The Addiction & Recovery Resource Blog

The 7 Categories of Drugs Explained

• Kate Pindera
• 15 Jul 2021

Countless factors contribute to each person’s addiction story, and the type of substance they used is one of them. To effectively understand the nature of a loved one’s addiction, you have to go beyond identifying whether it’s a recreational or prescription drug that led to their substance use disorder. It’s also crucial to know more and delve deeper into the...

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Top 5 Most Addicting Drugs in the World

• Kate Pindera
• 13 Jul 2021

Approximately over 35 million people worldwide are suffering from substance use disorder and need addiction treatment, according to the 2020 World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UN report also revealed that around 269 million people used illicit drugs worldwide in 2018—30% higher than in 2009. There’s no question that addiction has...

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5 Common Counselling Barriers

• Kate Pindera
• 8 Jul 2021

Counselling has undeniable benefits for individuals and loved ones dealing with substance use disorder. Participating in individual or group counselling sessions can pave the way for preventing relapse as well as helping you achieve long-lasting sobriety by improving your mental health. Counselling can also assist in mending relationships, helping you unlearn unhealthy coping strategies, and teach you how to replace...

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Did the Pandemic Affect Canada’s Suicide Rate?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 6 Jul 2021

As a consequence of the unique circumstances presented by COVID-19, like forced self-isolation along with the devastating economic ramifications, research now reveals that large-scale mental health vulnerabilities are to be expected, including a potential increase in Canada's suicide rate. More Canadians Considered Suicide During Pandemic  In 2019, only 2.5% of Canadians reported having suicidal thoughts within the previous year. But...

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Rate of Addiction in 2020 vs 2019 Due to COVID-19

• Mandy Sandhu
• 1 Jul 2021

The past couple of years has been exceptionally challenging for most people due to the unique obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless people were forced into isolation, battling depression while longing for the company of friends and family, worried that they would be desperately out of a job in a matter of time due to the economic shutdown seen...

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Why Therapy Is Essential in Treating Addiction

• Kate Pindera
• 21 Jun 2021

Addressing substance use disorder goes beyond overcoming your urges or physical dependence on alcohol or illicit drugs. Despite the benefits of medically guided detox, it is not the end all be all for addiction treatment. You’re still vulnerable to your personal addiction triggers and have a significant risk of falling into relapse. Here’s where behavioural therapies—such as individual counselling, partner...

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The Importance of Partner Therapy in Addiction Treatment

• Kate Pindera
• 17 Jun 2021

Addiction doesn’t only affect the person abusing drugs or alcohol; it also negatively impacts family members, friends, and colleagues. And more often than not, it’s the spouse or the partner that bears the biggest burden. It doesn’t matter whether you’re bound by marriage, living together, or have been dating for a few months, substance abuse can negatively impact your relationship....

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The Challenges of Isolation in Addiction Recovery

• Kate Pindera
• 14 Jun 2021

Addiction in and of itself is already isolating. It can cause irreparable damage to relationships with your partner, family, and friends. The overwhelming guilt from relapsing or causing people you care about so much pain can drive recovering addicts further away from those they love and who love them. In some cases, isolation and addiction also go hand in hand...

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How to Set Manageable Goals in Addiction Recovery

• Kate Pindera
• 10 Jun 2021

Mark Twain, the author of the beloved classic Huckleberry Finn, once said, “Without dreams and goals, there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here.” Setting addiction recovery goals can give recovering addicts a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating important milestones that represent how far they have come can inspire them to persevere and continuously...

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How to Set Up a Support System After Rehab

• Kate Pindera
• 7 Jun 2021

Life in recovery has its ups and downs, and that’s why having a good support system can make a difference in helping you get through it. These people can be your sounding board when making significant decisions, or a trusted ally to keep you accountable spanyour path to sobriety Your support system will be there for you as you figure...

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