Relapse triggers are anything that activates the thoughts and desires to return to use. Anything can be a trigger: places, people, things, smells, sounds, tastes, emotional states, honestly anything. As triggers are different for everyone, they are easily overlooked. Anything associated with past use can be a subtle reminder that triggers the desire to use.…
read more
A primary reason for using and abusing substances is to mask or numb the pain that can arise in our lives. Pain can come from an event or trauma that we experience but it can also come from being unable to deal with the constant flood of feelings and emotions that enter our brain. Feelings…
read more
For some people, questions about addiction are never a thought. For others, there may be a point in time when you have asked yourself “Do I (or someone I love) have a problem with addiction?”. The answer to this question can sometimes be clear, and other times difficult to find. If you find yourself asking…
read more
Once you have completed a program, be proud of your accomplishment. It is the first step towards a life of sobriety. That being said, your program is not over. You have identified that your lifestyle has to change and now you will move forward with the skills you have learned to identify any potential stumbling…
read more
New Years is a great example. I don't know what it is about the magic of midnight but every year we tell ourselves "I'm going to make this change", "This year will be different". It starts of strong but we all know what can happen. We only have a vague idea of what our goal…
read more
For many people, including those with problems with addiction, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the daily routine and pressures of life. These pressures can trigger emotional and mental responses in which we want to respond with ineffective behaviours, such as engaging in our addiction and put you at risk for relapse. The…
read more