Sobriety Archives - Northern Illinois Recovery Center

Tips for Staying Sober and Preventing Relapse in the Summertime

Summer can be a challenging time for individuals in recovery, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to stay sober and enjoy all that the season has to offer. It’s important to discuss the importance of sobriety, the benefits of staying sober, the risks of substance abuse, strategies for maintaining sobriety, navigating social situations, coping mechanisms for cravings, and seeking professional help

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What Is California Sober and Is It Effective?

What Does it Mean to be California Sober?

Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

The concept of sobriety has evolved recently to include a new term: “California sober.” You may have heard this phrase, or “Cali-sober,” in conversations around lifestyle choices and substance use, particularly within communities that advocate for moderation or alternative approaches to sobriety.

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10 Tips for Staying Sober After Treatment

Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

Congratulations! You may have just completed substance abuse treatment at Northern Illinois or another treatment center. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Although making it through the treatment process was absolutely a major accomplishment, recovery doesn’t end here.

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Tips for Having a Sober Independence Day Celebration

Addiction Treatment, Aftercare, Alcohol Addiction, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Detox, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

Independence Day is one of the highlights of summer. It means fun in the sun, backyard BBQs, fireworks, and friends. For people in recovery, it might also be a little stressful.

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Benefits of Having a Sober Summer Vacation

Addiction Support Group, Addiction Treatment, Aftercare, Recovery, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

As the weather warms up and summer approaches, you probably want to start planning get-togethers and trips with friends. A lot of the time, summer plans might include food, fun–and alcohol.

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What is the Definition of Sobriety?

Addiction Treatment, Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Detox, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Information, Drug Rehab Centers, Recovery, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

When you’re dealing with addiction, the definition of sobriety can seem confusing. Living a life of sobriety may seem out of reach when struggling with a substance use disorder (an addiction to drugs or alcohol).

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Making Sense of Sobriety

Addiction Treatment, Addiction Treatment, Aftercare, Recovery, Rehab, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

What is sobriety? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the definition of sobriety is simply not being intoxicated. Furthermore, the manual explains that sobriety is more about the absence of drinking problems, not about abstinence.

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How to Maintain Your Sobriety During the Holiday Season

Addiction Treatment, Sobriety, Substance Abuse / Dr. Beth Dunlap

Every December, many American families get together and make merry. It is a month of glad tidings, and alcohol is often part of having fun. However, if you are in recovery from substance abuse, the holiday season can be difficult to maintain sobriety. The holidays can remind you of drinking escapades, family problems, past trauma,

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How To Have a Sober Halloween

Recovery, Relapse, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

Halloween celebrations provide an opportunity and the freedom to have fun. Many people choose to let loose during this time. It is in the spirit of the celebration since people explore their dark sides during Halloween. For someone who is recovering from addiction, this day comes with its fair share of temptations. Friends will try

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4 Benefits of Following a 12 Step Program

Addiction Treatment, Aftercare, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Sobriety / Dr. Beth Dunlap

Patients have access to many addiction treatment options. Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) rank high in popularity. A 12 step program helps patients build a peer support system. In doing so, they can continue moving through the recovery process. Northern Illinois Recovery Center can guide you through the 12 Step

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