People who are struggling with their drug or alcohol use often wonder at what point is substance abuse treatment necessary? It’s important to understand that substance abuse isn’t something that is quantifiable. It’s not about saying this number of pills a day is too many. Or thinking, well I don’t drink as much as so and so, therefore I must not need help. Substance abuse is when you continue to use drugs or alcohol regardless of the negative consequences it has on your life or health. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to hit rock bottom before you seek help or encourage a loved one to seek help. Read more →
Recent research shows that not only are doctors abusing prescription drugs at about the same rate as the general population (as many as one out of every ten doctors is struggling with a substance abuse problem), but their reasons for abuse tend to be the same as well. What becomes tricky are the treatment options. What we are finding is that traditional treatment options are not always conducive to the needs of physicians.
A study back in October in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, found that doctors tended to abuse prescription drugs such as Percocet, Oxycontin, Vicodin, sedatives and stimulants more than alcohol or illicit drugs (albeit those substances are abused among physicians as well). And although some doctors abusing prescription drugs did so for recreational use or to get high, many turned to prescription drugs for the following reasons: Read more →
What is the first step when someone is hoping for recovery in the New Year? Where does one begin looking for relief from drug or alcohol abuse? When working towards recovery in the New Year, it’s important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Different people need different types of recovery plans, which is why we customize a program specifically to the needs of each individual we work with. It’s also why we begin every recovery program with a nutrition-assisted detox that addresses the damage caused to the brain from chronic use and better prepares an individual for the necessary changes that promote recovery. Read more →
What does family and recovery mean? Family members can play a very important role in their loved one’s recovery from drugs and alcohol. Whether your loved one has been in recovery or is just starting, there are many ways to offer support and encouragement.
Here are some ways to help your loved one begin or maintain their healthy life in recovery. Read more →
With the holiday season in full swing, I recently did a guest blog post for SoberNation.com called “Gearing up for the Holidays,” which discusses how to keep sobriety and joy during the holiday season.
“The holiday season can be a difficult time for anyone, especially someone in recovery or new to recovery. Aside from a schedule often riddled with trigger-filled parties, there is the added stress of money, work, and family this time of year. Money seems to be tight, deadlines loom before the first of the year, and families (in which relationships can be strained from years of alcohol and drug abuse) are expected to come together and be merry. It can be a recipe for disaster, which is why you have to prepare!” To read the rest of the article click over to the Sober Nation’s website here: http://www.sobernation.com/gearing-holidays/.
Experiencing a traumatic event can put anyone at risk for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When something traumatic happens, we experience shock while our brain processes it. This is usually short-lived (several days or weeks). But with PTSD, an individual becomes stuck and is unable to move past this physical and psychological state of stress and fear. Instead of gradually feeling better over time, they may continue to feel bad or feel worse. Read more →
