Mountain Laurel Recovery Center Blog
Welcome to our Blog! We feature articles written by MLRC as well as select guest bloggers, who write about alcoholism, drug addiction, and recovery. Please feel free to contact us anytime at (888) 909-7989. We’re here to help.
Setting Achievable Goals in Recovery
Having realistic goals can keep you focused on your recovery and give you a sense of accomplishment. Setting goals that are achievable and well-defined is essential for success. Never place demands on yourself that are not reasonable or within your reach. If you have...


How Creativity Benefits Recovery
Creativity can play an important role for those in recovery. While some may believe using a substance can enhance one’s creativity, this does not hold true. In fact, it can do the opposite and weaken a person’s natural talents and creativity. Recovery can serve as a...


Chronic Pain in Recovery: Non-Opioid Treatment Options
Chronic pain can be intense and affect all aspects of life. It can make it difficult to get through the day, not to mention participating in activities you once enjoyed. Treating chronic pain can be challenging for those in recovery who need to eliminate opioid drugs....


Six Common Challenges in Early Recovery
Early recovery can often be difficult. You’ll certainly face obstacles in your first months of being sober, including triggers in the form of people, places, or feelings that make you want to return to your old habits. Learning to live life without using substances...


Ways to Manage Holiday Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time, but even more so if you are newly sober. Being surrounded by friends or family who are indulging in festive drinks can make it hard to stay on your journey. Keeping your stress level under control and having tools in place to help...


How to Prepare for Your First Sober Thanksgiving
Getting ready to attend your first Thanksgiving sober can feel overwhelming. Maybe you celebrated Thanksgiving in the past by overindulging in your substance of choice. Now that you are sober, you will need to handle the holiday in a whole new way. You may feel...


Five Ways to Focus on Living in the Present
Living in the present moment is one of the most important parts of a lasting recovery. Worrying about past mistakes or looking too far into the future can be overwhelming and stressful. Stress deteriorates your health and increases the risk of relapse. Living in a...


How to Rebuild Trust With Loved Ones
Rebuilding trust with a loved one after you have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction can often be a challenge. Your family or friends may feel betrayed or hurt by your actions. Yet regaining and rebuilding trust is a necessary part of the recovery process and can...


Ways to Manage Anxiety
It is not uncommon to feel anxious, but when anxiety overtakes every aspect of your life, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. And if you’re also in recovery from a substance use disorder, it’s especially important that you take steps to manage that anxiety....


How to Stay Sober with a Dual Diagnosis
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States live with a mental health issue and at least one type of substance use...