Deciding to address substance use is a significant step. It takes courage to even consider it. But one of the biggest fears people face is withdrawal.

As winter approaches and daylight hours shrink, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. For those in recovery or actively managing substance use, these seasonal shifts can create additional challenges.

Close to 50 million Americans over the age of 12 have struggled with some kind of substance abuse disorder in the past year. Attempting to calculate how many loved ones have also been impacted by this reality is virtually impossible.

As you move forward with addressing addiction issues, you will encounter triggers. This little word covers a lot of ground. A trigger can be anything that causes the brain to believe a “read” in the form of alcohol, drugs, etc., is on the way.

If you have a physical injury or illness, for the most part, people will offer much more sympathy than blame. In the realm of addiction, however, stigmas remain. Even well-meaning souls will view alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a choice people make.

Addiction can be a complex concept. It takes many forms, including alcohol addiction, substance use, and other unhealthy behaviors. Thankfully, addiction is an entirely treatable condition. The key is understanding what is causing the addiction to occur and gaining awareness of the extent of its reach.