While it may seem that painkiller abuse often serves as the stepping stone that leads toward heroin abuse, a recent study reveals that many are, in fact, using painkillers and heroin concurrently depending on their availability. The study was published in a letter in the New England Journal of Medicine in late October.
Many who have found themselves caught in the web of drug or alcohol addiction feel that it’s up to them—and them alone—to face their addictions head-on and overcome them. They place themselves under so much pressure that the thought of even beginning an addiction recovery program seems overwhelming. But the good news is this: you don’t have to conquer addiction alone. In fact, the most successful paths to recovery involve group-oriented forms of treatment, including group therapy, family programs, and sober living. Here are four reasons that successful recovery from addiction means involving others in your recovery journey.
The purpose of art and storytelling is to sort out distinct parts of the human experience. The trials and tribulations of addiction are certainly a slice of human experience that deserve to be explored in our modern world. Thankfully, there have been many great films that explore different aspects of addiction, as well as the recovery from that wretched disease. Keep in mind, many of these films could be triggers for a former addict. Watch with discretion. Now, here are some great films about addiction...
Addiction recovery is a very unique culture of people who all have been through similar trials and experiences. This sort of culture has led to a certain vocabulary that is specific to the world inside of the 12-step program. There are many phrases that you will hear in addiction recovery that you won’t hear anywhere else, but many of these phrases are common words that have a completely different meaning in the world of recovery. Here’s some unique addiction recovery lingo...


Admit to yourself that you have an addiction.
Admitting the problem to yourself is the first step towards recovery. In order to progress, admit that you need help with this addiction and that you cannot do it alone. Trust that your partner cares enough for you that they will want to support you through this.
Admit to your significant other that you have an addiction.
There is no sure way of knowing how your significant other will respond to the news that you have a drug and/or alcohol addiction. However, admitting to them that you do have an addiction is a huge stepping stone in building trust in your relationship, and potentially bonding the two of you closer. Sit your partner down, and genuinely tell them that you need their help. This will allow your partner to see your sincere desire to change. Though you might not be able to see it now, if you and your partner take the right steps toward treatment, this can ultimately help you strengthen your relationship.
Be open and honest with your significant other.
Honestly opening up to your significant other and making yourself vulnerable to them can allow your partner to help you in the recovery process. In order to receive well-rounded therapy and support, family members must be involved in the recovery process. Addiction can almost never be conquered without the support of the loved ones around you. Be honest with your significant other, and realize that vulnerability opens to the door to recovery.
Furthermore, there are many ways that significant others can help an addict to start down the road of recovery. If the significant other of an addict does not know how to respond to the news of addiction, many addiction recovery programs include some sort of family therapy to help teach significant others and family members the importance of positive reinforcement. The gentle assurance of loved ones is essential during this difficult journey of recovery, and it is important to never underestimate the power of a loved one’s support on this journey towards a better life.
It is a widely known fact that the cigarette industry has marketed to teens and young adults using various methods for years. These deceitful marketing tactics have been used to ensure that the future of the tobacco industry remains prosperous and growing, completely disregarding the health and future of the young individuals they are targeting. One executive of from Lorillard Tobacco has even said, “[T]he base of our business is the high school student.” Companies will spend a significant portion of their marketing budget tracking the behaviors and preferences of individuals under 21 years of age in order to bolster their marketing efforts.
The 12 step addiction recovery model is one of the most common and beneficial recovery programs available for individuals who are striving to recover from addiction. Research has proven that many addicts only half commit to recovering from addiction; however, it has been recorded that if a person can commit to a 12-step recovery program, that their ability to fully recover is much stronger. Here are some of the benefits of that a 12-step addiction recovery program offers for recovering addicts.
Addiction consumes time - not only in the actual act of using drugs or alcohol, but in obtaining substances, and recovering from the effects of the substances. While recovering, people find that they suddenly have more time on their hands. In not properly managing that time, it is easy to become stressed, bored and possibly relapse. Below are 5 tips to help you manage your time effectively in order to aid you in your recovery.


















