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How Physical Trauma Affects Addiction

Physical trauma has many profound effects on an individual. It is important to understand that in addition to physical signs of injury, such as scars, physical traumas also surface various emotional and behavioral consequences. From the continued emotional effects of injury to the development of addiction, addressing the prolonged effects of physical trauma is necessary for a truly comprehensive healing journey. Identifying how physical trauma can affect the use of addictive substances is just the first step in creating a healthy, sober future. 

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What Are the Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Each person’s recovery journey will be wholly unique. Finding the most effective strategies and therapies for addressing substance use disorder (SUD) is paramount. Often, individuals will utilize a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) during their treatment journey to overcome the use of drugs or alcohol. 

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Does Age Impact Addiction and Recovery?

Addiction is an incredibly destructive disease. While there may be many misconceptions or assumptions made about the demographics of those diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD), addiction can affect anyone. There is no person — regardless of age, socioeconomic status, education, race, or any other demographic — that is immune to the disease. However, recognizing the role that age plays in the development of addiction is necessary to create an effective recovery plan. 

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Identifying the Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Addiction is a disease that takes many forms, with each individual having their own challenges to overcome and behaviors to amend. One of the most common forms of addiction develops from the recreational use of marijuana. Identifying the signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction is paramount to beginning an effective healing journey. Overcoming prevalent misconceptions and understanding the effects of marijuana addiction is the first step toward a healthy, sober life. 

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How Does Social Media Impact My Addiction Recovery?

Social media continues to ingratiate itself in the daily life of many. From the accessibility of social media through smart devices to the increasing reliance on digital media in both personal and professional life, it can be difficult to escape digital social spaces. 

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How Does Spirituality in Recovery Affect Me?

Overcoming cravings, urges, and mental health needs that may populate each stage of the addiction recovery process is difficult to process. Navigating feelings of anxiety and depression, rebuilding relationships, and challenging internalized self-destructive beliefs while addressing the continued effects of substance use is incredibly complicated. However, embracing spirituality in recovery can be instrumental in providing a sense of belonging and direction to this otherwise tumultuous time. 

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Talking to a Spouse About Substance Use

Addiction is a devastating disease that affects entire families. The use of drugs or alcohol affects everything from a spouse’s attitudes to relationships, responsibilities, and much more. Identifying and discussing a spouse’s use of drugs or alcohol is necessary to address the effects of addiction. Nonetheless, these conversations are exceptionally difficult to navigate. 

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Preparing for Detox: Setting Expectations

Detox is often the first step in each individual’s journey to sobriety. However, committing to this first step can be exceptionally difficult, with personal barriers and uncertainties that need to be overcome. Understanding the necessity of professional detox and what to expect can help each individual pursuing a sober future begin their transformative journey. Detox will always be a trying time, but it also provides physical and psychological support that is necessary to overcome substance use disorder (SUD) and rebuild a healthy, sober life. 

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The Effects of Addiction on Children

Approximately 11% of children grow up in a home with at least one parent who either is currently diagnosed with substance use disorder or had an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol in the past. The effects of addiction on children carry profound damage to development, whether they are engaging with such destructive substances themselves or living in a household where their use is commonplace. 

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The Emotional Impact of a DUI Conviction

Being arrested and convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) is a life-changing event. For many, it prompts profound and difficult realizations about their relationship with drugs or alcohol and the danger that their use may bring to themselves and others. Others may find the financial impact of these convictions can be wholly detrimental, bringing more stress to daily life that can be further exacerbated if an individual has their license restricted or has to find alternative employment. 

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