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If you have been sober for some time, you may crave more connection with people. While you love extending your circle of friends to grow your support network, you may desire romantic relationships. During early recovery,  you may want to engage in sober dating, also known as dry dating. While you may feel you are ready
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If you are new to recovery, it is a big, bold, brave new world. You may feel like you are ready to hit the ground running in creating a new life for yourself. On the other hand, recovery can be filled with anxiety and fear. No matter how committed you are to your recovery, the
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Addiction isn't just a solitary disease. It's a destructive force that ripples through families, disrupting peace and causing hurt.  That's why it's crucial to include family therapy in comprehensive recovery programs. At Healing Pines Recovery, we recognize the importance of incorporating therapy for family of addicts in our treatment plan.  For more on the significance of family therapy
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Imagine transforming the boundaries of a traditional therapy room into the wider splendors of nature itself. Swap a chair and four walls for a kayak or rock-climbing gear, and welcome to adventure therapy! Keep reading to explore the benefits of adventure therapy in addiction recovery and discover how this unique approach to treatment can help you
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The road of life is stormy, and it becomes even more challenging when you are stuck between the two twin monsters: chronic pain and substance abuse.  Just like ancient mariners trapped between Scylla and Charybdis, people with chronic pain often find themselves grappling with drug addiction.  Keep reading to explore this delicate intersection that reveals the misunderstood
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Addiction is a complex condition, often deeply rooted in past trauma.  It’s not just about the addiction to substances; it also involves the emotional-psychological pieces that make people use.  One of such factors is trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy comes into play in treating this trauma. Keep reading to learn more about EMDR therapy for
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Did you know that men's mental health is an unspoken problem in today's society? You got it right. This silence masks a great deal of emotional issues and mental disorders behind the stoic face of masculinity. Enough of this; let’s face this head-on. Read on to find resources for men’s mental health and see how Healing
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The road to recovery from addiction is not a path that one walks alone. It requires strength, courage, and resilience. More specifically, it demands emotional resilience.  In this recovery journey, you are not just battling substance abuse; you're also wrestling with your emotions. Keep reading to shed light on building emotional resilience in addiction recovery, a
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Parenting can be quite a challenging journey, especially when you're working towards maintaining sobriety. Navigating the balance between treating your addiction and parenting in recovery can feel overwhelming. But listen, here's the thing: overcoming addiction and strengthening the bond with your child is not just possible; it can truly change your life. So, keep reading to discover how
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Gratitude has an incredible power that can genuinely transform your recovery journey.  By acknowledging the good in your life, you can discover strength and hope even amidst the challenges of addiction recovery.  At Healing Pines Recovery, we deeply understand this power and weave gratitude practices into our addiction treatment programs exclusively designed for men in Colorado.  Continue reading
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The landscape of addiction is complex, influenced by factors ranging from biological differences to societal pressures. Understanding the statistics behind men's addiction is crucial in shaping effective prevention and intervention strategies. Prevalence of Drug Abuse by Gender 22% of men have used drugs in the past year, compared to 17% of women 4% of men abuse
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Addiction treatment approaches include detoxification, psychotherapy, counseling, and support groups. However, mindfulness, which holds a lot of prospects for recovery, is often ignored by many people living with addiction today. To some, the word "mindfulness" brings thoughts of ancient Eastern practices that have no implications for addiction recovery. A research trial found that mindfulness was
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Recovery from substance misuse is a long and challenging journey. The chances of relapsing along the way are high if specific measures aren't in place. The National Institute on Drug Abuse disclosed that about 60% of individuals in recovery relapse after the first 12 months. It underscores the importance of learning relapse prevention skills and
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse mentions that more than 20 million Americans exhibit symptoms diagnosable as substance addiction, but only one in ten people get the required treatment. When a family member or friend battles with substance abuse, you'll go to the ends of the earth to help them get well. Talking to them
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Substance addiction is a complex disorder that takes away a person's freedom and choice of living. An individual dependent on drugs and alcohol often lives in isolation, distancing themselves from people who love them and the activities they once enjoyed. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stipulates that over 43 million Americans above
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Evidence shows that the rate of alcoholism is constantly rising in the United States of America and globally. Deaths related to alcohol-use are estimated to be between 5.3 – 6.0% globally. Alcoholism is also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or alcohol misuse. It refers to the inability to stop or reduce your drinking despite
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Getting help for addiction is the best action to take if you have a substance addiction. Substance addiction affects the whole being, starting from the cognitive processes to the physical aspect. Refusing treatment lowers the chances of getting better. In addition, it increases the risk of exposure to other illnesses and could cause death. According
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A huge population of the world is dealing with addiction. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2021 survey details that over 46 million people meet the criteria for having substance use disorder. Fortunately, the recovery rate has been encouraging, thanks to holistic treatment methods like yoga. Yoga has become essential in treating addiction,
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Addiction is a public health challenge. In 2022, 20.4 million people in the US were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Recovery from addiction can be challenging. Consequently, apart from going through the treatment plan recommended by an expert, utilizing support groups during recovery is essential. Addiction recovery support groups are important for maintaining sobriety;
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Grabbing a glass of wine when you're feeling exhausted is easy. You may need to calm your nerves before a life-changing presentation, and then you grab one - and another. You already took three glasses in that space, and you feel it's fine. How much is too much? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
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Alcohol and drug use disorder is a health issue that's become a pandemic. However, many people don't suffer from substance use disorder alone. They struggle with mental health issues simultaneously. This is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7.7 million have a mental disorder and an addiction. Dual
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People often go to the doctor for legitimate reasons and are given medications to manage symptoms of a particular condition. These medications are called prescription drugs. These drugs are legally provided to individuals based on a doctor's or a licensed healthcare provider's written orders. The government regulates them to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, some
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Are you struggling to understand how you can overcome relapse? Not everyone relapses, but many people do. Some even think of it as a natural part of the recovery process. For that reason, a big part of recovery is accepting that there may be risks of relapse. Even more importantly, you must understand that relapse
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Men struggle with mental health conditions but are less likely to seek treatment. This also means men struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may not be comfortable seeking help due to societal stigmas and expectations. If untreated, AUD can wreak havoc, and excessive drinking has many harmful physical and mental effects. Understanding the potential harms of
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Every addiction recovery journey is unique, but individuals trying to abstain from drug or alcohol use typically experience withdrawal symptoms. But what about post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)? Individuals can experience a variety of PAWS symptoms weeks after abstaining from substance use. The length and severity of these symptoms vary. While these symptoms may cause mild
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You may or may not already have strong connections with other guys – perhaps a brother, father, or close friend group. We sometimes negate the importance of men's connections with each other in life and recovery. However, making connections is part of the addiction treatment and recovery journey. Some men may be hesitant about entering
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There are many benefits of exercise for men in recovery. Exercise can help guys get or stay in shape, improve their mental health, and help maintain long-term recovery. For that reason, every man should consider making exercise a part of their recovery regimen. Unfortunately, some stigmas or stereotypes may turn some men off of exercise.
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Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may not realize that there is a root cause to their struggle. For example, trauma often directly influences the development of SUD and other mental health conditions later in life. That often includes childhood trauma. Childhood traumas impact people mentally and emotionally, sometimes leading to the development of
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Are you struggling to begin repairing relationships post-treatment? Men struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) may notice problems within their professional and personal relationships. Addiction impacts friends, family, and other loved ones. This impact may require you to repair some damage done to your relationships upon leaving treatment.Repairing relationships may seem easier said
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Excessive substance use has many harmful effects on men physically, emotionally, and mentally. The longer a man uses alcohol and drugs, the greater risk to his mental health and the greater risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals struggling with SUD experience a number of chronic conditions due to long-term substance use. Though some chronic
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Have you been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and were prescribed Adderall to cope with the symptoms? Are you in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and trying to manage ADHD without Adderall? Millions of males of all ages across the country are struggling with ADHD. While many do not develop SUD, it is not
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For individuals struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD), long-term recovery should always be their primary goal. Unfortunately, many men with SUD do not receive the necessary treatment. If untreated, SUD can lead to further complications in personal relationships, troubles at work, and the development of other chronic physical or mental health conditions. The
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There are several reasons why a doctor may prescribe medications for a patient. It may be after an injury or surgery or to treat a mental health condition. Despite being prescribed with good intentions, prescription drugs can be highly addictive and lead to dependency. Sedatives, stimulants, and painkillers may put a person at risk of
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Successful recovery has many pillars – attending therapy and support meetings, practicing self-care, and prioritizing mental health. Another pillar of successful recovery is physical wellness. Every area of our lives can directly impact our mental health, especially when substance use disorder (SUD) is involved. That includes taking care of ourselves physically. Being mindful about what
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It is extremely important to look out for the major signs of depression in the early stages of recovery. A lot of men may be struggling with depression upon entering treatment. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms to develop during detox or early treatment. In either case, expressing concerns about symptoms you
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Have you tried therapy before but felt it was not helping you? Did you find it hard to connect with your therapist and, in turn, could not fully open up? Learning to be vulnerable with your therapist is vital if you hope to reap the benefits of therapy. Struggling to open up with a
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Depending on where you live, this time of year can be difficult for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As the days become shorter and the nights grow longer, people feel isolated and experience symptoms of depression. Developing SAD is common, especially for individuals who love spending time outdoors and in the
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You may be in a treatment program right now, trying to think up creative ways to help your addiction recovery long-term. If so, you are not alone. Many men spend time in treatment trying to figure out the best ways to maintain sobriety post-treatment. There are many pillars to recovery, but sometimes the more mundane
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Addiction takes a lot from us. That sometimes includes our families, friends, jobs, and almost every part of our lives. Recovery is the only way for us to begin regaining control over our lives, but it's not easy to do. Losing control feels effortless, and before you know it, you'll wonder how you got
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Did you know that, in addition to evidence-based modalities and treatments, there are several holistic practices that can aid your recovery journey? A holistic approach to recovery treats the whole person, including the mind, body, and soul. Yoga can help with this whole-person approach to addiction treatment. Stretching, engaging your muscles, and focusing on breathwork
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Sometimes it feels like we are constantly learning about new risks of substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite all the information out there about these dangers, individuals are still developing SUDs. This may cause some of us to question what exactly has to be done in order to prevent more people from misusing substances.
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Are you currently in a situation where you are struggling to balance addiction and family? Do you find yourself trying to hide the addiction from your family? Perhaps you want treatment but are afraid of how your family will react. Maybe even worse, you are already in a situation where a spouse or child no
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Struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) can be challenging to recover from, and seeking treatment can be scary. These feelings can be intensified if you also struggle with mental health disorders. It is common that these two types of disorders go hand in hand, referred to as a dual diagnosis. Learning how to manage multiple
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Developing peer support and a community can greatly benefit your addiction recovery journey. This is especially true for the early stages of recovery. When you start your journey to stop using substances, it can feel like a lonely time where no one understands you. Being a part of a group of peers can help you
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Learning to build connections, be vulnerable, and communicate are all important aspects of recovery. For some people, these things can be very difficult to do. This is especially true for men due to the many stigmas about them and being vulnerable with their emotions. Having a community in recovery is very important; without such a
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During addiction recovery, there are a lot of different feelings that you will experience and many different situations you may go through. One of these situations can be rejection. Rejection can bring on a lot of different emotions, and when you don't know how to handle them, you may feel overwhelmed. Rejection is not an easy
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When beginning addiction recovery treatment, there are many options out there for you to explore. One of these options includes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This type of talk therapy focuses on helping you regulate your emotions and be in the moment. DBT differs from classic talk therapies as it can help those who struggle with
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Trauma can play a major role in your life. It can affect not only your recovery but your daily life as well. While you may not be dealing with a traumatic event any longer, there are still triggers that can bring back overwhelming feelings and emotions. Triggers can be any external event or circumstance that
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When working through your recovery journey, there are many feelings that you will experience. At times these emotions can feel overwhelming and out of control. A common feeling that a lot of people experience is anger. While your anger can be targeted at yourself, your actions, or the treatment center, you may sometimes take it
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Setting goals is a great way to move forward in your recovery journey. Goals can help motivate you to reach certain milestones. However, it can be hard to stay consistent with goals when setting goals. Some of the hardest things about recovery can be keeping up with tasks and being motivated to do them. Learning how
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In recovery, some are still learning how to manage overwhelming emotions. These emotions can be amplified when you experience traumatic events, including loss. Losing a loved one can affect your mental health and recovery. Coping with the loss of a loved one is challenging, especially in recovery. Feelings of depression, anger, and guilt can all build
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Mental health disorders can be hard to tackle, but they can add to the stress when struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder. When struggling with these two things is known as a dual diagnosis. Nearly half of people with a mental disorder will also have a substance use disorder at some point, and
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For those struggling with alcohol addiction, a common form of therapy is attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA utilizes a 12-Step program and group sessions to face alcohol addiction. This has been a proven method to help those struggling with alcohol and can be a great tool for recovery. AA was founded in 1935 by Bob Smith,
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Working a 12-Step program can be incredibly beneficial to your recovery journey. It offers a lot of room for you to grow as a person. The Twelve Steps provide a foundation on that you can base so much of your life. For simplicity, we will focus on the original Twelve Steps developed for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
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Setting boundaries with loved ones is a vital part of recovery. Doing this can be a lot easier said than done, though. It can be a very anxiety-filled discussion when talking to family members about substance use disorder (SUD, treatment, and potential trauma events surrounding one's recovery. While everyone would like to think that all family
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While on your recovery journey, there can be times when you need a moment to yourself. This can be especially common for those who are more introverted than others. It can sometimes make you feel like your battery is drained, and to recharge, you just need to step away from everyone. While there are pros to
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When you struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), it can be hard to talk to anyone about it, especially your family. Feelings of guilt and shame surround the topic, making it difficult to start that conversation. However, it is a necessary conversation to have. Explain What Substance Use Disorder Is The best way to start the conversation
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Holidays bring days to be enjoyed and spent with loved ones making memories, but this time of year can be overwhelming for some. When working through recovery, being in environments that are triggering can be dangerous. Something we can forget is that holiday events are not mandatory, and you are not obligated to stay or attend.
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For some people, addiction can start when prescribed medications, and they either misuse them or build a dependency. For example, a common medication that can be highly addictive is Xanax. Xanax treats anxiety disorders, anxiety-caused depression, and some panic disorders. The use of Xanax is often misused to achieve the feeling of euphoria. Whether this is
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Combating an alcohol addiction or dependency can feel isolating. Therefore, the first step in your recovery journey is to remove alcohol consumption from your daily life and detox. Detoxing is cleansing your body of toxins and removing all traces of alcohol from your system. When determining whether you should start a detox treatment, you must first
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