Addiction isn’t a moral failure or lack of willpower—it’s a complex brain disease that rewires how we process pleasure, stress, and decision-making. Substances like alcohol, opioids, and stimulants hijack the brain’s reward system, flooding it with dopamine and creating a powerful drive to seek that high again and again. Over time, the brain adapts by…
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Recovery from substance use is a journey that involves not only physical healing but also emotional growth. Emotional resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges—plays a vital role in maintaining sobriety and improving overall well-being. At Compass Recovery, we emphasize the importance of building emotional resilience as part of a holistic…
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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder Identifying AUD can be challenging, as it manifests differently in each individual. Common signs include: Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to achieve…
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Recovering from addiction is a profound achievement, but sobriety is not just about stopping the use of alcohol or drugs—it’s about building a fulfilling and meaningful life beyond them. A significant part of that process involves finding purpose and setting goals. Purpose gives your sobriety a sense of direction, while achievable goals help you make…
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Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and bring light to even the darkest days. This Thankful Thursday, take a moment to reflect on: What is one thing you’re grateful for today? It could be a supportive friend, a small victory in your recovery, or even the courage to keep going. Share your gratitude…
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The first 30 days of sobriety are often the most challenging yet incredibly important in laying the foundation for long-term recovery. The Compass Recovery team is here to help guide you through the beginning stages of recovery and assist you in making informed decisions about your care. The following steps can help you get started…
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One question that we get asked frequently when individuals reach out looking for help with substance use disorder is “How do I know if I need detox?” At Compass Recovery, our certified drug and alcohol professionals can work with you to determine the appropriate level of care as you set out on your recovery journey.…
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When Covid-19 emerged as a serious threat last spring, in-person recovery meetings shut down abruptly as many businesses, churches and community centers closed to the public. I panicked when I received a text that my daily morning twelve-step meeting was closed “indefinitely.” My routine was upended and I suddenly felt like I had been set…
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Last week I wrote about the notorious Bermuda Triangle, those dangerous weeks constituting the terrible trifecta that is Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The holiday season can be incredibly difficult for those in recovery, no matter their religion, creed or spiritual practices. In fact, this time of year is such a danger zone for addicts…
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Turn on the television in December, and you are bombarded with images of Christmas Joy — smiling families, a jolly, red-faced Santa, presents underneath the sparkling, crowded Christmas tree, tables piled with food — and alcohol. And that’s the thing. The holidays can be fraught with anxiety, depression and loneliness for addicts and alcoholics, whether…
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