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Setting firm boundaries and having ready responses can make life a lot more manageable during the holidays, especially if you’re working hard to avoid relapse. Temptations, pressure from family, and constantly changing routines can pop up all at once. If you’re looking for practical ways to stay on track through parties, family dinners, and travel, … Read more
The holiday season can be a beautiful time of year, but if you’re in recovery, it often brings its own set of challenges. Between parties, travel, and old habits resurfacing, staying on track with your progress takes more than just strong willpower. A solid support system makes a huge difference, offering the backup and accountability … Read more
Toxic relationships can be especially hard to navigate during the holiday season. Emotions run high, stress builds quickly, and long-standing family or social dynamics tend to surface more easily. Even strong recovery plans or healthy routines can get thrown off track when you’re surrounded by people who trigger old behaviors or push past your boundaries. … Read more
If you’re in recovery, the holidays can be packed with moments that feel a little tricky to find your way through. With so many social events, changes in routine, and a lot more pressure in the air, managing triggers to avoid relapse takes a bit of planning and self-awareness. I’ve found that understanding your triggers … Read more
Infections of the heart caused by drug use often catch people by surprise, mainly because they’re not as widely discussed as other drug-related health risks. Yet for individuals who use injectable drugs—or who care for someone who does—these infections are a very real and serious concern. Conditions like infective endocarditis, where bacteria enter the bloodstream … Read more
Skin lesions can pop up for a bunch of reasons, and using certain drugs is one that often surprises people. I’ve spoken with folks who found rashes, sores, or weird bumps after starting a new prescription or after experimenting with recreational drugs. It can be anything from a harmless blotch to something you really want … Read more
The kidneys do much more than most people realize—they filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and support many essential body functions. Because they work constantly, they’re especially vulnerable to damage from both legal and illegal drugs. Yet this connection is often overlooked, even by those familiar with other health risks of substance use. Drug-related … Read more
Drug use can affect many parts of the body, but the impact on the respiratory system is one of the most concerning. Whether it’s tobacco, prescription drugs, or illegal substances, many types of medicines can cause breathing problems that range from mild irritation to life-threatening complications. I’m going to break down how different drugs affect … Read more
If you’re like most people, there’s probably something in your daily routine that gives you a little boost of energy or helps you focus. While these stimulants can be handy if you need a quick wake-up call or to get through a tough day at work, some actually have a track record of causing dependency. … Read more
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can have pretty profound effects on both your body and mind. This drug, which is most often found as a white powder, can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It gives a rapid, intense high but brings some significant health risks, mainly if used regularly or in large amounts. Understanding … Read more