addiction counselor agoura

What Gratitude Can Do For You...Especially if You're in Recovery

If you're in recovery from addiction, then perhaps you already know why you want to stay sober. See how gratitude can help you with sobriety in your life.

VIDEO: Jodie Sweetin Opens Up About Her Struggle with Sobriety on DWTS

Jodie Sweetin is most popularly known as Stephanie Tanner, from the 90s sitcom, Full House. Full House was a part of Sweetin's life from when she was 5 to 13. In the video below she describes leaving her Full House family as a "big shift" in her life. She also states that this was the first real loss she had ever experienced, and because of that she didn't know how to grieve. This lead her to getting involved with drugs and alcohol. Watch Sweetin open up about her sobriety in the video below:

Adult Children of Alcoholics

There  a quite a few adults who lived with an alcoholic while growing up. According to an article on Psychology Today, Ann Smith says, 18% of adults grew up with an alcoholic. As a child they may not realize that they are living with an alcoholic or that living with one is affecting them. Most don't even realize the scars, until they get older. Therapy is effective in helping adult children of alcoholics. Below are some important elements of effective treatment and recovery.

Help With Your Drinking or Drug Use Can Begin with an Addiction Therapist

It’s rather common for a person to come home from a long day at work and have a glass of wine or a beer. However, when the body and the brain come to rely upon having that drink then there might be a problem. If you’re drinking or using drugs regularly, then addiction treatment might be necessary. Working with a therapist before, during, and after treatment might be the best way to ensure ongoing sobriety. 

How to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Revolving Door of Rehab

Addiction is not something that is easily cured overnight. Addiction is something that people will have to battle for the rest of their lives. Addiction doesn't end when your done with rehab. There is still work that has to be done after to keep from entering back into the addiction. Most people who have an addiction end up going to rehab more than once in their lives. Addiction.com has some tips on how to avoid getting stuck in the revolving door of rehab. 

The College Partying Scene

It is not an unknown fact that more and more college students are getting involved in the party scene, which usually involves heavy consumption of alcohol. Addiction.com posted an info-graphic with some information about the college partying scene. There are three main groups of college student that are at risk for getting involved in the party scene. These 3 groups are: Freshmen, Athletes, and Greek Fraternity/Sorority members. Students that attend the following types of schools are less likely to drink heavily: Two-Year colleges when commuting, Traditionally black or women's colleges, Larger schools.