Choosing to pursue your sobriety is a great step towards a happier, healthier life. But what happens when you stop drinking alcohol? You’ll experience both ups and downs when you cut out alcohol, but ultimately, the benefits are well worth the decision and will positively change your life.

Has alcoholism been prevalent in your family? Are you worried that you may be at risk? Here, we’ll explore in what ways alcoholism is hereditary. It’s possible that your genes may make you more likely to develop this disease.

The improper use of any drug is a serious matter that can have harmful, long-lasting effects. Here, we’ll discuss stimulant drug abuse, addiction, and how to get help. By understanding more about stimulant abuse, you’ll be able to recognize when you or a loved one needs assistance.

It’s a common misconception that people are unable to get addicted to sleeping pills. In actuality, it’s possible to get hooked on prescription sleeping medication just as easily as many other dangerous drugs. Understanding sleeping pill addiction is imperative so that you can protect yourself and identify red flags in others.

Although the consumption of alcohol is socially accepted, it is also easy to abuse. Many people use alcohol as a way to relax, unwind, or just have a fun time—but it is important to know when to draw the line and recognize addictive behaviors. Below are some signs that your drinking is out of control.

The opioid crisis continues to be ever-present across the United States. These drugs are often prescribed to treat serious medical conditions, but when misused, people can quickly become dependent on these potent substances. View the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction to learn how to spot red flags and assist someone who has become dependent.

As your loved one transitions into a life of sobriety, you’re likely wondering how you can assist them during this time. Recovery is a lifelong process, and it requires the helping hands of a trustworthy support system. Below, we’ll walk you through how to support a recovering drug addict so you can best be of service to them on their sober journey.

If you relapse, you may be left feeling upset and vulnerable. However, it’s important to quickly get back on your feet to ensure you stay on your hard-fought journey to sobriety. Read on to learn some helpful tips on what to do after a relapse to assist you with your recovery.

If you’re rooming with someone who has recently chosen to pursue their sobriety, it’s important to be aware of their situation and know how to help. Here, we’ll provide you with some tips for living with a recovering alcoholic to assist you through this transition.

Seeking treatment for your addiction is the first step on your path to sobriety. After getting the help you need, you may be feeling nervous about entering the world as your new, sober self. It can be scary, but with a well-defined plan and resources at your disposal, you can strongly continue on your journey. Here are some tips on how to survive your first year sober.

Opioids are prescribed to combat pain, whether it be from surgery or a medical condition. However, an opioid epidemic has swept across the nation over recent years, with many people misusing and becoming dependent on these potent drugs. View these seven shocking American opioid crisis statistics to learn why this is considered one of the worst drug issues in our nation’s history.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a variety of challenges. People have been forced to live in near isolation, all while trying to manage the stress of increased unemployment rates and the fear of an unprecedented virus. For those who are in addiction recovery, this may be an especially trying time, as these feelings can be difficult to manage alone. Read on to learn how those who are recovering are coping during this difficult time.

Like many young adults who have chosen to pursue sobriety, you might be nervous about your transition to college. You’ll be off on your own for the first time, meaning it’s up to you to make smart, responsible decisions for yourself. That said, it’s important that you’re prepared and ready for the temptations ahead. Review these tips to stay sober in college to help you along the way.

It can be difficult to discover that a family member has an addiction, especially when it’s your child. But it’s important that you provide the support they need to assist them on their path to sobriety. Learn how to help a drug addict daughter properly so you can best aid her in recovery.

Addiction is a disease that takes a toll on the entire body. However, the area that often sustains the most significant impact is the brain. Permanent changes can be made which alter one’s personality, memory, mood, and more. Read on to learn more about how addiction affects the brain.

There’s a lot of discussion about the psychological and physical impacts of drug addiction, like depression, fatigue, and severe withdrawal symptoms. But the relational impacts are not as commonly talked about. The truth is, there’s a real social cost to drug addiction, both for the person who is addicted as well as for those they consider loved ones. Learn more about how drug addiction affects relationships.

An alcohol use disorder can be subtle or obvious. In either case, you may convince yourself you don’t have a problem with alcohol when in reality, you do. If you’re wondering if your drinking habits have gone too far to the point that they’re threatening your health or putting you in danger, read on to learn 5 warning signs of alcoholism that will help you determine when and if you have a problem.

Having a loved one who is addicted to alcohol or another substance can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Not only must you worry about their safety and well-being, but it places an enormous amount of stress on the relationship. Learn how to convince an addict to get help so that they can receive the assistance they need.

Recovery is a process—you don’t just finish a rehab program and then return to life as it was before. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to gradually transition into this new chapter. A 12-step immersion program can provide the structured environment you need to continue to build new, healthy habits as you continue to recover.

The road a person takes to addiction may vary, because each person and experience is different. But ultimately, there are five stages of addiction. Understanding these different stages—beginning with basic substance use and ending with full-blown addiction—can be helpful for family members and friends to watch for worrisome signs in their loved ones. Take action at any of these stages to help your loved one get back on the road to sobriety.