Addiction Articles From Our Team

Addiction recovery is rarely a straight path. Individuals face emotional challenges, physical withdrawal, and the ongoing work of rebuilding trust with themselves and others. Among these challenges, one factor stands out as critical to long-term success: hope in recovery. Hope is more than optimism—it is the driving force that keeps individuals engaged in treatment, motivates …

When people begin the journey of addiction recovery, they often discover that trauma is woven into the fabric of their struggles. Trauma may come from childhood experiences, loss, abuse, or difficult life transitions, and it frequently complicates both substance use and recovery. Traditional talk therapy can be powerful, but sometimes words alone are not enough …

Addiction often leaves more than physical scars — it creates deep emotional wounds that linger long after substance use stops. One of the most powerful and destructive emotions in recovery is shame. Unlike guilt, which is tied to specific behaviors, shame is a pervasive feeling that something is inherently wrong with oneself. For many in …

Relapse is one of the most common challenges in addiction recovery, but it does not define failure. For many individuals, a return to substance use is a sign that more support or planning is needed. That’s where relapse prevention planning comes into play. In Biloxi, Mississippi, effective addiction treatment emphasizes proactive strategies to identify triggers, …

Recovery from addiction is more than abstaining from substances; it is a comprehensive process that requires emotional regulation, cognitive control, and nervous system management. One of the most significant challenges in maintaining long-term sobriety is managing the stress response, commonly known as the fight-or-flight reaction. Stress can act as a powerful trigger for cravings, impulsive …

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using substances—it reshapes family life, damages trust, and can leave loved ones feeling hurt, confused, and distant. When relationships break down, family estrangement and addiction become tightly linked: substance use can drive separation, and estrangement can make recovery harder. The good news is that with intentional steps, professional support, …

Recovery from addiction is not just about abstaining from substances—it’s about rebuilding your life, reconnecting with yourself, and finding deeper meaning. Many individuals in Biloxi discover that integrating spirituality and recovery can provide profound support, guiding them through emotional challenges, strengthening resilience, and fostering a sense of purpose. Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion; it’s …

Trauma often leaves scars that words alone can’t reach. For many in Mississippi recovery programs, traditional talk therapy opens important doors—but it may miss deeper, nonverbal emotional layers. That’s where music and trauma healing intersect. From rhythm to melody to songwriting, music therapy creates pathways for emotional release, self-expression, and deeper healing. At Mississippi Drug …

Body image struggles are often an overlooked aspect of addiction recovery. Many individuals in Mississippi and beyond enter treatment carrying feelings of shame, inadequacy, or dissatisfaction with their appearance. These emotions can negatively affect self-esteem, increase vulnerability to relapse, and interfere with the development of a healthy sober identity. Addressing body image concerns during recovery …

First responders are often seen as pillars of strength—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who confront emergencies daily. Yet beneath this heroism, many struggle with the hidden toll of trauma, stress, and substance use. In Mississippi, first responders are not immune to the risks of addiction, and specialized treatment approaches are crucial to help them …

Recovery from addiction is more than just abstaining from substances; it is a journey that requires emotional strength, perseverance, and adaptive coping skills. Resilience training is an essential component of effective addiction treatment, equipping individuals in Mississippi with the tools needed to face life’s challenges without reverting to harmful behaviors. By cultivating resilience, clients enhance …

Addiction recovery is often portrayed as a solitary journey, but isolation can be one of the greatest challenges for individuals in Mississippi seeking lasting sobriety. Loneliness is not just an emotional experience—it can be a powerful trigger for relapse. Developing strategies to overcome isolation is crucial for maintaining recovery and building a meaningful, connected life. …

Addiction doesn’t just affect physical health or behavior—it often erodes a person’s sense of self. Many individuals in recovery describe feeling disconnected from who they were before addiction, struggling with lost purpose, self-esteem issues, and uncertainty about their future. For Mississippi residents seeking recovery, addressing identity loss and recovery is a critical component of long-term …

Recovery from addiction is not only about abstaining from substances—it is also about rebuilding a life filled with connection, trust, and meaningful relationships. One of the most critical components of long-term sobriety is cultivating sober friendships—relationships that support recovery goals, reinforce positive behaviors, and provide emotional stability. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC), …

Substance use disorders and eating disorders share more in common than many realize. Both involve compulsive behaviors, struggles with control, and underlying emotional or psychological challenges. When these conditions co-occur, they create a complex dual-diagnosis scenario that requires specialized care. In Mississippi, understanding the intersection of addiction and eating disorders is essential for effective treatment …

Recovering from addiction is a life-changing journey, and for parents, it comes with the additional responsibility of rebuilding family relationships and providing a safe, stable environment for children. In Mississippi, parents in recovery face unique challenges, including managing social stigma, limited local resources, and balancing treatment with parenting duties. Parenting in recovery is not just …

Recovery from substance use disorders often involves more than overcoming physical dependency—it requires addressing the emotional and psychological wounds that may have contributed to or intensified the addiction. For many, those wounds are rooted in trauma. In Biloxi, Mississippi, trauma-informed group therapy offers a safe, structured way for individuals to process these experiences while gaining …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people across the United States, including many here in Mississippi. While ADHD is often discussed in the context of academic or workplace challenges, its connection to substance use is less frequently addressed. Research shows that individuals with ADHD face a significantly higher risk of developing substance use …

Recovery works best when people feel safe to show up as their whole selves. For LGBTQ+ Mississippians, that safety isn’t always guaranteed—especially in healthcare. Stigma, past discrimination, and fear of being misunderstood can delay treatment and complicate recovery. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC) in Biloxi, our approach to LGBTQ+ addiction treatment is …

Denial is one of the most powerful barriers to lasting recovery. For many people struggling with substance use, admitting there is a problem feels impossible. Denial is not just about avoiding the truth—it is a defense mechanism that shields individuals from shame, fear, and the overwhelming reality of addiction. While denial may provide temporary comfort, …

When most people picture addiction, they imagine someone whose life is visibly falling apart — missing work, struggling financially, or withdrawing from relationships. But not all addiction fits that image. Some individuals maintain careers, pay their bills, and appear to have it all together while privately battling substance use. This is known as high-functioning addiction, …

Cultural humility is more than just awareness—it’s a lifelong commitment to understanding, respecting, and responding to the diverse backgrounds of clients in addiction treatment. In Mississippi, where communities are rich in cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity, practicing cultural humility is essential for effective, trauma-informed care. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center (MSDATC), we recognize …

Recovery from addiction is more than abstaining from substances—it is a journey of transformation that reshapes how individuals perceive themselves, interact with the world, and approach challenges. At the heart of this transformation lies a recovery mindset, a mental framework that promotes resilience, self-awareness, and sustainable change. Developing this mindset is essential for navigating the …

Addiction is often associated with younger adults, but the reality is that substance use disorders affect people of all ages — including seniors. In Mississippi, older adults face unique challenges when it comes to seeking help and maintaining sobriety. Many live with chronic health conditions, take multiple medications, or cope with isolation and grief, all …