Nowadays, we’re seeing that the illicit drug supply rarely remains predictable. Just when families, friends, and people in treatment with us at St. Gregory Recovery Center begin to understand one dangerous substance, another seems to take shape, and new questions—and risks—seem to multiply. That’s why this article exists: to help you understand a substance called
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the people, places, and things tied to past use are among the most common relapse triggers. A PLOS ONE study also suggests that swapping out a network of high-risk, substance-using friends for lower-risk, substance-free friends has a supportive effect in recovery. You may already know which relationship
Imagine living during the Great Depression, except instead of running low on money, everyone is running low on time, energy, and emotional connection. If recovery feels lonely, that feeling may not come entirely from the work you’re doing on yourself. According to the American Survey Center, we’re all living in a time where close friendships
Nowadays, finding our phones before our feet find the floor each morning may be totally commonplace. It’s entirely possible to consume images of wars, jury verdicts, or storm warnings before sitting up, stretching out, and taking a sip of coffee. Sure, constant scrolling is almost completely normalized (we invented a word for it in 2018,
What do Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and substance use disorder (SUD) have in common? At first glance, probably not much. Yet researchers continue to uncover surprising connections between how the brain processes reward, craving, and behavior across these different health conditions. That’s part of what makes glucagon-like peptide-1 medications, often called GLP-1s, so interesting.
It’s hard to think about your future or focus on personal growth when you’re worried about getting through today. That’s one reason Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs continues to resonate with so many people in recovery. According to Verywell Mind’s overview of Maslow’s work, people have to focus on basic needs such as safety, shelter,
If you’ve ever come across the Norse tale of the World Serpent, you may be familiar with the image of a snake-like creature so enormous it circled the entire earth, reaching around so that its head touched its tail. In some ways, the overdose crisis can feel just as big. It reaches into cities, small
If only scientists could pinpoint the largest threat to substance use disorder (SUD)…whether that’s education, free mental health services, universal government financial assistance, or more effective withdrawal medications. The list of possible SUD enemies could go on and on, but there just isn’t a clear foe who rages against substance use. What does exist are
You may be watching the father you love try to rebuild his life after substance use has caused damage, and you aren’t sure what to feel anymore. Throughout history, tons of fathers have stepped into parenthood without ever seeing healthy fatherhood modeled for them, and some carry the same wounds they later pass along to
Lauren McQuistin, author of the Realistic Recovery Substack newsletter, often describes substance use disorder (SUD) in a way that avoids simple opposites, pointing instead to the lived experiences of the condition: The silence in your group chat of high school buddies when one member passes away from an overdose. The total bodily transformation of someone
If the thought of following a religion makes your skin crawl, then a religious recovery center may sound like your own personal hell: Uncomfortable prayers, pressure to believe in God, and people telling you that faith is the only way to go substance-free. And if religion has hurt you before, or you simply don’t connect
When substances no longer dominate your daily routine, your nervous system might settle down, your relationships can feel lighter, and you may notice curiosity creeping back into your brain after years of survival mode. You could even begin noticing space for other parts of your life to grow. Recovery writer Lauren McQuistin reflects on many
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to exist everywhere, even if you don’t really get it. In fact, research suggests that while most people have at least heard of AI, their understanding of it varies widely by age, education level, and technical experience. But you don’t need to be an AI expert to understand how this
Human beings have been around for millions of years—at least a version of us, anyway. But prescription strength opioids, cocaine as we know it today, and other substances like methamphetamine, alcohol, and even cigarettes, have not. Nowadays, many people believe that the human brain is wired for substance use disorder (SUD), but how can that
The word “dialectical” is an adjective that can be used to describe the discussion of opinions and ideas—sometimes the ones we have of ourselves. The word “cognitive” describes the process of forming an understanding of something through your thoughts, experiences, and bodily senses. But when it’s time for your therapy session, what makes dialectical behavioral
Scientists agree that cocaine is hard to kick. Nearly 25% of people who quit eventually fall back into weekly use, and about 18% of people who enroll in residential treatment have to re-enroll within a year. So what makes cocaine use disorder (CUD) relapse so prevalent? What Is Cocaine and Why Is It so Addictive?
Are we busting a move, or are we about to take a trip with ayahuasca? It’s a trick question—we’re really just learning the difference between therapeutic dancing and the medicinal use of DMT, a trippy substance that shouldn’t be taken lightly—or literally—especially without supervision. What Is DMT? Well, it depends on who you ask
If you’ve just found out that your teenager is using marijuana, you may be scared and disappointed, searching for the next best steps to help get them on track. But before more panic sets in, just know that using cannabis doesn’t have to lead to heavier substance use or detrimental problems. It’s not the end
If you, your partner, or a loved one is pregnant and struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), you may be feeling an intense mix of emotions. You may be thrilled and nervous about being a parent—or you may be terrified of what lies ahead. All of your emotions are valid, but your health should take
People can use substances in different ways, from swallowing a pill and smoking to inhaling or injecting them directly with needles. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MSD), when you inject substances, their effects hit faster and feel stronger, leading to a more intense—and more addictive—high. Over time, repeated injections can leave behind small
It can feel like a miracle to see your loved one finally sounding steadier after fighting opioid use disorder (OUD). You both may feel hopeful—right before you find an empty bottle in their cupholder with a name you’ve never heard before. When you ask, they shrug and tell you it’s nothing. But when you Google
Entering successful, enriching recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) rarely feels like one big lightbulb moment. Creating a joyful, substance-free lifestyle usually means completing and repeating a set of new actions that slowly become automatic for you. Behavioral therapies tend to support that kind of progress really well. These therapies can help you notice toxic
You’re far from alone in your struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Millions of people as young as 15 live with AUD, and effective treatment hasn’t been (and isn’t always) accessible. Still, science seems to be on everybody’s side, showing up, offering new ideas, creating better tools, and bolstering more hope, especially when paired with
Suicide risk tends to grow when genetic, physical, and environmental conditions start stacking on top of each other. But understanding those layers can actually empower you to escape suicide’s grasp and open doors for support, earlier care, and intervention that can save your life or someone else who may be silently struggling. That kind of
The opioid crisis can feel like a house fire that’s spread—ripping through neighborhoods across the nation. A fire that large can’t be extinguished with a single bucket of water. Putting it out requires thousands of people pitching in in different ways all at once, day after day. From scientists to healthcare professionals, to families and
Finding the motivation this winter to build new routines, let alone participate in Dry January (where you cut out alcohol and other substances for an entire month), can seem impossible. For some, taking a break from substances could feel like a much-needed reset. But for others struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), quitting could spark
January, National Mental Wellness Month, brings fresh starts, cold mornings, and a reminder that mental health struggles seem to pop up as often as winter sniffles in the United States. You might notice how casually people talk about feeling overwhelmed, almost like it’s just part of daily life. But when something painful becomes so normal
Winter holidays can sneak up with a mix of stress, joy, and a whole lot of emotional noise, especially in recovery. You might feel triggered, overwhelmed, or lost and alienated when everyone else seems hellbent on spreading holiday cheer. That’s why giving back could feel like such a relief right now. Helping others often gives
Recovery can feel surprisingly lonely, even when the people you love are constantly rooting for you. Plus, having visitors in recovery may not alleviate the feeling that something’s missing. But when peers who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD) step into that recovery space with you, you might suddenly feel like others understand your day-to-day
If you live in Iowa, you may have noticed how common meth has become lately. But meth’s harmful effects aren’t just in news headlines. It can be a reality for you, your loved one, and hundreds of families in the Hawkeye State. Local reports show meth use in Iowa keeps climbing faster than almost anywhere
You might have seen something online about dopamine patches and thought, wait, can you actually get dopamine like a nicotine patch? It may seem simple: A steady drip of dopamine gives you a rush of happiness—just like exercise, a good belly laugh, a hug, or even substances would. But that’s not really how these patches
You’ve probably wondered what visiting a loved one in residential treatment is really like—what you can bring, what you can say, and whether it even helps. Picture this: a warm hug after weeks apart, a simple note slipped into a hand, or the relief of seeing your loved one’s eyes light up when they see
Recovery can open the door to a whole new kind of closeness—with people and with yourself. When you’re living substance-free, you can start to feel things more fully again—love, laughter, awkwardness, vulnerability—and all those feelings can actually be a good thing. It’s like getting access to an emotional world that was always there but muted.
You know those days when everything hits at once—your emotions spiral, your thoughts race, and you’d do just about anything to calm down? That’s when emotional regulation really gets tested. Everyone feels big emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, frustration—but for people in recovery, those emotions can feel especially intense. Learning to ground yourself when an emotional tidal
Imagine that it’s late at night, and you’re lying in bed staring at your phone. Sleep won’t come, your thoughts won’t slow down, and the cravings are louder than anything else. You open ChatGPT, telling it that you just can’t do this again tonight. Within seconds, it generates a comforting response, reminding you to breathe.
Wondering and worrying whether you or someone you care about might have a problem with substances can be overwhelming and confusing. And although you may not want to label the issue, you do want clarity. But that can be difficult since substance use disorder (SUD) is complex and doesn’t always look the same for everyone.
Whether it’s your own case or a loved one’s, seeing a personality shift due to heavy drinking can be upsetting. Normally, you might be calm and level-headed, but you become unruly or belligerent when you drink heavily. It’s important to remember that these changes don’t mean that you or your loved one’s ‘true self’ is
You might feel skeptical about faith-based substance use treatments like the kind that St. Gregory Recovery Center offers in Iowa, and that’s completely okay. Many people wonder if faith has a place in something as practical as treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). This article will help you see how faith can fit into your
Ever wondered why your heart races or your muscles tense during a scary movie? That’s stress, your body’s natural response to anything your brain may interpret as a threat. Stress can be external, like losing a job or arguing with someone, or internal, like the pressure you might put on yourself to overachieve in recovery
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people of all ages manage emotional and mental health struggles, but it can be particularly helpful if you’re navigating life with a chronic health condition like substance use disorder (SUD). CBT doesn’t erase life’s challenges, but it can help you respond to curveballs in healthier ways. In this blog,
The right recovery treatment approach can look different for everyone. This blog walks you through what Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is, why it might or might not work for you, and introduces options—especially right here in Iowa—that may feel like a better fit. You’ll also learn about the non-12-step approach at St. Gregory Recovery Center and
Wanting to live substance-free is the dream for many people who visit Iowa for recovery services, but deciding and sticking to that wish is the most powerful and personal step you or your loved one can take. It’s also the most life-changing. But taking that step entirely alone, without entering a treatment facility, can be
You might think the only requirement for entering residential treatment in Iowa for substance use disorder (SUD) is reaching your lowest point. But you never need to wait to hit rock bottom to get help. Feeling broken, hopeless, or permanently defeated is not a prerequisite for healing. At St. Gregory Recovery Center, we welcome people
Perhaps you can’t see it right now, but you’ve come a long way and you deserve recognition. It takes resilience to begin a life without substances. Recovery is no small thing, and each day you continue forward after finishing residential treatment in Bayard shows your commitment to a better future. At St. Gregory Recovery Center,
The triggers that can threaten your recovery aren’t always obvious. The biggest dangers can be subtle, like quiet feelings, old habits, or familiar places that stir something inside you before you even realize the effect they have. They can sneak up and shake your foundation, especially in early recovery, when your mind, body, and spirit
Dating someone who’s in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) can be a beautiful, rewarding experience, but it also comes with a degree of responsibility and accountability. If your partner is in their first year of recovery, it’s a particularly sensitive time. Experts may say that forming new romantic relationships during this period can increase
Your cravings may have returned, especially if you’re under extreme stress or dealing with co-occurring physical or mental health challenges. You may have failed to overcome them. You may feel like relapse is an enormous, unforgivable setback, but it’s a typical stop on the majority of everyone’s recovery journey. It doesn’t have to define you
If you’re struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), the chemical need to avoid withdrawal may become so intense that continued use outweighs the risk of relapse, overdose, or even death. Your fear isn’t unfounded. The body can become so dependent on substances that abruptly quitting can lead to intense physical and emotional distress in the
We have exciting news for musicians, music lovers, and anyone in recovery who wants to make music a deeper part of their lives. Our Iowa-based recovery center staff is here to tell our clients that music can be scientifically applied, enjoyed, and created, even while you heal. Know that the particular substance you struggle with
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is one of the most challenging substance use disorders to manage. Scientists think that cocaine is so powerful due to the “priming effect” it can have on our neurology. Priming refers to your brain having the same, higher tolerance for cocaine that built up during habitual use, even after quitting it