Addiction is a mental illness that is characterized by negative thoughts and behaviors. This mental state is not “deliberate” and very often, substance abuse is not a “chosen” behavior at all. If you are working to overcome addiction, you will learn mechanisms for avoiding negative thoughts during recovery. Here we take a closer look at why that is so effective in promoting long-term sobriety.

Many of us get stressed out before and during the holiday season although for some people struggling with addiction, it can be even more challenging. Addiction is a relapsing illness which means that people can return to substance abuse at any stage after completing rehab treatment, even several years later. Relapse is often triggered by stressful situations highlighted in addiction therapy as being a person’s individual stressors.

When people have completed a rehab program and they return home, one of the challenges they face is letting people know they are in recovery. There are still many misconceptions about addiction and it may be difficult to accurately gauge a person’s response when you tell them about your journey. Here are some tips to keep in mind that might help you.

People who work their way through rehab treatment are always encouraged to acknowledge their significant achievements. Overcoming addiction is not without its challenges and it is a testament to your strength of character to have successfully completed a rehab program. However despite this, many people don’t feel they are ready for love in the early days of recovery as they focus on healing themselves.

Addiction is an illness that doesn’t only affect the person abusing substances. In most cases loved ones, friends, and coworkers are also impacted by the way an individual behaves when they are suffering as a result of substance abuse. It can be very difficult for many people to know how to deal with someone struggling with addiction, especially if you want to help them get the treatment we need.

Some people are daunted by the prospect of leaving an alcohol or drug addiction treatment center and returning home after addiction treatment. Although the early days of recovery is not without its challenges, there are some effective ways that can help protect your hard-earned sobriety.

When someone is codependent, it means that they are completely influenced by another person’s behavior. This can be to the extent where they try and control their actions which is usually for the best intentions. However, many people with addiction are also involved in codependent relationships which can serve to make their problems much worse.

When someone has been through the challenges of rehab from addiction, they still have work to do when they return home. Rebuilding relationships with family and loved ones is an important part of addiction recovery and allows people to sustain sobriety for the long-term with their support. Healthy relationships are an important aspect of life for all of us and can include family, professional, romantic and social connections.

When someone has been struggling with addiction issues, they will generally have become distanced from loved ones and more interested in new people associated with their substance abuse. This can not only lead to damage to close personal relationships but also to someone fighting addiction being “enabled” to continue.