Great Oaks Recovery Center Blog

Having a routine—whether it’s a structured schedule or simply a set of intentional habits—plays a major role in supporting your overall well-being. According to Northwestern Medicine, routines offer several important benefits: Improved physical health. Achieved through consistent habits such as regular exercise,...

We all want to feel better—emotionally, mentally, physically—but sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the smallest shifts. A great book can be that nudge: a spark of insight that helps you reframe your thinking, take action, or simply feel seen. Whether you're...

The nicotine in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes plays a central role in making these habits so difficult to stop. As a stimulant and highly addictive substance, nicotine triggers your brain’s reward system, leading to short-term feelings of pleasure and relaxation, which reinforces...

Returning to the real world after treatment can be overwhelming as you transition from the structure of rehab into everyday life. While it’s only natural to feel uncertainty and fear, a foundation of continuing care offers essential, ongoing support to help you...

In recovery, a trigger is defined as “a stimulus that elicits a reaction”. This includes situations, emotions, or environments that prompt cravings or the urge to return to substance use. Triggers are a natural part of recovery, but they can be powerful,...

Some people find it difficult to learn new ways of thinking or accept change, while others seem to adapt easily to just about every situation. Is it possible to build upon what we know and how we usually think? Researchers believe that...

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported: “Public safety sector workers including firefighters (structural and wildland), law enforcement officers, emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, and corrections personnel are at a high risk of occupational exposure to traumatic events and...

Many people initially think of addiction and dual diagnosis treatment as a punishment. In reality, it's a beneficial opportunity for growth and progressive development. For example, learning about the concept of emotional regulation and applying certain practices to your life reinforces stability...

It’s easy to assume that a recovering addict must adhere to a strict protocol of “no medication — ever” to maintain sobriety. The thought is that the risk of a slip into addictive behavior or a full-blown relapse is far too high....

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis. CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a ‘high’.” The chemical has become popular in recent years because of its potential therapeutic effects. ...