We often call alcohol a social lubricant. It makes us less self-conscious and more willing to open up to others, and we believe this leads to deeper relationships. People trying to get sober often worry that by giving up alcohol, they will also be giving up social connection. This is especially true for people who […]
Tag: Addiction Advice
5 Smartphone Apps for Addiction Recovery 2025
Published June 2025. Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave treatment or finish a support group meeting, it’s a daily commitment. Thankfully, today’s technology offers powerful tools to help you stay on track. Whether you’re looking for peer support, motivational boosts, sharing milestones or structured routines, there’s an app to support your journey. Here are five […]
How to be More Optimistic About Recovery
At the beginning, recovery can seem daunting. Basically, you’re saying that you will never again do this thing that you can’t seem to stop doing for even one day. Once you start detox, and feel the pain of withdrawal, you know it won’t be easy and there’s still a long way to go. It’s natural […]
Experiencing Survivor’s Guilt in Recovery
Survivor’s guilt is a pitfall many people face in recovery. If you decide to get help, you still likely have friends and acquaintances who still use. If you get sober, you will likely become friends with others in recovery. Statistically, some of these people are likely to relapse, possibly with tragic results. It’s not uncommon […]
Tricks Casinos Use to Get Your Money
Gambling addiction is a serious problem. People who normally responsible get into all sorts of financial, and sometimes, legal trouble when their gambling gets out of control. In recent years, researchers have discovered that gambling addiction is similar to drug addiction in several significant ways. The most important is probably the dopamine produced in the […]
What Are the Dangers of Video Game Addiction?
For most people, video games are a harmless diversion. They play for an hour to two when they don’t have anything else to do or to relax at the end of the day. As with anything though, spending too much time playing video games can negatively affect your life. There are some reliable signs that […]
Do You Have Withdrawal Symptoms When You Quit Gambling?
Gambling Withdrawal Symptoms We typically associate withdrawal symptoms with addiction to substances. Your body gets used to the presence of a certain chemical and gradually adapts to it. You need the substance to feel normal, and when you quit, your system is out of balance. This causes various withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, irritability, nausea, insomnia, […]
Why Gambling is So Addictive
If you gamble regularly, the question, ‘Why is gambling addictive?’ probably seems absurd. Gambling is addictive because it’s fun and exciting. But plenty of things are fun and exciting without being addictive. What is it about gambling that is so compelling that otherwise responsible people will spend all their savings then steal money to gamble […]
What if I’m not Comfortable Sharing at 12 Step Meetings?
Sharing your experiences with addiction and recovery is a cornerstone of 12 Step programmes. It allows you to tell others your story and let them know they aren’t alone. It helps you get clarity on your challenges and applause for your victories. It keeps you honest when your thinking goes astray. It can also be […]
What to Share at AA Meetings
Sharing at meetings is an important part of recovery. Sharing makes you feel more like part of the group, creating a sense of mutual support. It allows you to get feedback on your problems so you don’t get lost in delusional thinking. It helps you feel better and get some clarity on your problems. Sharing […]
Alcohol is the Real Gateway Drug
Marijuana has typically been decried as a “gateway drug” that leads to more dangerous drugs like cocaine and heroin. This argument has resurfaced as legalisation of marijuana in the US has become more likely. The problem with this argument is that it ignores a far more obvious culprit–alcohol. Alcohol is the first substance used by […]
3 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress During Recovery
Stress is dangerous in recovery. It’s one of the most common causes of relapse. For many people, using was a way of avoiding problems. Learning to face problems without recourse to drugs or alcohol is hard. Worse, people are much more sensitive to stress early in recovery because their neurotransmitters are still adjusting. Even minor […]