of the things that ail you in recovery but not all are good to take. With a history of addiction, there is always the risk of crossover addiction into something else. Learn more about the use of painkillers in recovery and whether or not they are a good idea.

Hitting Bumps

Setting up for success in recovery is not without some bumps, bruises, and scrapes on the journey. Taking painkillers can be a great way to ease some of the challenges of feeling pain in recovery in one way or another, but it can also add to the bumps in an already rocky road. Whether or not you refuse pain medicine depends on the ability to withstand some of the aches and pains, or deal with other pains which come up unexpectedly, on the road to recovery. Without realizing it, you may jeopardize your recovery and end up addicted to painkillers when you really meant to get some relief.

Thinking it Through

People who are experts on sober living consider opioids a relapse risk. Others may see it as a necessary evil to combat pain, whether it is mild, acute, or from an additional injury not related to addiction, it can be a good or bad thing depending on many factors. Doctors are not trained in the field of addiction when they hand out opioids and painkillers. When they don’t know the dangerous addictive potential, they might miss some warning signals a person should try another route to relieve pain other than painkillers. When a prescription is taken responsibly by someone without addiction, they can easily become dependent. People who have a history of addiction may not be able to take pills as responsibly as necessary because their brain and body may crave the substance like it did whatever substances it had in the brain and body before. A person in recovery is fragile, especially early on, and susceptible to shifts in their body’s chemistry which makes them easy targets for relapse or crossover addiction.

Don’t Compromise

Ultimately, only you know what your tolerance is towards taking pain pills or anything else that might trigger a relapse. Because of the risks, the CDC has introduced guidelines for prescribing opioids. Doctors should use the lowest possible dose for three days. Doctors may not use opioids and provide prescriptions for other things like aspirin. Doctors may even incorporate all-natural techniques to alleviate pain like yoga or meditation that can help in some cases make things better without drugs.

The key to any situation where you may be walking into a relapse trap is to talk it out with community, providers, and doctors who are helping you on the journey. Friends can also advise best course of action they have found and make an informed decision. Don’t worry about other people, think first about your own recovery and what you need. If you don’t feel comfortable with a course of treatment, be sure to speak to your provider and find another way to support your pain without opioids.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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Why a Social Media Break Might Boost Recovery

Social media is the big thing right now. Everywhere people go, they take everyone else with them in the form of apps, chat apps, social media forums, and platforms that cycle through an never ending array of comments and feedback. When a person is in recovery, this can be really detrimental to functioning in a healthy way. Find out why it can be hard for people in recovery to use social media and how to limit the interactions to boost sobriety.

Triggers Emotions

The more a person uses social media, the greater the sense of unhappiness. The link between social media use and overall well being demonstrated that the more a person uses it, the more likely they are to have negative feelings about themselves and their lives. It can trigger negative emotions and feelings after a certain time being on it.

Stressful

Social media can be a source of emotional stress for people. The more time a person spends on it, the greater the association with anxiety symptoms and the greater likelihood of anxiety disorder. Social media may exacerbate stress. It is considered a big trigger for relapse. Some people in recovery have not learned coping techniques and are likely to succumb to drug and alcohol cravings as a result.

Isolation

Social media is not normally a social function in the way of having people around physically sharing space. The link between social media use and feelings of isolation grow for people who use it frequently as a way of connecting with others but are secluded from in person friendships and relationships. There is also perceived social isolation, one of the worst things for people in recovery. It can cause loneliness and low self-esteem, which may result in relapse.

Comparison

The comparison trap is one where people fall into a space of looking at others and wondering why their grass seems greener. Truth be told, there is so much going on in people’s lives they hide and don’t share. If a person is feeling great about life, they may share that but not if they are struggling. Seeing someone else’s successes can make a person feel like they don’t measure up.

A social media break can strengthen recovery. Although social media usage has benefits, taking time away from it seems to improve mental well-being. This is critical if a person is to remain sober since they need the mental and emotional strength to kick addiction to the curb.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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How Does Alcohol Impact Teeth and Dental Hygiene?

Drinking alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can be considered healthy by some people and yet  not by others as unhealthy. For some people, they are simply not able to have even one drink because they struggle with dependence and addiction issues. The reality of addiction and substance use is difficult mentally and physically. What is lesser discussed is the impact of drinking too much alcohol on the teeth and why it matters as a whole to a person’s body and health.

Moderation in Drinking

When people talk about alcohol consumption in moderation, they are likely referring to a set standard the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines, including the fact women can have one drink per day, while men are allowed two, and still considering this moderate drinking levels. Anything more is considered heavy drinking behavior which may lead to tooth decay, mouth sores, or gum disease. Alcohol abuse is deemed to be the second most common factor that increases the risk of suffering from oral cancer. Alcohol has an effect on teeth in ways people may not expect.

Drinking and Dentition

People who abuse alcohol tend to have higher levels of plaque in their mouths, making them three times more likely to lose at least one tooth. Even if a person does not drink that much, dentists say they are at risk of suffering tooth decay and gum disease. Some liquors can stain the teeth because they contain chromogens that give the drink its color. These chromogens attach to enamel of the tooth, which is already weakened from acids in the alcohol. Teeth might get stained from long term use. Mixing liquor with dark sodas is a dangerous habit many people do, thinking it will lower the alcohol content of a beverage. The high sugars and chromogens together can make it highly acidic, impacting the teeth and even causing erosion over time.

Dryness

Drinking beverages high in alcohol (spirits) can cause dry mouth. Alcohol disrupts the way the body assimilates water, causing dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, saliva levels will lower, leaving teeth vulnerable to an acid attack. Saliva needs to keep the mouth moist, remove bacteria, and reduce acidity in the mouth. The dry mouth promotes gum disease, which can lead to total loss of teeth.

Dental Visits

One of the keys to working with potential dental issues in recovery is to visit with a dentist and get an assessment. Visiting periodically is a good idea, but it is also important to work with them on a plan to help lower the amount of alcohol consumed, if possible, to preserve the existing teeth. The dentist can whiten teeth, fill cavities, and provide a pathway to resolving any issues. The dentist can discuss ways of quitting alcohol. Don’t forget to brush teeth as that helps get rid of chemicals that stain and erode the teeth. The main factor in this issue, drinking too much, should be addressed with a dentist as well as a healthcare provider who can suggest places and ways to work on any substance abuse issues which may be causing the underlying dental issue in the first place.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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These Natural Methods Can Boost Energy

People lead busy lives these days and seem to be looking for any way they can to boost energy. One of the other reasons people in recovery struggle is that their bodies are depleted after being addicted to drugs and alcohol. It takes time to get them back in line again. There are some natural ways to do this which can help boost energy without using unnatural substances.

Sleep

Sleep is something people need that can help them boost productivity and feel better overall. Pushing past bedtime on a regular basis, missing some sleep due to work, or cutting back hours that need to be spent in bed can stress and tax people’s resources. Lack of sleep can result in feeling lethargic, grumpy, and tired. Getting around 7 hours of sleep per night is healthy and supports the body and mind getting rest.

Get Moving

Exercise is key to reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. People who are sedentary and experience fatigue find their tiredness decreases by participating in low-intensity cycling. To get more exercise in a day, it helps to get away from the desk and go for a walk on lunch, after work, or even getting up early to do some yoga or stretching to start the day.

No Smoking

Smoking is a bad thing for people’s health. It impacts the lungs, heart, and overall body. The toxins and tar in smoke reduce the body’s efficiency in the lungs and can reduce the oxygen transported throughout the body. This includes quitting any vaping, cigars, cigarettes, or other types of smoking.

Healthy Eating

To feel better, one of the best ways is get nutrition into the body. It is hard for the body to feel strong when it does not have the right nutrients to keep it moving. It is worth taking a look at eating habits and figuring out energy levels. Choosing whole, nutritious foods will keep the body moving at an optimal pace. Eating highly processed foods high in sugar and fat will only deplete energy stores.

Stay Hydrated

Depending on a person’s age, the body is made up of almost 75% water. If a person loses water via urine and sweat, it is hard to stay hydrated. Dehydration can impact brain function, mood, and energy. Water helps the body flush toxins and keep it running smoothly. It can also make a person feel tired so it is important, especially before and after exercise, to stay hydrated.

Keeping enough energy to get the body going on a daily basis is a struggle, especially when it is tired and worn down from addiction. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, drinking water, and even pursuing social activities with friends are all ways to keep energy flow going without resorting to substances. It takes time to reverse course and do things that don’t come naturally but, over time, these things will start to become more natural and it will feel like the best feeling in the world to be healthy and strong without substances in recovery.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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What is Family of Origin Therapy and Can it Help Recovery?

The theories regarding the cause of substance abuse vary but people believe there are elements of both nature and nurture involved. While the biological processes in the brain can be part of the equation, there is also a genetic predisposition for some people who struggle with addiction. Yet others believe there is also myriad environmental factors that play a role, including family of origin.

Nature Versus Nurture

A person’s family of origin has a lot to do with the challenges and trauma that come with coping mechanisms as a young teen or adult. Substance abuse is a complex array of issues, but the family of origin is where emotional regulation is learned, where communication skills grow, and where needs are almost always met (or not) and people learn moral values and beliefs. Dysfunction within a family can include absence of nurturing, abuse, addiction, disruptive patterns of behavior, or issues which hinder a child’s emotional development. Later in life, these may manifest in:

  • Substance abuse issues
  • Difficulty with relationships
  • Codependency
  • Trouble with boundaries
  • Difficulty coping with life’s challenges

Dysfunctional Adulthood

When parents struggle with chemical dependency, substance abuse issues, or neglect, this can translate to a child feeling the same way. Food, shopping, substances, and other means can be a way that children who felt out of control as children find ways of coping as teens and adults. With recovery, it begins to emerge that these issues are a challenge which need to be addressed. Perhaps it is boundaries, abandonment issues, attachment disorders, or other things, but it can also manifest in mental health issues, which can in turn lead to substance abuse disorders. Healthy relationships require family of origin therapy oftentimes to address underlying issues within the family that may have led, in part, to addiction and substance use.

Family of Origin Therapy

Family of origin treatment focuses on treating underlying issues from within the family structure that contributed to substance use disorders and mental health issues. Some great resources to find support for this include:

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics: a 12- step fellowship group dedicated to helping people live with more purpose and power after having grown up around alcoholism and addiction
  • Family of origin therapist: helps identify and resolve unresolved family of origin issues. Common issues involve communication, difficulty with trust, fear of rejection, or communication phobias
  • Individual therapy: working out the issues with a therapist who specializes in family trauma and issues from within that structure
  • Group therapy: either with the family or with others who understand these issues, working out family of origin issues in a way that best supports growth and healing from dysfunctional family of origin challenges

A treatment program for addiction can also address family of origin issues along with other mental health and psychological reasons for addiction to occur. It is important to make sure a treatment program is holistic and supports a well-rounded approach to co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues, along with encouraging family engagement throughout the process as they are important for sobriety and recovery.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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Cold Weather Can Be Great for Exercising: Here’s Why

It is easier to hibernate when the snow is piling up, the wind is blowing, colder weather is on the scene, and blankets seem like a better companion than leaving the house. Cold weather is actually good for the body and mind, it turns out. Working out in the cooler weather can actually be refreshing and healthy. Here’s how to get started.

Health Benefits

As many health experts say, almost all forms of movement are healthy. Even when shoveling leftover cookies into your face or eating cake, the health benefits are myriad. If you move outside for long enough and have a healthy breakfast, you can reach your goals faster than if you don’t eat well or exercise. Cold weather sparks some leftover evolutionary trait that helps the body burn calories more efficiently. Our bodies were designed to get up and go. The body fat humans consumed in the days of hunter-gatherer times were meant to help them endure for longer.

Cold Weather Exercises

When working out in the cold, it is best to have some tips handy for how to handle your body. The winter is good but it can also be challenging. Think about the following when going outside in colder weather:

  • Get cold weather gear. This seems like a no-brainer but you need gear that keeps you insulated while helping you work out properly
  • Put on running shoes and go for a walk or fast jog in your neighborhood. If that does not work, try finding a park or nearby place that feels safe or do-able in terms of getting in a decent work out
  • Don’t exercise on the open road. Find paved pathways, sidewalks, or parks
  • Know your limits and be sure to stretch before and after any exercise outside

What to Wear

Getting geared up is often as important as what exercises you do outside. It is important to know when you head into the cold and go for a run, you should feel cold. Don’t bundle up and feel warm and cozy. You will get overheated and hot as your body warms up while you work out. The key is layers:

  • Base layer: cover your skin and keep it from the elements
  • Second layer: protects from the elements depending on first layer
  • Include a second pair of tights with insulation for bottoms under a pair of bottoms for outdoor exercise
  • Windproof shell for the top to cover and insulate the body
  • Insulated vests will do depending if you’re walking, hiking, or running (parkas may be too hot for full on running)

Know Your Limits

The key is knowing your limitations when it comes to cooler weather. Temperature and comfort vary person to person. Experts believe that people with cardiac issues or trouble breathing be aware of this prior to going outdoors. The temperature may feel colder outside but the windchill or other factors might make it even more chilly. Use good judgment depending where you live. When in doubt, find an indoor track or gym in which to workout in until weather improves.

Exercising outside can help with self-esteem, depression, and many other things. It is also good for socializing with others who enjoy similar activities. Never forget that you are on this journey of recovery for yourself so don’t worry about other people or limitations. Try new things, see what works, and hold onto what does and discard what is not working. It is all about the journey of discovery in this new season of life.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction?

Hydrocodone is a prescribed pain reliever. It is sold under the name Vicodin. This drug combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone can be effective while also becoming addictive for some people. If a doctor prescribes hydrocodone, there are some steps to take to avoid complications or addiction. It helps to understand how hydrocodone becomes addictive and the signs and symptoms of addiction.

Causes of Addiction

Hydrocodone is an opioid in a class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics. Opioids interfere with pain signals heading to the brain to change perception of pain including emotional responses. The drug is safe for many people but there are some who become addicted. Taking the drug for a long time can build tolerance to the drug. This means the body needs more of the drug to feel the same effects, which leads to dependence.

Symptoms of Addiction

Symptoms of addiction to hydrocodone may vary person to person. These can include:

  • Seizures
  • Fear and depression
  • Confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Slower heartbeat
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Blurred vision
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Muscle weakness

Prevention of Addiction

The best way to prevent hydrocodone addiction is to take it exactly as prescribed. Depending on a schedule of how to take it to avoid being in pain, it is best to avoid taking too much or more doses than prescribed. If pain is lessening, it is worthwhile to speak to a doctor about tapering and making sure there is not overuse for effect, which can build tolerance in the body.

Treatment

The treatment for hydrocodone addiction may take longer than a person realizes. A doctor may reduce or slowly taper off a dose rather than suddenly stop it. Stopping use suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Unusual sweating
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Muscle aches

Quitting without help can be difficult for some people who may have addiction. The use of medication can help ease withdrawal. The best approach depends on the nature of addiction. Long-term addiction involving high doses of hydrocodone can involve a longer recovery period from short-term use. A mental health evaluation should be part of recovery. People with substance use disorders should be screened for depression and other mental health issues.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We support your journey with mental, physical, and spiritual resources needed to build a recovery that lasts. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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The Risks and Treatment for Prescription Painkillers is Not What People Think

Millions of Americans are falling prey to prescription painkiller addiction and losing their lives. Some people are losing lots of friends or loved ones due to this crisis hitting every person from every walk of life. The reason behind it is ultimately addiction, with lots of other issues behind the use and rise of painkiller addiction which is reaching epidemic proportions. Learn more about the risks and treatment for people with this type of addiction and why it is not what people think.

Painkiller Addiction

The reason painkillers are addictive can be summed up simply: opioid drugs, like heroin, they also interact with the brain in the same way. Prescription painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin, codeine, and Dilaudid have legitimate medical uses but also have the effect of blocking pain receptors in the brain and increasing levels of dopamine. There is a sense of detachment from pain, physical and emotional alike. Dopamine is the brain’s motivational system and is tied into the reward system of the brain. It is based on survival for things like eating, drinking, and having sex. It provides positive reinforcement. Drugs can short-circuit this mechanism, providing pleasure people look for in an extreme form without any benefit to survival. It is this artificial dopamine which destroys the brain and hurts people in the long term.

Risks of Addiction

When people talk about the risks of addiction to painkillers, they are focused on overdose, because tolerance develops and people need to take more and more of the same drug to get euphoric effects. More than half of all fatal drug overdoses involved prescription medicine. The risk of multiplying the drug impact with alcohol is detrimental and often focuses on the breathing difficulty related to opioids that leads to death. Short-term, the impact can include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to focus
  • lethargy

Treatment

Addiction keeps people locked in a vicious cycle of cravings, dangerous doses, withdrawal, and more cravings, only to keep doing that same circuit over and over. Treatment helps re-establish a new normal baseline  for people to function as best they can going forward sober. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer meetings to enable people to understand the complex array of causes of addiction and why drugs are a poor method of coping with emotional and psychological issues. Inpatient programs use the same 12 step approach and provide support during detox and withdrawal. They have an advantage of moving the person away from the situation and help them live a life that is clean and sober.

Tackling Addiction

To tackle this tough epidemic, there are new approaches to look at in figuring the best way to help people. The reason for reducing abuse potential does not address underlying causes of addiction. It takes one thing away without looking at the whole picture. Improving access to treatment, encouraging those in need, and helping them get appropriate treatment are the best ways to get a person working towards recovery in a way that best supports their journey forward.

A Step in the Right Direction helps you tackle opioid addiction head on with quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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Is There a Connection Between Alcohol Intake and Gout?

Arthritis can impact many of the joints of the body, hands, and feet. Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the feet and toes. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body. Uric acid is the byproduct of chemical compounds called purines. These can be found in foods like red meat and seafood. When not flushed from the body, they build up and create crystals in the joints. Learn more about gout and the possible connection to alcohol intake.

Alcohol and Gout Connection

Alcohol is a source of purines. These compounds produce uric acid when broken down by the body. Alcohol also increases metabolism of nucleotides. Alcohol also impacts the rate at which uric acid is secreted. This can lead to increased levels in the blood. When it comes to purine content, not all alcohol is created equal. Spirits have the lowest purine content. Regular beer has the highest. Past research has found both beer and liquor increases blood uric acid levels, with beer playing a more significant role. Beer intake seems to be associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia in men. This may be true for men with high alcohol intake as well. Alcohol and gout are also connected because people who drink more than a moderate amount have been found to struggle more with gout than the average person.

Flare-Ups

Self-reported triggers of gout have indicated in recent studies that alcohol may prompt an acute gout attack. The number was almost 10 percent higher than some other reported triggers, such as eating red meat or being dehydrated. When people who drink alcohol, especially beer, they are putting themselves at risk, including younger people who are heavier drinkers.

Gout Prevention

Gout is a serious condition that can impact quality of life. It is important to keep uric acid levels as low as possible to avoid a flare-up. Alcohol increases uric acid levels so many doctors recommend drinking only in moderation or cutting back significantly. Make simple changes to drinking habits that may help avoid future flare-ups. Even without gout, avoid heavy drinking that may help prevent a first-time experience. For people in recovery, staying abstinent is the most important element to ensuring gout does not return or begin in the first place. There are many factors that may increase risk of gout. Lifestyle changes are key but making sure a doctor helps determine dietary changes as necessary and creating a healthy lifestyle are important for the best long-term outlook in recovery.

A Step in the Right Direction can help you make better overall decisions for your health. We provide quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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Know These 5 Relapse Triggers and How to Cope

People who struggle with addiction often wrestle with certain ‘triggers’ which make it more likely they will engage in using substances. These triggers may be understood as points of vulnerability in the war against relapse. Triggers are anything that make a person want to use again, including emotions, feelings, thoughts, places, and even people. Recognizing these triggers may save a person from relapse, and it may even save their life.

Common Triggers

To help people better understand and make sense of their own triggers, there are five common relapse triggers to know and how to manage them:

  • How to manage stress: when asked, the majority of people with addiction feel as though they are under lots of stress. The world we live in and the stress people have is universal, but there is a certain amount people in recovery experience in their bodies, minds, and spirits after dealing with addiction and recovery. To cope with pressure in a new way is challenging in the sense of staying sober and present. The key is learning to focus on what is under a person’s control and what is beyond control. Understanding stress can calm a person’s anxiety so they can focus
  • People or places associated with addiction: social contact with people who use substances is a challenge. They could be old drinking buddies, friends with whom a person did substances, or those who used to go out on weekends socializing. It is hard to hang around people in early recovery who remind them of what they used to do. Sometimes these people show up unexpectedly or on the street just walking to work or an event. It helps to think ahead, plan, and have a response. Even at the risk of offending people they are with, it helps to avoid embarrassment if it means avoiding relapse.
  • Difficult emotions: people with addictive behaviors have a pattern of using substances to disconnect from everything. Though it may help to cope, they drift further from real self-awareness when they don’t allow their feelings to be felt. Learning to encounter the feelings without numbing can be liberating. Feelings are important parts of being human but learning to cope with those that are hardest is one of the more difficult parts of feeling everything without it being clouded by substances.
  • Happy times: there were good times with friends, even family, when under the influence. It may be hard to go to special events like parties or holiday events without being triggered to want to use. Perhaps others are also using. It is easy to become overconfident and think it is manageable. A good safeguard against relapse is to have someone to keep a person accountable handy or right there in the room. It is possible to have a good time and stay sober, with some preplanning and extra work.

Moving forward away from addiction into recovery requires lots of time, energy, and positive steps. It is difficult because there are relapses, setbacks, and other issues that come up. The main thing is to be aware of what triggers the desire to use and step back for a moment, think about what is going on, and have a plan when out and about so that triggers are less likely to lead to the path of relapse. It is possible to stay healthy and clean in recovery but relapse also happens to many people. If it happens, know there is a safe space to return and work on strengthening your recovery so you feel bolder and more able to handle it next time. There is no shame in asking for help, just letting go of any fear or personal blame and seeking the help you need to recover.

A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.

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