Tag: Drug Addiction

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How to Use Naloxone: What Is Narcan and Where to Find It

If someone is overdosing, immediately call 911 or local emergency services.

Narcan, or naloxone, is used to reverse opioid overdose. Opioids, such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl, can be legal prescription medications or illegal substances. 

Overdose occurs when an opioid’s depressant effects on the central nervous system cause life-threatening reactions. Narcan reverses an overdose by binding to the same brain receptors as opioids, thereby blocking the opioids from attaching to the receptors. This helps restore normal breathing and consciousness.

Narcan is usually administered through a nasal spray, and it can also be injected.

When to Use Narcan

It’s possible for opioid users to accidentally ingest too much at once and overdose. Other substances like MDMA can be cut with opioids, such as fentanyl, to lower production costs. If someone is displaying the signs of overdose, even if they didn’t knowingly take an opioid, you can still administer narcan—narcan won’t harm someone who didn’t ingest opioids1.

Overdoses usually include respiratory failure, where breathing becomes slow, shallow, or even stops completely. Other signs of overdose1 include:

  • Unconsciousness 
  • Very small pupils
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to speak
  • Faint heartbeat
  • Limp arms and legs
  • Pale skin
  • Purple lips and fingernails

Without immediate medical intervention, an opioid overdose can be fatal. In addition to using narcan in the event of an overdose, immediately call 911 or local emergency services.

Until emergency services arrive, you can help someone who’s overdosing2 by assisting them to sit or lay down in an open space. You can administer CPR if you are qualified, and if their skin is blue, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Additionally, use Narcan.

How to Administer Narcan

The American Medical Association created instructions showing how to administer Narcan3. You can also watch in video format:

If you are using NARCAN nasal spray, follow these steps:

  1. Peel back the package and remove the device. Put your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
  2. Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the patient’s nose.
  3. Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient’s nose.

Tip: When administering a nasal spray, help the patient gently tip their chin upward. This helps open their airways so the spray can better reach the bloodstream.

If you are using EVZIO auto-injector, follow these steps:

  1. Pull the auto-injector from the outer case.
  2. Firmly pull off the red safety guard; do not touch the black base (this is where the needle comes out).
  3. Place the black end of the auto-injector against the outer thigh, through clothing if necessary.
  4. Press firmly and hold in place for 5 seconds. (There will be a distinct “hiss” and “click” sound when working properly. The needle will not be visible after use.)

If you are using yellow cap nasal spray, follow these steps:

  1. Pry off the syringe’s yellow caps (both sides).
  2. Pry off the purple cap on the naloxone capsule. 
  3. Grip the clear plastic wings on the spray nozzle.
  4. Thread the spray nozzle on the syringe.
  5. Gently screw the naloxone capsule into the barrel of the syringe.  
  6. Insert white spray nozzle into the patient’s nostril. Give a short, firm push on the end of the naloxone capsule to spray.
  7. Administer half of the capsule into each nostril.

If you are using an intramuscular syringe needle, follow these steps:

  1. Inject 1 cc of naloxone straight into a muscle, such as the thigh, outer side of the glute, and shoulder.

Administer another dose of Narcan if the patient doesn’t respond/wake up after 2-3 minutes.

Where to Find Narcan

Fortunately, Narcan is becoming more widely available. You can purchase Narcan over the counter in many pharmacies. Local health clinics and community health centers may offer naloxone training and distribution. 

You can also order it online from websites like Narcan.com4. Some states will even send it to you for free—search “free Narcan _(your state or city)_” to find an organization.

How to Care for Someone After You Give Narcan

After you administer Narcan to someone, stay with the person. Emergency services should already be dialed and on their way, but don’t leave the person’s side until medical professionals assist them.

If the person is not breathing or has a weak pulse, continue with CPR if you are trained to do so. Otherwise, ensure the person is lying comfortably on their side with their airways clear to avoid choking on vomit. Once medical professionals arrive, discuss all relevant details to the overdose and what you have done to assist the person (including the type of Narcan you administered and how many doses).

How to Become Trained to Administer Narcan

You can become a trained Narcan administrator through online courses or in-person events. Websites such as Overdose Lifeline5, The Center for Disease Control6, End Overdose7, and American Red Cross8 provide virtual training. You can typically become certified in an hour or less.

Sometimes, you can receive training in person at harm reduction events. Some states may have a map showing where you can get trained, such as Colorado’s End Overdose page9.

However, even if you are not Narcan trained, you can and should still use it to save someone’s life.

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What to Pack for Rehab

As you prepare to enter treatment, you can use this packing list to ensure you have all the necessary items to help you begin your recovery journey. The treatment center may provide a packing list that you can cross-reference, and be sure to adhere to any guidelines they may have. 

The Essentials

Clothing Essentials

You will want to bring clothing that is comfortable, casual, and weather appropriate. Depending on the treatment center’s location, you may want to pack a variety of clothing items that account for temperature changes during the day and night. Be sure to include:

  • Tshirts
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Shorts
  • Pants 
  • Sleepwear
  • Undergarments
  • Socks 

In treatment, dress should be modest and respectful. Pack items you feel comfortable wearing, and check the center’s dress code.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Some centers may provide a general array of toiletries, including shampoo, soap, conditioner, and toothpaste. But others won’t, so make sure you check to see what they’ll provide. Usually, you can expect to bring: 

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Moisturizer

Try to bring an appropriate amount of product for your program length. If you’re attending a long-term program, ask your admissions coordinator if restocks can be arranged. 

Some centers may not allow certain personal care products, such as shaving razors or products with alcohol (like mouthwash or germ killer). Be sure to ask the admissions team about what is allowed.

Comfortable Footwear

Consider packing footwear for both indoor and outdoor activities. Aside from a comfortable pair of shoes for day-to-day groups, check out the center’s schedule and amenities to see if you’ll need additional shoes to participate in certain activities. For example, if the treatment center has a basketball court, you may want to bring sturdy athletic shoes. If you will go on beach excursions, pack water shoes. 

Medications and Prescriptions

Having proper medication can be an important part of recovery. Your care team will discuss your current medications and medical information to see if medications may be a good fit for you. They can work with you to store medication and give it to you at the correct time. 

Throughout treatment, you may be prescribed new medications. If this happens, it’s very important that the team is aware of any medical conditions you have to avoid negative medication reactions. 

Be sure to double check with the admissions team if you can bring your digestive aids, allergy medication, vitamins, and supplements.

Important Documents

You’ll want to bring several important documents to treatment:

  • Passport or official personal identification
  • Insurance card
  • All current prescription medications, carried in their original, properly labeled pharmacy containers
  • A contact list of anyone you want to keep informed on the progress of your treatment
  • A credit card, debit card and/or checkbook
  • Enough cash to cover general store purchases and other incidental expenses

Organizing and printing all papers beforehand will help make the transition to treatment less stressful.

The “Nice to Haves”

Comfort Items and Mementos

Having something that reminds you of home can make you feel a little more comfortable throughout your recovery process. This might be a picture, blanket, stuffed animal, or a loved one’s gift. These can provide emotional support. 

Be sure to wisely choose your comfort items, as the program likely will not allow you to bring an excessive amount. 

Reading and Writing Materials

Throughout your recovery journey, you may discover that reading and writing can help you express and process your feelings. Bringing a book and journal to write in offers an opportunity to reflect in your downtime. In fact, reading and writing can reduce stress and ease depression symptoms1. 

You may choose to read self-help books such as The Mountain Is You2 and Atomic Habits3. If you’re attending mental health treatment, The Body Keeps the Score4 could educate your journey. A gratitude journal or a journal with prewritten reflection prompts such as The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook5 could aid self-discovery in this monumental period of growth.

Fitness and Outdoor Gear

Good physical health plays a key role in successful addiction and mental health recovery. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, brain health, and immune system functioning, as well as reduces anxiety and depression symptoms6. The treatment center might provide physical activities to boost your well-being, so consider packing:

  • Athletic shoes
  • Fitness clothes
  • Sunscreen 
  • Bug spray
  • Personal equipment (if the facility has a tennis court, ask the admissions team if you can bring your racquet)

Electronics and Entertainment

Discuss the electronic policy with your admissions team before attending treatment. Some facilities will allow you to bring your phone and laptop to attend to work responsibilities during designated times. Other centers may keep your phone stored away during the day and allow you to use it after program hours. It’s possible the facility might have a strict no-electronics policy.

Many centers allow devices that just play music, such as an iPod. You can then bring headphones to listen to your music. 

If you’re attending a program with little to no electronic time, be sure to let loved ones know ahead of time. Centers will typically have a phone for patients to use.  

Whether or not you can bring your phone, laptop, or tablet, the focus of treatment is to heal. The majority of your time will be spent in therapy and activities to assist your recovery journey. 

Snacks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Proper nutrition and hydration helps keep your mind and body ready to heal in treatment. The center will tell you what meals are provided, what meals you have to cook, and what foods you need to buy while there. Some centers might allow you to bring some of your favorite nonperishable snacks, such as pretzels, granola, and fruit bars. Check with the admissions coordinator to see if this is an option.

What Not to Pack for Rehab

When planning for your stay in treatment, it’s also important to understand what’s generally not allowed in rehab:

  • All forms of drugs and alcohol
  • Prescription medications that are not a part of your approved treatment plan
  • Medications prescribed to another person
  • Pornography
  • Guns, knives, and other weapons
  • Opened, non-prescription medications
  • Alcohol-containing mouthwash, perfumes, or colognes
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover

Be sure to check with the treatment center if any other items are prohibited.

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What Is a Gateway Drug?

A gateway drug is a legal or more socially acceptable drug that, once used, could lead to illicit drug use and addiction. Notably, gateway drugs and the gateway drug theory refer to adolescent drug use and how abstaining from all drugs in adolescence can help them avoid illicit drug use and addiction as adults.  

The gateway drug theory1 suggests using “soft” drugs like alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in adolescence predisposes teens and young adults to use “hard” drugs like cocaine. Order matters in the theory—cocaine use doesn’t lead to alcohol use, but it can be true the other way around.

Researchers haven’t conclusively agreed on the truth of the gateway theory, since not everyone who drinks or smokes becomes addicted or starts using a harder drug. Some people can use gateway drugs and never struggle with illicit drug use. The real connection, some say, is age of onset, preexisting mental health conditions, and genetic predisposition. 

What Are Common Gateway Drugs?

Gateway drugs are almost always legal (in some states), broadly accessible, socially accepted, and easy to ingest. Three primary gateway drugs include:

  1. Alcohol

Alcohol is a prevalent, easily accessed, and socially promoted substance across all age groups. Teens and adolescents may feel pressure to drink with other peers or want to experiment. Some teens can drink occasionally without issue, but one study also found children ages 12-17 who drank alcohol were 50% more likely to later use cocaine2. 

  1. Nicotine

Cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, a psychoactive component of tobacco. Daily smoking or vaping was found to lead to marijuana use1 and other hard drugs. Those who smoke were found to be 19x more likely to use cocaine2, compared to teens who didn’t smoke.

  1. Marijuana

Marijuana (also called weed) is a psychoactive chemical that comes from the cannabis plant. It’s legal in some states but commonly used whether it’s legal or not. Weed can be smoked, eaten, or applied topically. It has a pungent mossy odor.

Some teens who used cannabis were 85x more likely to use cocaine2. Another study found teens who use marijuana usually don’t use harder drugs later on. The connection depends not solely on marijuana use1; age of use, timing, and the teen’s mental state primarily provide the ‘gateway’ effect.

Which Drug Is Often a Gateway to Other Drugs?

One particular drug doesn’t always lead to illicit drug use. Taking any psychoactive substance can increase the likelihood of adult substance use1, particularly stronger drugs like cocaine. 

Alcohol and nicotine could be considered more common gateway drugs because both are legal and easy to access, whereas weed isn’t always legal and can be harder to get. 

Are Gateway Drugs Addictive?

Gateway drugs can be addictive. Alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana can all affect and change the brain3, leading to dependence and eventual addiction. Just because they’re legal and common doesn’t mean they’re safe. 

For example, about 29.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder4. In 2020, alcohol killed more people than COVID-19. Similarly, nicotine is highly addictive5, and the action of smoking/vaping is reinforcing. 

Are Gateway Drugs Not as Serious as Other Drugs?

No, gateway drugs are serious. Any psychoactive substance can harm your mind and body, unless taken under clinical advice and supervision. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a statement that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe.”6 Any amount of alcohol, they say, is toxic and has the potential to cause harm and dependence. 

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances7, found to be as addictive as “hard” drugs like heroin and cocaine. Nicotine also takes effect right away (or as soon as you smoke or vape), which can worsen the rewarding effect and prompt frequent redoses. Starting small can quickly turn into an addiction.

Marijuana can affect your brain, heart, lungs, and learning capacity. Issues with memory, concentration, and learning can be permanent. Marijuana and tobacco smoke both contain carcinogens10 too, which can cause cancer.

Gateway Drug Statistics

A survey by the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse2 found some staggering statistics about gateway drugs and stronger drugs (cocaine was the stronger drug in their example, but it could also be opioids, hallucinogens, and various synthetic drugs.)

Other factors can influence the following statistics, like personality, environment, age of onset, and more. Simply taking a “gateway drug” doesn’t mean your teen will start using stronger drugs or develop an addiction.

  • 99.9% of people who take cocaine first used alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana
  • 90% of teens and adults who take weed first smoked or drank
  • An adult who used marijuana as a child is 17x more likely to regularly take cocaine
  • An adult who smoked as a child is 3x more likely to take cocaine
  • An adult who drank as a child is 6x more likely to use cocaine
  • An adult who used all 3 gateway drugs (alcohol, nicotine, and weed) is 323x more likely to take cocaine
  • A child who uses all 3 gateway drugs is 266x more likely to take cocaine

Implementing Early Prevention Strategies for Gateway Drugs

Several drug use prevention programs specifically focus on adolescents, including Youth.gov, the STOP Act, and D.A.R.E. The well-known D.A.R.E. movement focused on complete abstinence; more recent preventative strategies focus on community education, mental health treatment, and specifically discouraging marijuana use. 

Starting the conversation about alcohol and drugs can help your teen know the consequences of drug use and that they have other coping strategies available (like therapy, hobbies, and connecting to you as a parent). 

Treatment for Gateway Drugs

Many teens, young adults, and adults use drugs and alcohol as a coping tool for mental health disorders and emotional distress. Treating the symptoms of mental health conditions can prevent teens from using substances in the first place.

Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can correct thought distortions and help patients find new coping skills for emotional distress.

Sometimes, teens and adults may need detox and residential treatment for addiction. Detoxing from gateway drugs in a clinical setting safely removes toxins from the body. In residential rehab, patients receive daily monitoring and support, group therapies, and individual therapy to address the root causes of their addiction.  

Outpatient levels of care include day treatment, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. In outpatient, you live at home and go to treatment so you’ll have more time for school and work. 

Find The Best Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers

To find a drug and alcohol treatment center and compare your options, you can browse RehabPath’s collection of rehabs to see photos, reviews, and insurance information.

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Understanding the Importance of Social Support in Recovery

Life gets tough at times, and facing a challenge like addiction alone can feel harder than it needs to. That’s where social support comes in. 

This life-changing tool can help you manage stress, achieve better recovery outcomes, and enjoy the process more along the way. Here’s how you can make it a part of your journey, and reap the rewards of social support in recovery.

What Is Social Support?

The American Psychological Association defines social support1 as “the provision of assistance or comfort to others, typically to help them cope with biological, psychological, and social stressors.”

This can look like giving advice, helping out with tasks, assisting financially, or being there for someone in a way that makes them feel better emotionally. It can come from various sources: 

  • Peer support in rehab and group therapy 
  • 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Al-Anon
  • Non-12-Step support groups like SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety, or LifeRing Secular Recovery
  • Family and friends who are supportive of your healing process 

Social support helps you cope with stress, and recovery is undoubtedly stressful at times. Here’s why it’s important to develop—and engage with—this invaluable resource throughout your recovery.  

7 Benefits of Social Support in Recovery

The importance of social support in addiction recovery can’t be overstated. Here are 7 ways having healthy connections can fill your journey with more joy: 

1. Positive Impact on Mental Health

In times of hardship, it’s social support that lifts us back up. Beyond that, it can even help us shift from surviving to thriving. When we feel loved, understood, and cared for, we bloom.   

Research supports the link between social support and mental health.2 One study finds that “positive social communication with family members and friends reduces anxiety and develops the feeling of security. People with more positive ethnical social relations and higher social support enjoy more efficient communication skills, which directs them away from depression and other mental problems…

social support as a protector against stress in a way that it largely affects social health and performance.”

Poor social support, on the other hand, is linked to a higher risk of mental health conditions3 like anxiety and depression.

2. Better Engagement in Treatment

Recovery is a huge life change, and social support can make it easier to achieve your goals. “If your social connections do not support you, it can make success much more difficult,” says psychosocial rehabilitation specialist Kendra Cherry, MSEd. But, “If your friends and family offer support and encouragement,4 you may find achieving your goal much more possible.”  

Research shows that social support in addiction recovery can help people get into addiction treatment5 and increase their engagement in rehab programs. This could be due in part to the role of denial as an intrinsic part of addiction, which means loved ones often play a key role in getting people the care they need. 

3. Supports Long-Term Recovery

There’s a reason why rehabs place so much focus on building a strong support system as part of continuing care and life after treatment. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines recovery as being holistic,6 stating that it “addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members.” 

During early recovery, you’ll be integrating a lot of lifestyle changes, and a good network of friends and family encourages healthy choices and behaviors. Recovery is a lifestyle—and you need people who support that lifestyle. Surrounding yourself with examples of people living healthy lives makes it much easier to envision yourself doing the same.

Real friends want the best for you, and support your commitment to a path that’s in your best interest.

4. Reduced Risk of Relapse

Identifying the people in your support system is a vital part of relapse prevention planning. Having a trusted circle of people who believe in you and offer non-judgmental support provides a safety net when you face challenges or setbacks. This sense of security in times of need can significantly reduce your chances of backsliding.

Research consistently shows that social support is a key factor in preventing relapse.7 One study of rehab graduates found that “Clients with positive family relationships post-discharge were less likely to relapse than clients without such relationships. Clients who reported negative activities by all or most friends in the post-discharge period were three and one-half times more likely to relapse than clients who did not.” 

Just as it’s important to remove yourself from the social situations that prompted your addiction, 

it’s important to surround yourself with people who support your healthy choices. 

5. Motivation and Accountability 

Like any long-term goal, recovery requires consistent work. And we don’t always feel like doing the things that are good for us. This is where accountability comes in, and why programs like AA focus so much on social systems that hold each other accountable.

“None of us can do this alone,” says AA member Judy G. “We need to be accountable to each other to stay sober8 in mind, body and spirit.”

Regularly meeting with your sponsor, sober coach, and sober peers can help you track your progress and stay motivated toward your goals. And that’s especially useful in early recovery, when life in sobriety can feel overwhelming. 

6. Enhanced Coping Skills

Addictions are often developed as a result of using certain behaviors, alcohol, or drugs to cope with underlying issues. As such, learning how to cope with life’s inevitable challenges in helpful ways is a huge part of success in recovery—and life in general. 

Social support is, in itself, a healthy coping strategy, and it plays a major role in determining your quality of life.9

Having loved ones you can rely on in times of need eases suffering. Researchers on the effects of social support on coping with stress10 say, “Social support is the most vital psychosocial protective resource, where effective coping can reduce stress levels and prevent individuals from experiencing more severe psychological distress.”

7. Improved Physical Health

The positive emotional and psychological effects of social support can also translate into better physical health. Reduced stress and healthier lifestyle choices made within a supportive community all contribute to a better mind, body, and spirit.

Stress can have serious health consequences, from compromised immunity to increased risk of heart disease. And because social support reduces stress, it also reduces the risk of stress-related illness. 

In fact, social support is one of the most important indicators of longevity.11 Studies show consistent evidence “on three neurobiological pathways that link social support with health and longevity: the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system.” Just as being stuck in a state of fight-or-flight has negative impacts on these systems, the safety we feel as a result of our social networks reduces those impacts—and the risk of disease and mortality. 

Find a Rehab Center for Your Journey to Recovery

Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances or managing symptoms; it’s about creating a life in which you feel happy, healthy, and well. And social support is a vital aspect of that. Your loved ones can help motivate you to get into treatment, and be a fulfilling part of your life in long-term recovery. Recovery also provides opportunities to make new connections and make that network even stronger. 

If your goal is to overcome an addiction, rehab can be a great place to start. Social support is a central aspect of residential treatment, as peers provide camaraderie and community in group therapy and throughout your treatment experience. 

To speak with rehab admissions counselors directly, look for treatment centers that meet your needs and reach out to someone today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Support in Recovery 

How does social support impact mental health in addiction recovery?

Research shows that positive social communication reduces anxiety, enhances communication skills, and acts as a protector against stress. Poor social support is linked to a higher risk of mental health conditions, making healthy connections crucial for emotional well-being during recovery.

What are the benefits of social support in addiction recovery?

Social support offers numerous benefits in addiction recovery, including better mental health, better engagement in treatment, motivation, accountability, enhanced coping skills, reduced risk of relapse, and improved physical health. Building a strong support system is integral to the holistic approach of recovery, providing a foundation for a fulfilling and healthy life.

Why is social support important in preventing relapse during addiction recovery?

Social support helps prevent relapse because it provides a safety net when you face challenges or setbacks. Trusted connections reduce your risk of relapse by providing non-judgmental support and a sense of security when you need it most. Research consistently shows that positive family relationships and supportive social circles are closely tied to successful recovery outcomes.

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101 Ways to Jump Into Recovery for the New Year

As the new year dawns, it’s an opportune moment to consider recovery and let it transform your life. At Recovery.com, we are committed to empowering you with practical strategies to jump into recovery. Our comprehensive guide offers you 101 practical ways to start and support your recovery, encompassing various aspects of well-being. Wherever you may be in your journey, remember to: 

  • First and foremost, remember to be honest. Find someone you can be brutally honest with about your recovery and all its ups and downs. The journey won’t be perfect, and that’s alright. 
  • Seek professional help and support. You can use our website, Recovery.com, to find treatment that meets your needs. 
  • Set realistic and achievable goals.
  • Practice and prioritize self-care.
  • Nourish your body.
  • Listen to your mind-body-spirit and heart.

Educational Resources

Books, articles, videos and websites can provide information on a variety of topics related to addiction and mental health. These resources can be helpful for people struggling with addiction or mental health issues, as well as for their families and friends. They can educate on the causes of addiction and mental health disorders, the different types of treatment available, and how to coexist and cope with these conditions. Here are some websites and articles to get you started: 

1. Recovery.com Resource Library

2. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

3. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

4. The American Psychological Association (APA)

5. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

6. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

7. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center

8. Consider furthering your education as an investment in yourself (and/or your loved one). Obtaining a certificate, academic degree, or simply engaging in general continuing education are all great ways to do this and learn more about recovery.

Crisis Support

Crisis support provides immediate help to people who are experiencing a crisis or traumatic event. Crisis support can help people cope with strong emotions, develop/recall/access a safety plan, and practice healthy coping mechanisms. It can also help people connect with resources and services that can provide ongoing support. Here are a few to get you started: 

9. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 988

10. The Crisis Text Line: text 741741

11. SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline for addiction and mental health needs: call 1-800-662-4357

12. National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-787-3224

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, big and small, can help you improve your overall wellbeing. When you make these changes, you can help improve your mood, reduce the risk of, and/or better manage, depression, anxiety, and stress. And, you can improve your overall quality of life. 

13. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

14. Commit to regular exercise. 

15. Aim for good quality sleep, then focus on the quantity that works for you (learn more below!)

16. Reduce stress with relaxation techniques.

17. Spend time with loved ones. 

18. Prioritize hobbies and other activities that bring you joy.

19. Seek professional mental health or addiction help. You can use our website, Recovery.com, to browse treatment centers and connect with one that meets your needs.  

20. Prioritize healthy, recovery-conducive online and in-person environments.

21. Purposefully spend time offline and away from social media. 

Physical Health Focus 

Our physical health plays a significant role in our mental health and well-being. We are more likely to feel good about ourselves and to have a more optimistic outlook on life as we work on improving and maintaining good physical health. Consider these suggestions and tools to get you started: 

22. Create an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle, so you can commit to it regularly and consistently. 

23. Create a weekly meal plan, so you can eat well and nourish your body. 

24. Spend time in nature, even if it’s your local park. 

25. Practice stretching and yoga. 

26. Try a new physical activity to keep you excited and engaged, such as martial arts or dance.

27. Join a gym or fitness center.

28. Have an accountability partner and/or workout buddy. 

29. Consider hiring a personal trainer or signing up for an online fitness course. 

30. Take scheduled breaks from technology. 

31. Make an effort to be physically active each day, like going on a quick walk or taking the stairs. Small efforts add up!

32. Monitor your progress. Wearable technology, like a fitness watch, can help you track and log workouts, what you eat, and even how much sleep you’re getting.  

Food & Nutrition 

Good food and nutrition are essential for overall health and the recovery journey. A healthy diet can help improve mood, energy levels, and sleep quality1. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression2. Nutrients are important for brain health and can help improve cognitive function as well. Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

33. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

34. Choose whole grains over refined grains. 

35. Limit unhealthy fats, like trans fat (preservative oils found in most processed foods) and saturated fats (whole milk, red meat, and cheese). 

36. Avoid added sugar. Look at a product’s nutrition label to see if there is added sugar.

37. When reading food labels, pay close attention to ingredient names that sound like chemicals. These ingredients may be harmful to your health, so it’s important to be aware of them and avoid them if possible.

38. Eat when you’re hungry, and be mindful of your body’s hunger and satiety signals.

39. Consistently eating enough to fuel your mind and body—and if you struggle to eat enough, be sure to tell your doctor.

40. Stay hydrated. Each person needs a unique amount of water to stay hydrated, but you can aim to drink before and after every meal and have a cup every hour.

41. Eat a variety of healthy foods that will nourish your mind and body. 

42. Cook at home more often. Try ordering meal kits or shopping regularly for a few key items.

43. Be mindful of your eating habits, and consider a meal planning tracker/tool. 

44. Consider consulting a nutritionist or dietician to help you with your dietary goals.

45. You can test for food allergies using online kits and resources. Knowing what your body does and doesn’t process well, or at all, can help you plan meals tailored to your body. 

Self-Reflection and Spiritual Practice 

Self-reflection and spiritual practice can contribute to a healthy and fulfilling life. Such practices can help with examining our thoughts, feelings and actions, and ultimately, gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Self-reflection and spiritual practice can also serve as coping mechanisms and tools to cope with stress, depression and anxiety. There are many different ways to practice self-reflection and spiritual growth. It is important to find practices that work for you. Here are some suggestions to get you started on finding yours:

46. Start by listening to yourself. Take time daily to process your own emotions and needs.

47. Consider utilizing other modes of expression to connect with yourself and your beliefs, like art, singing, and dancing.

48. Surround yourself with positive people that lift you up and offer support. 

49. Set up boundaries to maintain your positivity and goals. 

50. Practice gratitude. You can write down 5+ things you’re grateful for as soon as you wake up, before you go to bed, or before you meditate. 

51. Consider journaling. You can write down thoughts and process strong emotions as they come, or set a time each day to journal. 

52. Learn to forgive yourself and focus on progress, not perfection. Believe in yourself and remind yourself where you are, where you started, and where you’re on the way to being.

53. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from others. 

54. Meditation, prayer, and connecting with nature can help you quiet your mind and focus on the present moment while expressing your thoughts and feelings.

55. Celebrate your successes! 

56. Seek community in your religious group of preference. Some organizations have weekly groups and resources specifically for recovery. 

Mental Health & Wellness 

Improving your mental health can help you avoid relapses and better your overall well-being. One of your best resources for mental wellness is therapy and connecting with mental health professionals. But, you can also use practices and tools to improve your mental health and compliment what you’re learning in therapy. Here’s a few options to consider:

57. Practice mindfulness and meditation. 

58. Seek out a mental health professional based on your needs. Setting an appointment with a therapist, counselor, or psychologist can help you heal.

59. Create a toolbox of resources to help with relaxation, stress management, and more. 

60. Be open to new, healthy, coping mechanisms and tools that can help you grow as a person. 

61. Be proud of your progress!

62. Connect with others. 

63. Identify your stress management emergency plan (hint: keep your wellness toolbox handy).

64. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, and that is ok. Don’t give up!

65. Tap into your creativity to express emotions. You can try painting, drawing, doodling, embroidery, writing, poetry, and so much more.

Sleep Optimization & Hygiene  

Sleep hygiene is very important. But as you explore improving it, think about it this way: work on the quality first, then focus on quantity. The important highlights are consistency and rhythm of routine. Once the quality of your sleep improves, you work on sleeping more.  Recommendations often state 7-8 hours of sleep, but we may need more or less as we go through various stages of life. Listening to this, and analyzing why, is important. Here’s some other tips to bear in mind: 

66. Wake up at the same time every morning.

67. Create a bedtime routine that you can stick to daily. 

68. Try to view light from the sunrise and sunset each day. This helps realign your melatonin release system.

69. Limit screen time for at least one hour before bed.

70. Limit blue and white for at least 2 hours before bedtime–dim your lights or enjoy candlelight to stimulate melatonin release.

71. Read a boring book to help you get sleepy. Don’t read something that will get your heart rate going—think educational books, autobiographies, or most non-fiction novels. 

72. Create a comfortable, soothing environment to sleep. Remember, your bed/bedroom is your sleeping sanctuary. Set the mood with ambient lighting, essential oils, and soft music.

73. Exercise can help make you more tired at bedtime. Consider activities like yoga, walking, jogging, or any other physical activity you like. 

74. Address any sleep concerns you may have, like sleep apnea.

75. Don’t read the news, watch TV, or engage in other exciting activities before bed. 

76. Make sure your bed is only used for sleeping—don’t work, eat, or lounge on your bed unless you’re lying down to sleep.

77. Set a morning routine that gives you plenty of time to complete morning chores and settle into your day. This can make waking up less stressful.

78. Take prescribed or herbal supplements as recommended/prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to take them only as prescribed.

79. If you aren’t falling asleep or feeling very sleepy within 30 minutes, get up and walk around, have a soothing beverage, or read a calming book until you start feeling tired.

80. Consider setting up a white noise machine or wearing earplugs if small noises wake you up and disrupt your sleep.

81. Prioritize sleep and maintain your bedtime routine—make new plans with friends or go home a little earlier to get to bed on time.

82. Some people experience ASMR (​​autonomous sensory meridian response) in response to visuals and sounds, which can make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You can try watching ASMR videos on YouTube or other video platforms.

83. If you’re struggling to consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep, or don’t feel rested after your usual hours of sleep, you can seek professional help from a doctor, psychiatrist, or sleep psychologist.

84. Meditate! When your thoughts wander and become stressful, practice meditation or pray to center yourself and change your focus.

Stress Management

Managing stress can help you cope with triggers and stressful events without turning to substances to cope. Stress management can help during small issues and big life events, making it a valuable tool for your recovery toolkit. Here’s a few ideas to jumpstart your toolkit:

85. Make it a habit to journal each day to process your day, reflect on what you’ve accomplished, and identify your goals for tomorrow.

86. Take small breaks as you work or study.

87. Spend time in nature as often as you can. On one of your breaks, for example, you could step outside or out on your balcony.

88. Make time to walk, play with, or snuggle your pets. Pets can soothe stress and calm your body.

89. Set up regular therapy appointments to discuss what’s stressing you and to learn practical coping skills.

90. Practice mindfulness and meditation throughout the day. This could be as simple as 2 minutes of deep, conscious breathing.

91. Eat well; prioritize healthy foods to nourish your mind and body.

92. Avoid or consume less caffeine and sugar. Caffeine in particular can make you jittery and more anxious. 

93. Talk to a friend or loved one about your day.

94. Try new hobbies, like baking, crocheting, or painting to soothe stress and enjoy a creative outlet.

95. Listen to upbeat music or anything that lifts your mood. This could be a podcast, too.

96. Create a stress log and jot down what happened during the day and what your levels of stress were. This can help you identify pain points and move forward with healing.

97. Drink water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and in homeostasis.

98. Set up a cozy, comfortable place in your home and pick up a good book.

99. Optimize your environment to reduce stress—decorate, light candles, open your windows, and more to make it a place you can go to for comfort.

100. Write down a list of activities, things, or people that you know help alleviate stress to keep all your coping tools quick and easy to access.

101. Connect with peer support before, during and after treatment. You may use an app, attend a recovery peer support meeting, or connect with an online group of people in recovery.

Contributions by Sarah Shawaker and Grace Ogren

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Can You Overdose on Cocaine? Risks, Signs, and Treatment

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that carries a dangerous risk of overdose. It can impact every organ in the body, but its most lethal effects are on the heart. Dangerous side effects include rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and narrowed coronary arteries. Cocaine overdose can cause a heart attack, stroke, and even death. 

If you suspect someone has overdosed on cocaine, call 911 immediately or take them to your nearest emergency department. 

A cocaine overdose can happen to anyone. You can help someone in this critical situation by understanding the warning signs and steps to take if you suspect an overdose. 

Understanding Cocaine

Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant, indigenous to South America. Because it’s addictive and potentially lethal, cocaine is a Schedule II drug.1 It’s also a major public health concern. In the U.S., 4.71% of drug-related hospital visits are related to cocaine.2

Cocaine is a stimulant3 that hijacks the brain’s reward system and floods it with the “feel-good” hormone dopamine. It works by causing dopamine to build up in the brain and send stronger signals. This results in an intense, short-lived euphoria, which is also why cocaine is addictive. Long-term use leads to tolerance, meaning the body needs more cocaine to feel the same effects as before. This can quickly develop into a cocaine addiction. 

People take cocaine in different ways, including snorting, injecting, or orally. Crack cocaine is a solid (rock) form of cocaine that’s nearly always smoked.

What Is a Cocaine Overdose?

Many people wonder, can you overdose on cocaine? The answer is yes. Cocaine overdose is a potentially life-threatening reaction to cocaine.4 It can happen within a few minutes to hours of use. Also known as cocaine toxicity, it has a serious impact on the heart and brain and requires quick action. 

Cocaine overdose can escalate fast and lead to life-threatening complications like seizures, lack of oxygen, heart attack, or stroke. Because of its immediate and powerful effect on the body, it can be fatal. This is true even for small amounts of cocaine. 

Anyone can overdose on cocaine. Some people are more at risk than others, such as young adults, males, and people with heart conditions—even mild ones. Long-term cocaine use changes the heart structure5 and increases your risk of overdose. Other risk factors relate to how you take cocaine, like using too much or mixing it with other drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

Signs of cocaine use include dilated pupils, hyperactivity, appetite loss, and more. Recreational use can quickly escalate into an overdose. A cocaine overdose isn’t just uncomfortable for the person experiencing it—it’s also very dangerous. Someone overdosing on cocaine may show a combination of physical and psychological signs:

  • Elevated heart rate or irregular heartbeat
  • Increased body temperature
  • Sweating
  • Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
  • Chest and stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety and paranoia 

If someone is showing signs of a cocaine overdose, get help right away. Call 9-1-1 immediately or take them to the nearest emergency room.  

Deaths from cocaine overdose in the U.S.6 are rising. The number of deaths from cocaine increased from 15,883 to 24,486 (almost 54%) between 2019 and 2021.

What to Do in Case Someone Overdoses on Cocaine

A cocaine overdose is a critical situation that calls for quick, immediate action. If you suspect someone has overdosed on cocaine, follow these steps:

  • Call emergency services. This is the first and most urgent step. Dial 9-1-1 for emergency services if you’re in the U.S. Give the operator clear information about the person’s condition. 
  • Never leave the person alone. Cocaine overdose symptoms can escalate quickly. Monitor the person’s condition while you wait for help to arrive. Stay with them until medical professionals get there. 
  • Try to remain calm. Once you’ve called emergency services, know that help is on the way. Your calm presence and support can make a big difference.
  • Check their breathing and pulse. If their breathing is shallow, or they’ve lost consciousness, check their pulse. If you don’t know how to perform CPR, call emergency services to guide you over the phone. 
  • Give emergency responders as much information as possible. When help arrives, give detailed information about the person’s condition and any substances they may have taken. They may need to go to the emergency room. 

Quick action and professional medical care can save someone’s life.

Risk Factors for Cocaine Overdose

Certain factors increase the risk of cocaine overdose: 

Polysubstance Use

Combining cocaine with other substances, like alcohol, stimulants, or opioids, puts a dangerous strain on the heart. 

Purity Levels

The purity of cocaine varies. With the strength unknown, you could accidentally take an unsafe amount. Street cocaine is cut with other agents, like laundry detergent, caffeine, laxatives, and more. Some cutting agents can cause poisoning or other dangerous adverse reactions. 

Cocaine Laced With Fentanyl

The rise in cocaine-related overdose deaths is linked to cocaine laced with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is potent and deadly, even in very small doses. The number of cocaine overdose deaths7 jumped from 6,784 to 24,486 between 2015 and 2021, due in large part to the introduction of fentanyl. 

Cocaine Tolerance

Drug tolerance increases the risk of taking a toxic amount of cocaine. People with a history of cocaine use build tolerance. They may take higher doses to feel the desired effects.

Relapse

People often overdose during a relapse, because they take the same amount of cocaine they used to, but their tolerance is lower from being sober for some time. When you help someone who has relapsed on cocaine, you’re also saving them from potential overdose.

Heart Conditions

Underlying health conditions magnify the dangers of cocaine use. Its stimulant effects could trigger a life-threatening reaction in people with heart conditions. 

How to Prevent Cocaine Overdose

The best way to prevent a cocaine overdose is to not use it at all. With cocaine, there’s always a possibility of overdose. 

While abstinence is the safest approach, harm reduction strategies can help minimize some of the risks associated with cocaine use:

  • Education is a powerful harm-reduction tool that helps you stay dose-aware. Sticking to clear use limits and avoiding binge use may reduce the risk of an unintentional overdose.
  • Never use drugs alone. A friend or support person can be a lifeline. If you accidentally overdose, they can assist you right away and improve your chances of survival. 
  • Test the purity of your substances. The U.S. is facing an alarming rise in cases of cocaine cut with fentanyl.8 The combination is lethal. Testing kits, or fentanyl test strips, help check substances for traces of fentanyl. 

If you can’t stop using cocaine despite the risks, this may signal a deeper concern. Treatment can help you address the root cause of cocaine use. It takes honesty and strength to ask for help. As intimidating as it may seem, the payoff is life-changing. 

Treatment for a Cocaine Overdose 

To treat an overdose, get immediate medical help. Medical professionals will manage symptoms and work to stabilize the person’s condition. Depending on the situation, treatment for cocaine overdose9 includes oxygen support, blood pressure medication, CPR, and more. Currently, there’s no medication to reverse a cocaine overdose.

Find Recovery From Cocaine Addiction

If you’re caught in a cycle of cocaine use, recovery is possible. Because it’s a common problem, experts have been developing various treatment options for years. 

Detox is usually the first step. Cocaine withdrawal and detox isn’t life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable. Detoxing under medical supervision can ensure your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Different types of talk therapy are used in addiction treatment. Contingency management, which targets the brain’s reward system,10 shows promising results for cocaine addiction. One study found that it’s especially effective in early recovery.  

Residential rehab is effective for treating cocaine addiction.11 Programs usually last 30 to 90 days. During this time, you live on-site in a therapeutic environment away from triggers. Daily schedules are usually an intensive mix of therapies, recovery activities, and downtime. 

Group therapy offers a safe space for sharing experiences with others who’ve faced similar struggles. You can find ongoing support through your rehab’s aftercare program, ongoing therapy, and in-person or online support groups. 
Treatment paves the way for a healthier, more fulfilling, and sustainable lifestyle. Search cocaine addiction treatment options and compare by price, location, insurance accepted, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Overdose

What are the signs and symptoms of a cocaine overdose?

Signs of a cocaine overdose include elevated heart rate, increased body temperature, sweating, rapid or shallow breaths, chest and stomach pain, nausea, and more. Symptoms can show up within minutes to a few hours after you last used cocaine. If someone is showing signs of a cocaine overdose, call 911 immediately.

What is the treatment for a cocaine overdose?

There’s currently no medication to reverse a cocaine overdose. Medical professionals will work to stabilize the person’s condition. Treatment may include oxygen support, blood pressure medication, or CPR. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone has overdosed on cocaine. Overdose can happen whether or not someone has a cocaine addiction.

What are some signs that someone may have laced cocaine with fentanyl?

Signs that someone may have laced cocaine with the opioid fentanyl include:

• A strong chemical smell
• A different color or consistency than usual
• A smaller amount of powder than usual

Dangerous physical symptoms of cocaine laced with fentanyl include stronger effects than usual, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. You can use a test kit to check substances for traces of fentanyl.
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Staying Committed to Sobriety: Practical Tips for Success

Sobriety is an ongoing commitment. You’ll face successes, setbacks, growth, and joy along your journey. They’re all part of the process and work to serve the greater goal of a healthier, happier you.

Addiction touches many parts of life, but you can claim them back. And people do recover. Sobriety gives your body the chance to heal. Your relationships can come out stronger, your self-esteem better, and you may find a new sense of purpose. 

Sobriety requires embracing a new way of life, and change comes with challenges. However, you can make the journey smoother. These 9 tips show you how to stay committed to sobriety. 

Set Clear Sobriety Goals

Clear sobriety goals let you envision where you want to be and track the progress you’ve made. They offer a reminder of your journey’s purpose and promote recovery in many ways: 

  • They enhance motivation. 
  • You increase your focus. 
  • You can track your achievements and celebrate the wins.

Several rehab programs and therapists recommend setting SMART recovery goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. These goals are focused and broken down into small, manageable steps. When you reach each milestone, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.1  

These are examples of goals to support sobriety:

  • Stay sober for 60 days.
  • Join support group meetings once a month. 
  • Go on a 30-minute walk 3 times a week for one month. 

You’ll set sobriety goals with your therapist or care team during treatment. As you transition back to daily life, you’ll revisit and readjust them to align with your evolving needs. 

Seek Professional Support

Professional care helps you commit to sobriety after treatment. It’s especially effective when combined with tailored therapies. Many treatment types are available: 

  • Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). One study found that people who received MBRP for alcohol addiction had a lower relapse rate2 than those who didn’t receive treatment. 
  • Virtual therapy is equally effective as in-person treatment.

Whether or not you’re in a formal rehab program, you can turn to therapists, counselors, addiction specialists, and sober coaches for addiction recovery. They all offer a safe space for you to do the vulnerable work of healing. Some people use their titles interchangeably, but they have slightly different roles from each other: 

  • Therapists have training on connecting with clients. Many therapy positions require a master’s degree.
  • Counselors draw from their experiences to connect with clients. 
  • A Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) might specialize in a certain field of addiction, like adolescent addiction.
  • Sober coaches offer non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders.3

Experts make sobriety more achievable by offering valuable advice, holding you accountable to your goals, and helping you feel less isolated.

Build a Support Network

Recovery may feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Support networks offer a group of people who share your experience. Peers in support groups motivate each other’s sobriety,4 exchange stories, and provide emotional support. They also decrease the risk of relapse. 

You can find support groups for different needs:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Cocaine Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • SMART Recovery

A strong community can be life-changing. Studies show that people who feel supported by their network are more motivated to stay in recovery.5

Identify and Manage Triggers

A trigger is a stimulus that causes a craving response. In some cases, triggers lead to addiction relapse. Relapse is normal in recovery. However, you can plan around it by understanding your triggers. The beauty of the healing journey is that you get to know yourself better, including your triggers.

Some triggers are common and can affect anyone: 

Triggers are a part of life. In recovery, you’ll learn to manage them, rather than eliminate them. Tools for managing triggers may include the phone number of a support person, a comfort object, a calming mantra, and other healthy coping strategies. 

Develop Healthy Coping Strategies

Many people turn to substances to cope with difficult or stressful life situations. Stress isn’t always bad—avoiding it altogether is unrealistic. You can learn healthy ways to manage stress. 

Healthy coping strategies may include a mix of movement, creative outlets, and other hobbies. You may find that you enjoy certain group activities, like rock climbing or yoga. Other healthy habits include art workshops, gardening, cooking, reading, and more. 

Craving management is another coping skill that supports sobriety. It teaches you to control impulses and work through urges so that you don’t fall back into harmful patterns.

A toolbox of healthy coping mechanisms can improve your quality of life. 

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques reduce cravings7 and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness means being aware of your thoughts, bodily sensations, feelings, and environment in the moment. It involves noticing the here and now with gentle acceptance. 

There are several mindfulness techniques taught in both group settings and one-on-one: 

  • Meditation is a tool to stay focused on the present moment. You have many different ways to meditate, whether through a class or guided podcast. 
  • Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on breath and movement. Several studies show that yoga reduces substance cravings.8 
  • Mindfulness walks involve focusing on sensations as you walk slowly. You may notice the ground beneath your feet, the way the breeze feels, and more. 

Mindfulness techniques help you stay sober by giving you healthy ways to cope and manage your thoughts and emotions. Some practices, like yoga, also provide community.

Celebrate Sobriety Milestones

In recovery, it’s important to celebrate the big and small wins. Acknowledging your achievements is a way to honor all your efforts and progress. Plus, positive reinforcement motivates people9 to commit to a substance-free life.

For some, planning milestone celebrations can be just as exciting as the experience. These milestone celebration ideas show you just how rewarding it can be:

  • Connect with nature. Planning a trip to your favorite scenic spot, like the beach or a hiking trail.
  • Treat yourself to a spa day with massages, facials, and pure relaxation.
  • Join a new exercise or crafts class you’ve always wanted to try. 
  • Explore a new restaurant or cook a special meal at home.
  • Share your accomplishments with loved ones who have supported you.
  • Update your milestone journal and send a kind message to your future self. 

Celebrating successes boosts motivation. Each time you celebrate, your brain releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter.10 This creates a positive association with milestones and drives you to want to achieve more. 

Practice Self-Compassion

We don’t always show ourselves the compassion that we deserve. This may have led to substance use in the first place. Learning to love yourself again is a significant part of the healing journey. For many, it’s one of the most profound parts of what happens when you get sober.  

Sobriety itself is an act of self-compassion. You can supplement it with other ways to show yourself that you care:

  • Talk to yourself with kindness like you would with a friend.
  • Acknowledge your thoughts without judgment.
  • Treat yourself to activities that spark joy, like hikes, art classes, or relaxing quiet time.

It’s easy to show self-kindness when everything’s going great. True self-love shines in how we treat ourselves in tough times. Setbacks are frustrating, but they serve as opportunities for growth. They don’t define your progress, and how you respond to them matters. Be patient with yourself during this time. 

Avoid Overconfidence

You should feel proud of how far you’ve come. At the same time, it’s important to recognize potential concerns of overconfidence. Overconfidence, or feeling invulnerable, can lead to complacency. And you may not be ready to loosen the rules around your sobriety just yet. 

Avoid overconfidence by developing a balanced perspective. With practice, you can strengthen your ability to maintain that balance: 

  • Reflect on your journey. For some, keeping a sobriety journal helps. Others may prefer to talk about their recovery. 
  • Stay connected. Your support network can help you identify biases and stay grounded.
  • Adjust your goals. Make sure they’re aligned with your current situation. 
  • Lean on professional help when you need it. 

Find Meaning and Purpose

When drug addiction takes over, it’s easy to lose sight of life’s meaning. Sobriety is a chance to rediscover your sense of purpose. 

Finding purpose is a personal journey. Certain things can guide the process. Kendall Bronk,11 a researcher on purpose at Claremont Graduate University Kelly, suggests 7 ways to find purpose12 in UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine: 

  1. Point out what matters to you.
  2. Reflect on your values to clarify your purpose.
  3. Identify your strengths.
  4. Give back. Many people in recovery find purpose through volunteering. 
  5. Imagine what your best self looks like. 
  6. Cultivate awe and gratitude.
  7. Look to people you admire. 

Whether you rediscover old passions or try something new, take time to explore what truly matters to you. Finding meaning can make your experiences that much richer and your life in recovery that much more joyful.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Stay Committed to Sobriety

What are some tips for staying committed to sobriety?

Here are some tips for staying committed to sobriety:

Set clear sobriety goals.
Seek professional addiction treatment.
Build a support network.
Identify and manage triggers.
Develop healthy coping strategies.
Practice mindfulness.
Celebrate sobriety milestones.
Practice self-compassion.
Avoid overconfidence.

How can I find a support network for sobriety?

There are many ways to find a support network for sobriety. Here are a few ideas:

Attend support group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or SMART Recovery.
Join an online sobriety community.
Talk to your therapist or counselor about finding community.
Connect with other people in recovery. Support groups can be a good place to start.

What are some common triggers for relapse?

Common triggers for relapse include stress; difficult emotions such as anger or sadness; people, places, or things associated with past drug or alcohol use; certain social situations, such as parties or bars; exposure to drugs or alcohol; and boredom. Being aware of your triggers allows you to develop a plan for dealing with them healthily. 
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25 Recovery Quotes for the Christmas Season

Although addiction has no yearly time frame, the holidays can be a hard time for people with an addiction, those in recovery from substance use disorders, and their loved ones. Staying aware of recovery-related topics can help ensure that each family member or friend feels comfortable to celebrate. Discover recovery words of wisdom to inspire you this holiday season.

Recovery Quotes

Quote #1 

“Forgiving yourself, believing in yourself, and choosing to love yourself are the best gifts one could receive.” ― Brittany Burgunder

Quote #2 

“I am not defined by my relapses, but in my decision to remain in recovery despite them.” ― Anonymous 

Quote #3 

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Quote #4

“Be stronger than your strongest excuse. Be greater than your most negative voice.”

― Alan Maiccon

Quote #5

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Quote #6

“It’s the days you have every right to break down and fall apart, yet choosing to show up anyway is what matters most. Don’t diminish the small steps that others can’t see.” ― Brittany Burgunder

Quote #7

“I am a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work the more luck I have.” ― Thomas Jefferson 

Quote #8

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on―it is going on when you don’t have strength.” ― Napoléon Bonaparte

Quote #9

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” ― Confucius

Quote #10

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” ― J.K. Rowling

Quote #11

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote #12

“One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.” ― Demi Lovato

Quote #13

“Change your thoughts, change your life.” ― Lao Tzu

Quote #14

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson

Quote #15

”At the end of the day, you can either focus on what’s tearing you apart or what’s keeping you together. ” ― Anonymous

Quote #16

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” ― Mark Twain

Quote #17

“Recovery is hard. Regret is harder.” ― Brittany Burgunder

Quote #18

“Every worthy act is difficult. Ascent is always difficult. Descent is easy and often slippery.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Quote #19

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ― Alice Walker

Quote #20

“Don’t let the past steal your present.” ― Terri Guillemets

Quote #21

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” ― C.S. Lewis

Quote #22

“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” ― Charlotte Whitton

Quote #23

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu

Quote #24

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” ― Albert Einstein

Quote #25

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” ― Henry Ford

Recover in Love

Whether it’s the holiday season or not, you can always prioritize healing. Discover the best version of yourself by exploring and connecting with rehabs near you.

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What to Know Before Dating Someone in Addiction Recovery

Recovery is a life-changing journey and an admirable undertaking. It also comes with significant challenges that can impact how someone shows up in a relationship. If you’re dating someone in recovery, anticipating and learning how to navigate these challenges—and taking care of yourself in the process—is key.

Here’s what you can expect, and how to ensure the relationship is healthy for everyone involved. 

Understanding Addiction Recovery

Recovery is a transformative journey that people take on when overcoming addiction and its underlying causes. It’s not just about abstaining from a substance, but also a deeply personal healing process. People in recovery often undergo profound transformation, rediscovering their sense of self-worth and purpose in life. They learn to cope with past traumas, unmask what drives their addiction, and learn new coping skills. For most people, recovery is a lifelong endeavor that involves continuous self-improvement.

It’s helpful for loved ones of those in recovery to understand this process, both to establish healthy boundaries for themselves and to be supportive to their partners. 

Dating in Early Recovery 

Addiction experts generally advise against dating in early recovery. That’s because this stage—the first year of sobriety—is a vulnerable time in which people are processing traumas and going through changes. It’s a good time to focus on introspection and healing. 

It may also take some time before the dust settles enough to see relationship patterns clearly. One man in recovery, Chris Boutte, explains how he used women to fill the same void he filled with drugs and alcohol:1 

As with my moment of clarity about drugs and alcohol, I had to sit back and think about what else I was using to fill this void, and the answer was women…I then realized that I wasn’t only dependent to drugs and alcohol, but I was dependent to relationships.

People can get addicted to sex and love just as they can to substances. But true happiness comes from within, and much of the work of early recovery has to do with cultivating happiness without the use of addictive behaviors.

Disclosure and Communication

In any relationship, honest communication is the key to trust and intimacy. This is especially true when dating someone in addiction recovery. To foster this, you can create a safe space for candid discussions about recovery, including past addiction issues. 

This vulnerable sharing can bring couples closer. But addictions are rooted in trauma, which is a sensitive subject. Remember that your partner has a right to open up about their past if and when they’re ready. Talking through it can be healing, but pressuring someone to disclose their trauma2 is often triggering and counterproductive. 

When you do enter these conversations, practice listening actively and without judgment. That means not only hearing the words your partner says but also understanding their feelings, concerns, and needs. By being non-judgmental, you create an environment where your partner can open up without fear of criticism.

Emotional Ups and Downs

The journey of recovery involves ebbs and flows. As your partner progresses through their healing process, they’ll run into challenges. Past traumas may surface unpredictably as they venture into parts of themselves they previously avoided. They may be elated at times as they feel newly empowered or connect with joys they didn’t feel during addiction. 

It helps to know that processing the past can influence your partner’s present emotional state. And while you can provide safe space and a listening ear, it’s not your job to soothe their negative feelings. These emotional shifts are a natural part of recovery, and their own experience of this journey—even when unpleasant—is important.

Triggers and Relapse Concerns

The world is not a trigger-free place, and while your partner should learn to manage triggers, it’s also a good idea to avoid them if they’re feeling especially vulnerable. Relapse triggers3 can be environmental, emotional, or social.

  • Environmental triggers include being in places associated with past substance use.
  • Emotional triggers can stem from stress, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. 
  • Social triggers can arise from peer pressure or interactions with friends who still use substances. 

Recognizing these triggers is the first step to minimizing their impact. 

Responding to Signs of Potential Relapse 

Understanding signs of relapse can help you proactively avoid it: 

  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Secrecy
  • Mood swings
  • Social withdrawal 

If you notice these signs, address them early on with compassion and care. Be prepared to act quickly and seek professional help if the risk of relapse becomes imminent. If your partner does relapse, remember that backsliding is part of the recovery process for some and doesn’t mean total failure. Reconnecting with professional and social support can be a great opportunity to recommit to sobriety.

Keeping lines of communication open and allowing your partner to discuss their concerns freely, as well as encouraging habits that support their sobriety, can go a long way in empowering their recovery. 

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are a cornerstone of any healthy relationship, but are especially important to prioritize when dating someone in addiction recovery. This protective framework ensures the relationship remains healthy and supportive for both of you. By setting, respecting (and when necessary, reinforcing) boundaries, you create an environment of safety and trust.

Your boundaries may require adjustment as your needs change over time. As your partner progresses in their recovery journey, situations or topics that were initially off-limits may become acceptable as they feel less activated. Be willing to engage in conversations about modifying boundaries so they reflect the evolving needs of both partners. 

Supporting Recovery Efforts

Your partner is taking on a huge endeavor. You can be a source of encouragement and belief in their ability to overcome challenges. But it’s crucial to understand the difference between support and control. Your partner’s recovery journey is their own. Trust your judgment and avoid enabling behaviors4 that could hinder their progress and lead to a dysfunctional dynamic.

Attending Support Groups or Therapy Together

Joining your partner in support groups or therapy sessions can be a transformative experience. Attending therapy together allows you to gain an understanding of their journey, learn effective communication strategies, and address shared challenges. These experiences strengthen your connection and provide guidance for discussing issues you may not feel confident navigating on your own. It’s not just about your partner’s recovery; relationships are a shared opportunity for growth and healing.

Creating a Safe, Substance-Free Environment

Maintaining a substance-free environment is critical for the success of your partner’s recovery. Remove any substances from your spaces and communicate your expectations for your household. By creating an environment that prioritizes sobriety, you foster mutual respect and shared aspirations for a healthy, substance-free life together.

Self-Care for Partners

As a partner of someone in addiction recovery, it’s easy to focus all your energy and attention on their well-being. Keep in mind that your own self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. The emotional demands of supporting someone through their recovery can be taxing, and neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an investment in your ability to show up as your best self.

Healthy Coping Strategies

Incorporate self-care strategies into your daily routine. This could include setting aside time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. Exercise, creative expression, and mindfulness practices are powerful stress relievers. Maintain boundaries to prevent your partner’s challenges from overwhelming you, and remember it’s okay to ask for help or take breaks when you need to. Staying close to your own social support network is also key. Surround yourself with friends and family who understand your situation and can provide emotional support when you need it.

Seeking Support or Therapy When Dealing With Unique Challenges

Therapy or support groups are invaluable for partners dealing with the unique challenges of supporting someone in recovery. These resources offer a safe, confidential space to share your feelings, receive guidance, and gain tools for coping. Therapy can help you navigate your role in your partner’s recovery, manage your own stress and anxiety, and address any codependency issues that may have developed. 

Prioritizing your own emotional well-being and personal growth makes for a healthier, more balanced relationship with your partner in recovery. 

Navigating Relationship Challenges

One common hurdle when dating someone in addiction recovery is miscommunication due to differing expectations or past issues. Past traumatic experiences5 can sometimes cause mistrust or insecurity, which can show up as hurtful behaviors. It’s helpful to anticipate these challenges and address them as they arise. With patience, understanding, and mutual effort, you can build a resilient partnership with someone in recovery.

Resources and Support

Thankfully, plenty of resources can help you understand addiction and how to navigate your relationship with someone in recovery:

Books

Websites

Support Groups

Professional Help

Sometimes, complex challenges require professional help. Couples therapy or counseling can provide a structured, supportive environment to address issues and build a healthier partnership. Trained therapists or counselors can help you navigate the intricacies of dating someone in recovery and provide tools to strengthen your relationship. You can also attend therapy on your own. 

It’s Okay to Reach Out

Remember that you’re not alone in this journey and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. Reach out to your own support network for advice or simply a listening ear. Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, and it can make a huge difference in how you navigate the challenges of dating someone in recovery. Prioritize self-care and your emotional well-being, and never underestimate the power of community and professional help when facing these complex challenges.

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How Long Do Drug Cravings Last?

Cravings are an intense urge to use a substance. They’re a normal part of early addiction recovery. Several factors influence how long drug cravings last. These include the type of substance, length of use, and relapse history. 

A cue-driven craving episode1 lasts anywhere between a few minutes to 30 minutes. They’re usually stronger and more frequent in the early stages of recovery, especially in the first 2 weeks after quitting a substance. Cravings become less intense over time.2 You may experience them sporadically for months or years after quitting a substance. But you can learn to manage cravings with proven coping techniques so they’re less intense.

What Causes Drug Cravings?

Complex interactions between your brain and a range of factors cause drug cravings. These factors include your environment, social setting—even your beliefs and values.

Drugs and alcohol influence the brain’s reward system.3 Specifically, substances alter your levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, reward, and motivation. During addiction, your brain makes positive connections between substances and feelings of pleasure. Over time, your body needs more of a substance to feel the same effects. This is what builds tolerance and eventually leads to addiction. 

When you stop using a substance, your body and brain experience withdrawal. As this happens, your brain will try to restore balance. Cravings are a result of your brain adjusting its chemical levels.4 

Internal and external cues also come into play. Certain people, places, situations, and sensations that remind you of the substance can elicit a dopamine response. As your brain fires dopamine, it urges you to act. The result is intense cravings.    

Factors Influencing Drug Craving Duration

Type of Drug

Different substances affect the brain and body differently, influencing craving levels. 

Certain drugs, like opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine, have an intense and immediate effect on your brain’s reward system. This leads to stronger, more frequent cravings. They also cause more severe withdrawal symptoms, which can trigger cravings as a way to seek relief. 

For example, nicotine produces intense cravings. People experience a nicotine high within 10 seconds5 of inhaling. But the effect fades just as fast, driving people to smoke more. Withdrawal symptoms appear as early as a few hours after the last cigarette and can motivate cravings. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, just 6% of smokers are able to quit6 each year. Smoking cessation treatment programs show promise for managing nicotine cravings and quitting smoking.7

Other drugs, like marijuana, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, affect the brain more gradually and subtly. You can still develop tolerance to them, which amplifies cravings. 

Some drugs may produce longer-term cravings compared to others. For example, cocaine cravings peak several days after quitting8 and can last years. Meanwhile, nicotine cravings peak within 24 hours after you’ve quit smoking. They usually last a few weeks but can persist for months. 

Duration of Use

The duration of substance use impacts the timeline of cravings. In general, the longer you use a substance, the likelier you’ll be to experience cravings after you quit. Chronic substance use changes brain structure and function, especially in the brain’s reward circuit. You can become more sensitive to triggers and less responsive to natural dopamine rewards, like exercise. 

Long-term drug use damages areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment. As a result, you might find it harder to manage negative emotions or cravings. 

Relapse History 

Relapse is commonly a part of recovery.9 Your history of relapse can influence the duration of drug and alcohol cravings. 

Experts are still researching the impact of relapse history on cravings. Some studies suggest that relapse increases cravings by reinforcing positive associations between drug use and reward. Others suggest that relapse can reduce the anticipation of a drug’s effects,10 thus decreasing the severity of cravings. 

While the debate is ongoing, there’s a clear relationship between cravings and relapse. Understanding this is an important part of relapse prevention. 

Do Drug Cravings Disappear Entirely?

Many people who struggle with addiction wonder, “How long do drug cravings last?” The answer isn’t so simple—cravings are unique to each individual. But through addiction treatment and a commitment to your long-term recovery, cravings eventually fade. 

Managing cravings is important to recovery, and it takes awareness, self-care, and support. Group therapy can be a good place to learn what craving management tools work for others. You may pick up some techniques to apply to your recovery too. Over time, as your brain recalibrates, your cravings will decrease.

Find Professional Help for Drug Cravings

Because cravings are a predictor of relapse,11 strategies for dealing with cravings are key to relapse prevention. These might include learning to recognize triggers, distraction techniques, substituting substance use with healthy behaviors, and most importantly, support. Support from family members and others in your sober community helps reduce isolation, provides emotional and informational guidance, and motivates you to stick with your recovery. 

Addiction treatment programs teach you how to manage cravings in a safe environment. They can also teach your loved ones how to better support you. Craving management is an important part of relapse prevention planning that can serve you well into long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Drug Cravings Last

How long do cravings last for drugs?

The duration of drug cravings varies depending on factors like the type of drug, length of use, and relapse history. Cravings are most intense in the early stages of recovery, up to 2 weeks after quitting. Some people experience cravings for months or years after quitting a substance. With effective addiction treatment, you can manage cravings so they’re less intense over time.

Why do some drugs produce stronger cravings than others?

The type of drug a person uses can influence the intensity and frequency of cravings. Drugs that have a strong and immediate effect on the brain’s reward system, such as opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine, are more likely to produce intense cravings. These drugs also cause more severe withdrawal symptoms, which can trigger cravings as a form of relief.

What is the difference between cravings and withdrawal?

Cravings are an intense urge to use a substance. Meanwhile, withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when someone stops using a substance. Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous, but they’re often temporary. Cravings, on the other hand, can persist for a longer time, even after withdrawal symptoms have subsided.