What is the discomfort around drinking when it comes to socializing? Are people uncomfortable around you when you don’t drink, or do you feel awkward? It’s correctly said that alcohol is the one drug you have to justify not using to others. People will never ask, “can’t you do just one gram of meth” the…
Get Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment on your Phone
Affect’s telehealth treatment program for alcohol and drug addiction has helped thousands of people gain control over their lives and manage substance use disorders through our smartphone app. Now the program has expanded to provide intensive outpatient (IOP) rehab services in Ohio and Kentucky, with Florida and other states coming soon. This higher level of…
Mental Health is the Number One Crisis in America, and Addiction is the Number One Cause
Mayors from all over the country addressed Congress this week about the mental health crisis they’re facing, the surge in demand for services, and the challenges in resources. Addiction is at the top of the list: in 85% of the cities, substance abuse is identified as the main cause for increased need. Hillary Schieve, mayor…
Addiction Treatment Works Better with Rewards and Technology
If you’re interested in decreasing your substance use and living a healthier life, Contingency Management (CM) is a novel, evidence-based approach that you should know about. CM has been shown to be highly effective in helping individuals reduce substance use, make positive lifestyle changes, and maintain abstinence. Until recently, CM has largely been limited to…
How to celebrate a sober 4th of July
The Fourth of July is upon us, and while it’s a time of celebration and fun, it can also bring its own set of challenges for those of us on the path to sobriety. From triggering situations to social pressures, this holiday weekend might seem overwhelming. We wanted to share some practical tips and tricks…
Saying “I need a drink” is a red flag for alcohol use
The simple sentence “I need a drink” is one of the biggest red flags of alcohol use disorder. It means one of two things: you need a drink to cope with something, or you need a drink because you don’t feel right without it. If you say it, take a pause and think about what…
How to keep sober on holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and any special occasion where people gather and celebrate together can be mine fields for the person who is protecting their sobriety or trying to manage their consumption of alcohol. No matter where someone is in their recovery journey, the temptations and pressures are always there. There’s that dreaded awkward moment when…
Gaslighting and Addiction
Every year, the Merriam-Webster dictionary selects a word of the year. For 2022, it’s “gaslighting.” The dictionary publisher noted that look ups for the word increased by 1,740% over the course of the year. Gaslighting and addiction are intertwined. Read on to learn more about how addicts gaslight others as well as themselves, and what…
How to stay sober and manage drinking during the holidays
Holiday time is often called “prime time” by the sober community. Starting with the Thanksgiving holiday and running through New Years, the season is full of both triggers and pressures to drink or use drugs. How can someone in recovery stay sober during the holidays? How can someone moderate their drinking if it’s becoming a…
Virtual, Online, and Telephone AA & NA Meetings
Twelve-step meetings online give you a recovery community, Affect puts a licensed addiction treatment program in your pocket. It’s an unbeatable combination for beating addictions to alcohol and drugs, and you don’t have to go to a clinic or a meeting. It all comes right to you. Alcoholics Anonymous is the original twelve-step recovery program.…