Overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol is a wholly transformational process. Effective treatment programs address not only how addictive substances have affected an individual but also their continued effects on each person's physical and mental health.

Romantic relationships can provide amazing support for those in recovery. However, establishing these kinds of relationships while balancing active sober efforts is incredibly complicated. Jumping into romantic relationships too soon in recovery can bring unnecessary stress and risk to a person's emotional health, and even impact their continued sobriety.

Supports in recovery play an integral role throughout every stage of addiction treatment, whether an individual is just taking their first step into a dedicated medical detox program or is continuing to balance their continued sobriety and their personal life in outpatient care. However, not all supports will be able to offer the same level of care throughout the recovery process.

Romantic relationships are not necessarily a part of every recovery journey, and if or when an individual decides to pursue a romantic relationship in their sober lives is a personal matter. However, if an individual has been developing the skills necessary to pursue romance in recovery, it is still important to ensure that the development of these relationships keeps an individual's sober goals still in mind. Each relationship will have its own challenges and nuance.

Even if a parent suspects that their child needs to pursue professional treatment and detox to overcome their use of drugs or alcohol, approaching the situation in a calm and educated manner is essential for beginning an effective dialogue around change.

There are also many ways physical trauma can inform the use of drugs or alcohol. Whether an individual is exposed to addictive substances through prescription painkillers or in an attempt to self-medicate the emotional side of physical injury, addressing the use of drugs or alcohol is necessary for truly effective healing.

While addiction is always possible, people of different ages will have their own stresses, goals, and needs throughout the recovery process. Working with professionals to explore how addiction affects each person's age and lifestyle is necessary to make the most of any professional treatment program.

With the increased discourse surrounding the legality of marijuana and the use of prescription medical marijuana rising across the country, there has been an equal increase in misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the use of the drug. Despite any push for legal or medical use, marijuana is still a dangerous and addictive drug.

Approximately 11% of children grow up in a home with at least one parent who either is currently diagnosed with substance use disorder or had an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol in the past. The effects of addiction on children carry profound damage to development, whether they are engaging with such destructive substances themselves or living in a household where their use is commonplace.

IOPs provide a myriad of benefits for those continuing to work towards their sober goals. In general, they provide continued support to keep an individual accountable for their behaviors and successes even outside of a recovery facility. Understanding the benefits of IOPs is essential for you to determine if committing yourself to an IOP is right for your recovery.