choice house blog

People often measure the quality of their life based on their past decisions, accomplishments, and even shortcomings. While it is good to learn from the past to become more resilient and make better decisions moving forward, when you dwell in the past, it becomes problematic. In recovery and especially early recovery, it is common to…

Recovery is a lifelong journey requiring patience, persistence, and self-awareness. At times your recovery might feel completely manageable, especially when your confidence is high. During these times, you are likely feeling strong, and you might even feel as though you have mastered the process of sustaining recovery. While confidence is a sign of growth and…

There are some things in life we just can’t avoid—death, taxes, and anger. Anger is a common emotion we all experience in life, and it can affect you, those around you, and even society as a whole. Episodes of anger can be passive or assertive. Each episode will produce adrenaline which can create lasting adverse…

Many stigmas, taboos, and negative beliefs surround substance use and mental health disorders. Such views not only misrepresent and harm those affected by substance use and mental health disorders. They also create fear and isolation and even prevent many from seeking the help they need. The legal ramifications further support these beliefs for those in…

Overcoming substance use is challenging for anyone affected by its use. However, there are certain viewpoints and even generalizations that surround various treatments. For example, some might believe that their substance use is not severe enough to require professional help, while others might think that their addiction is too powerful to overcome. Wherever you land…

There is a common misconception that treatment for alcohol use looks and operates a certain way. Unfortunately, these beliefs and stigmas surrounding specific treatments are causing those who need help to avoid it because they decide it won’t work for them. However, the treatment approaches to helping those with alcohol use disorders are much more…

When most people think about the best therapy options for recovery, they don’t typically think about hiking. However, hiking, or adventure therapy, can become an essential holistic treatment option for those recovering from substance use and mental health disorders. Adventure therapy positively affects mental, physical, and emotional health, helping to reduce anxiety and stress, and…

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and you will inevitably face events that challenge your recovery at specific points. While you can plan, prepare, and set goals to overcome obstacles, you can never wholly expect what is to come. For example, if you experience traumatic events related to a car accident, a death in the family,…

Most treatment facilities center around abstinence when it comes to alcohol use. For many years, the primary approach to managing alcohol use disorders (AUD) is giving up alcohol. Furthermore, abstinence is the backbone for support groups such as AA and SMART recovery. However, in more recent years, moderate drinking has been examined and experimented with by…