Recovering from addiction is a process, and for most, it is a process that will last a lifetime. The opportunity for relapse will always exist – at parties, after-work social events, or even when meeting new people. That’s why it’s so important to build a solid foundation when undergoing drug and alcohol rehab. Learning to engage in social activities without reverting to old habits is an essential step on the path to recovery. It’s all part of developing the life skills to live, renewed and without addiction, and have the confidence to re-enter society.

At the end of September, several Gatehouse residents experienced a five day camping trip into the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. The excursion into nature was a tremendous success for everyone. Residents didn’t need alcohol or drugs to get a rush. They had fun hiking, swimming, fishing, and sleeping under the stars. These young adults grew closer together and formed friendships on this trip that will provide support even after they graduate from Gatehouse.

Being in a clean, natural environment also gave each person the opportunity to reflect on their personal progress and their own struggle with addiction. Realizing how far each of these young people have come, and how much their lives have changed for the better provides support and encouragement.

There’s no question the event was a success. Andrew P., one of the residents who went on the trip, wrote his reflections on the experience and he shares with us how meaningful and fun the excursion was for him. It’s a great example of how nature can have a positive effect on people in recovery.

People across the nation are dying every single day from prescription drug abuse overdoses and illegal substance abuse. It’s a scary situation when addiction hits people in every community. To help our nation get some answers, today is Drug Facts Chat Day. Head on over to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s site to chat about drug abuse and its impact on your life and community. The chat lasts all day from 8 am to 6pm EST.

Also in the spirit of Drug Facts Chat Day, a recent Washington Post story featured one family’s struggle as they lost their daughter, Nicole, to a heroin addiction. Nicole’s mother and an addiction specialist were on hand for a live discussion on dealing with addiction. They answered questions on a wide range of topics – everything from how to treat someone in recovery and what to do to get help for someone you love who is addicted.

Illegal drugs are dangerous and damage your heart, plain and simple. However, many people dispute that fact. Dissenters say that drugs are “safe” to use and that parents are just “paranoid” about drug abuse. For those who do not agree that most drugs do hurt the heart, give them the facts.

A very detailed article hosted by NBC and iVillage details how marijuana, meth, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and other drugs cause heart related diseases and problems that are often life-threatening. Not only is this a great resource of information, but you can rest assured that it is medically accurate because three doctors have reviewed it.

According to the article, crystal meth overdoses can cause a heart attack. Ecstasy makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Cocaine use causes several different kinds of heart problems, including Hypertension, Endocarditis, and Thrombosis. Using heroin can lead to blood clots or collapsed veins. It’s yet another reminder that drugs are chemicals that have an impact on how our bodies function.

It might seem like a double standard – parents telling their kids not to drink, but the teens know their parents enjoy a few drinks over dinner, at the game, or at parties. It is very easy for teenagers to feel like their parents are just treating them like “children” when they council them not to drink. Others say the drinking age was established because young adults are not responsible enough and that they lack the maturity to monitor their alcohol consumption.

However, a recent article in the U.S. News and World report suggests there is much more to it than all of that. New research shows that people, who have their first drink as a young adult – prior to age 18, increase their risk of becoming alcoholics.

"The key finding of this study was that people who started drinking before age 15, and to a lesser extent those who started drinking at ages 15 to 17, were more likely to become alcohol-dependent as adults than people who waited until 18 or older to start drinking," corresponding study author Deborah A. Dawson, a staff scientist at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism said in a news release from the institute.

Underage drinking isn’t something to take lightly. It can be the first step to a lifetime of alcohol abuse.