Addiction Recovery Articles

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), colloquially known as alcoholism, is a non-discriminatory disease that affects the individual who suffers from it and all people who love them. It is a chronic disease that can tear families apart and cause hardship and turmoil in different relationships. As alcohol addiction is considered a family disease and can be detrimental to the family structure, it is crucial that recovery for someone with AUD involves their loved ones.

Alcohol abuse is a rising issue in the United States. Responsible for nearly 100,000 deaths in the US alone, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a disease that can cause devastation in people's life if not properly managed. Fortunately, there are tools and resources available that can help manage one’s alcohol consumption before their health becomes highly at risk and treatment for AUD becomes necessary. It is essential to be educated on the topic of AUD or alcoholism, the signs to look for, and the tools available to you to remain healthy and avoid alcohol abuse.

The phrase “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” is one that many are familiar with. For those who either struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or those who have someone close to them who does, this saying continuously haunts those who have this disease.While there may be some truth behind “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic,” the stigma it creates and maintains for those who struggle with AUD can be detrimental to one’s growth and recovery. This saying gives off the interpretation that overcoming this disease is hopeless, and those with an AUD should not expect to ever be “on the other side” of recovery.

For those who struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), achieving recovery can be challenging, especially without support or the proper systems needed to succeed. Fortunately, Treatment Professionals aim to equip their clients with the tools necessary to make recovery achievable and help them reach the ultimate goal of obtaining and sustaining long-term sobriety. Most Treatment Professionals want long-standing sobriety to be the rule when treating clients, not the exception for AUD recovery. Meaning, many clinicians hope to implement systems that ensure lasting recovery, not just a temporary treatment plan.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol sales have surged. Often used as a coping mechanism for stress and depression, excessive alcohol consumption can cause serious health issues and lead to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the lives of everyone around the world were drastically affected, including those with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just two months into the stay at home order, it was recorded that out of 5400 people polled, nearly 13% voiced that they started using substances, or their previous substance consumption escalated due to the stress and uncertainty the pandemic produced. 

Certain myths and misconceptions like needing to drink at least eight glasses of water every day or humans using only 10% of their brain are common but mostly harmless. When it comes to myths that affect people’s lives and state of mind, it’s important to challenge our preconceived notions and expand our understanding.

For those who struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), deciding to enter a treatment program is often the first step in a drastic lifestyle change. Beginning life in recovery is a process. Every day requires a conscious effort to move forward on a path towards sobriety. Therefore, it is important to have necessary plans and systems in place to make sure that when challenges arise, they can be assessed, addressed, and overcome.

John Roesch, CAI, CASAC, CRC, CIP and Managing Principal and Founder at Life Assurance Recovery Care talks about his top discharge planning tips for aftercare. Learn how to help your clients succeed and achieve lasting recovery with his strategies and tools.

Recovery is difficult, but a strong support network can be extremely beneficial. Learn how to help a loved one in recovery with these 4 proven tips: understanding the disease, suggesting treatment, reminding yourself that relapse is a normal part of recovery, and being a consistent support partner.