How to Meet Sober Friends

How to Meet Sober Friends

Maybe some of your relationships were damaged by active addiction, or maybe you never had the support you needed, even before you started using substances. Either way, you may have looked around one day and realized that most of your interactions were with other...
Understanding Relapse and How to Prevent It

Understanding Relapse and How to Prevent It

In general terms, a relapse is when symptoms of a disease return, following a period of remission. When discussing relapse of a physical health condition, like diabetes or asthma, there is usually little or no shame attached to the term. When talking about addiction,...
Characteristics of a Good Sponsor

Characteristics of a Good Sponsor

There is a great deal of talk in the recovery community about getting a sponsor. They are often recommended as a guide who helps you on your journey. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we think it is important to consider what traits you should be...
What to Expect During the First Year of Recovery

What to Expect During the First Year of Recovery

Some people see getting sober as an end goal, but in reality, it is just the first step of a longer recovery journey. If you or someone you love has recently given up alcohol or other drugs, you may be wondering what happens next. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in...
Building Your Own Sober Holiday Traditions

Building Your Own Sober Holiday Traditions

You’ve done it. You gave up alcohol or some other drug that was ruining your life. You’re in recovery, and you’re trying to stay there. Here come the holidays, though, and you’re finding that your old holiday traditions involve people, places, or things that are on...
Urge Surfing and Your Recovery

Urge Surfing and Your Recovery

Cravings are a part of the recovery process and not anything to feel guilty about. You are not failing, just because you feel an urge to use again, whether you’ve been sober for an hour, a year, or a decade. Part of sustaining long-term recovery is learning how to...