For individuals dependent on alcohol, the first 72 hours after stopping drinking are the most medically volatile. This window determines whether withdrawal is managed safely or escalates into a medical emergency. It also determines whether a client stabilizes enough to engage in treatment or leaves against medical advice due to unmanaged discomfort. Understanding the alcohol […]
Tag Archives: Addiction Recovery
05
Jan
Jan
Every January, thousands of people decide to stop drinking overnight. “Dry January” is often framed as a healthy reset. For light or moderate drinkers, it may be uncomfortable but manageable. For heavy or dependent drinkers, however, abruptly stopping alcohol can be medically dangerous. In Colorado and across the Denver Metro area, emergency departments see a […]
05
Jan
Jan
Not all detox is the same. Many people assume detox simply means clearing substances from the body. They expect a short stay, symptom management, and discharge once withdrawal passes. This approach, often referred to informally as “spin-dry detox,” may reduce acute symptoms, but it often fails to address the underlying medical and neurological risks that […]
Addiction, alcoholism, Detox
The Emotional Toll of Spending the Holidays in Withdrawal and Why You Do Not Have to Do It Alone
22
Dec
Dec
When the pressure of the season collides with withdrawal symptoms, many adults find themselves struggling in silence, trying to push through fear, exhaustion, and instability on their own. Withdrawal does not pause for the holidays. In fact, December often intensifies symptoms due to stress, disrupted routines, and family dynamics. What starts as discomfort can quickly […]
12
Apr
Apr
Perhaps no movie boasts a higher number of fans of multiple generations than Star Wars. Released in 1977, the science fiction tale of good vs. evil has enjoyed a hardcore fan base and a host of sequels. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and other characters lead the quest through outer space to defeat the […]
24
Feb
Feb
Breaking habits can be difficult. Breaking the habit of addiction can be even more challenging, especially when we approach addiction from a disease model rather than a series of poor choices leading to habits with unhealthy consequences. Arguably, the result or symptom of that disease is the presence of an overwhelming desire followed by an […]
15
Feb
Feb
Most people would agree that the way we think not only affects our behavior but also our efficiency in achieving goals. The less we believe in our capability to achieve what we set out to do, the greater the chance we have of throwing in the towel when we hit an obstacle or experience a […]
Addiction, Recovery, Uncategorized
Three Simple Steps to Creating a Healthy Lifestyle During Recovery
15
Feb
Feb
After a successful detox and intensive rehabilitation program, many people return home only to deal with a tangle of family issues resulting from the addiction itself. Returning home and establishing new routines following rehabilitation can create challenges. These unanticipated stressors reinforce the importance of maintaining a schedule of support groups and individual therapy. Without this […]
10
Feb
Feb
After you have completed intensive rehabilitation and are back at home, you’ll have an aftercare plan in hand and will want to resume your relationship with your children once again. However, for those of us whose access to our children has been temporarily removed due to addiction-related custody issues, our situation may be a little […]
06
Feb
Feb
Self-reflection is the notion of looking back on our past, our activities, our decisions, and their outcomes. It is something we are encouraged to do when we’re in recovery or learning to manage our drive for substances. An essential part of moving forward is self-reflection. The process of self-reflection is important to recovery because it […]
