Monthly Archives: July 2021

Treatments for Substance Use Disorders

treatment

Treating substance abuse disorders can be challenging but, with the right treatment methods, sobriety is possible. Finding the right treatment is one of the most important decisions you will make during your recovery. There are several programs and methods to choose from, and you must choose a treatment program that is the most beneficial for […]

Finding Self-Empowerment in Recovery

Battling addiction is painful and can trigger feelings of helplessness. Active addiction can make you feel powerless because it takes away your ability to make sound decisions. The journey to reclaiming power over your life can be a difficult one but, with the proper tools and guidance, you can recover and take control over your […]

Nelsan Ellis: A Cautionary Tale About Detoxing Alone

On July 8, 2017, critically acclaimed actor and playwright, Nelsan Ellis, passed away at the Woodhull Medical Center in New York. He was best known for his award-winning role as Lafayette Reynolds in the hit HBO show, True Blood. He went on to star in films like The Soloist, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and Get […]

Misuse of Prescription Stimulants

Approximately 16 million adults in the United States used prescription stimulants in the past year. Drugs such as Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are generally used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. These medications stimulate the brain and central nervous system to give you a temporary boost of energy and increase alertness. When used […]

Factors That Contribute to Substance Use Disorders

When we are born, no one knows whether we will develop a substance abuse problem but we can make a prediction based on predisposing characteristics. The chances of developing substance use disorders are typically based upon three major factors: biological, psychological, and sociological. These factors can mean the difference between a person who uses substances […]

Prompts for Your Addiction Recovery Journal

Journaling is a very effective way to express your thoughts while keeping them private. It allows you to discuss difficult things, track your progress, reflect, and hold yourself accountable. Your journal is a safe space for you to be as candid as possible without worrying about being judged. It is a great way to relieve […]

Finding Self-Forgiveness

Feelings of guilt and shame are common for those in the throes of addiction. There will be countless times throughout your recovery where you will reflect on your past and, if you do not know how to manage the feelings of guilt that come with that, that reflection can lead to a world of self-doubt, […]

Intensive Outpatient Programs: An Overview

Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer services for people who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction but do not require medically supervised detoxification or 24-hr supervision. IOPs share some similarities with residential treatment programs, but the structures of the two are vastly different. IOPs allow you to continue direct services while adjusting to […]

Dual Diagnosis: An Overview

dual diagnosis

When a person has both a mental disorder and a drug or alcohol problem, they are considered to be dually diagnosed. It is not uncommon for people to experience both conditions—about 50% of people who have a mental or substance use disorder end up suffering from the other at some point in their lives. Co-occurring […]

Crime of the Century: HBO’s New Documentary on the Opioid Epidemic

As of 2019, nearly 500,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids. HBO explores this opioid epidemic in their latest documentary, The Crime of the Century.   The opioid crisis has taken a toll on communities all across the United States, from major urban cities to small-town America. Tragically, the number […]