Drugs Don’t Cause Addiction
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Saying drugs cause addiction is like saying clouds cause tornadoes. Tornadoes are caused by a complex combination of factors including warm, moist air, changes in wind direction and speed, and an unstable atmosphere decreasing in temperature rapidly with height. Similarly, addiction is caused by a complex combination of factors, not drugs […]
How Absorbing Activities Can Help Addictive Problems
by Thaddeus Camlin, PsyD Addiction is characterized by a narrowing of behavior patterns. As a particular behavior begins to dominate others, problems are likely to arise. Expanding and diversifying behavior patterns is vital to overcoming addictive problems. Identifying and participating in activities that capture and sustain our engaged interest is essential to well-being, and improved […]
Four Tips for Getting Sober During Coronavirus Pandemic
Coronavirus Update: We are still seeing and accepting new clients via online rehab. Sessions and groups occur by video or phone. Call 858-546-1100 for details and to schedule. We are presently authorized to work in some other states (in addition to California). Call to find out about your state. Need intensive treatment, but fearful about […]
Staying Sober in a “Let’s Grab Drinks” Culture
By the team at Practical Recovery Separating libations from social situations in American culture is about as easy as separating hassle from air travel. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that alcohol consumption is on the rise in the United States, especially among women, older adults, ethnic minorities, […]
The Best College Recovery Programs for Students in Every State
A collegiate recovery program can mean all the difference to a young person in recovery. Having a program like this available on campus means they do not have to choose between recovery and a higher education. It provides students with an avenue to stay committed to recovery, while focusing on school, and having a community […]
Self-Care in Recovery: H.A.L.T. at the Crossroads
Self-Care in Recovery H.A.L.T. At The Crossroads by Thaddeus Camlin, Psy.D. I recently received a request from a reader to examine H.A.L.T. in light of current research. H.A.L.T. is a commonly used acronym by 12-Step circles in discussions of triggers and relapse prevention, and it stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. It is based […]
Rebuilding Your Life After Addiction, Pt. 2
Rebuilding Your Life after Recovery, Pt. 2: Time Management Last week, we covered work ethic in terms of rebuilding your life after recovery. This week, we cover how to better manage your professional and personal life with time management skills. We all have busy lives managing several parts of our professional and personal life. Do […]
Forgiving Yourself in Recovery from Addiction
Forgiving yourself in recovery is essential. Learning to forgive yourself is essential as you begin to do more self-healing in your recovery. We often have a tendency to hold ourselves to such strict standards that we find no reason or justification to forgive ourselves. Maybe you’ve found yourself in a certain situation, able to forgive […]
Self-Confidence vs. Self-Esteem
The difference between self-confidence and self-esteem: Confidence and self-esteem are often confused with one another, when in fact there is something unique and different to be said about them both individually. “Confidence” comes from the Latin confidere, meaning “to trust.” To be self-confident is to trust in oneself, particularly in one’s ability or aptitude to engage successfully […]
On Being a SEN Master, Part 2
by A. Tom Horvath, Ph.D., ABPP Part 1 of this 2-part series focused on the importance getting a good night’s sleep in recovery from addiction. Here, in the second part of this series, we focus on exercise and nutrition. Exercise The three components of fitness are endurance (of the heart-lungs, or “cardio”), strength and flexibility. […]