The discussion around substance abuse has always been polarizing. While many fight to change the conversation into a dialogue about the way in which addiction is a disease, many still believe that substance abuse is a moral choice. This belief stems from a misunderstanding about the way in which substance abuse changes the way the mind and body function. Rather than understanding the crippling … [Read more...]
Starting the Conversation & Talking About Mental Health
Many who struggle with substance abuse also battle with mental health issues as well. This is not limited to mental health disorders, but also the mental and emotional state of a person in their everyday lives. Their ability to cope stressors, negative situations, and other factors that contribute to a person’s ability to live a happy and productive life often plays a role in the development of … [Read more...]
Apps that Help with Mental Health & Well-Being
Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent, or more often diagnosed, across the United States. Studies suggest that approximately 48.3 Americans are affected by a mental health condition to some extent. These conditions can have numerous side effects that may impact a person’s ability to function in everyday life. While there are some things that can be done to improve mental health … [Read more...]
Prescription Drug Monitoring Systems | What Are They All About?
Prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high, and with the current opioid epidemic which took the lives of 63,000 people in 2016, many are questioning what is being done to combat this issue. Long before opioid abuse made headlines, many states had developed and implemented tracking systems for doctors and pharmacists to check a patient’s use of prescription medication, but relatively few took … [Read more...]
Become a Certified Counselor | Counseling Courses for Certification
Becoming a substance use counselor can be an incredibly rewarding experience.While the job is not without challenges, the opportunity to directly help a person successfully manage their sobriety is well worth it. There are many reasons to get involved in the field and numerous ways to go about obtaining the certifications necessary to start your career. Certification requirements often vary from … [Read more...]
Vivitrol: Helping to Treat the Opioid Epidemic
As the opioid epidemic soars to new heights in the United States, researchers are exploring more effective options in treatment. Due to the nature of opioid addiction, most treatments include some form of medication-assisted treatment to help overcome withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While some people claim that using medication to treat addiction is counterproductive, research shows that the use … [Read more...]
Dealing With A Son Or Daughter Addicted To Drugs: How To Sleep Again
When your child is addicted to drugs, it is scary. There are many illicit substances that could be potentially misused, and each drug comes with its own set of concerns and risks. It can be difficult to cope with a child’s drug addiction, especially when you start to reflect back and consider where it could have “gone wrong.” When children are young, it feels like we have more control. You are … [Read more...]
Dealing with an Alcoholic Son or Daughter: What to Do in Crisis Mode
The holidays are not exempt from the damage alcoholism can inflict. In fact, this time of year can be more problematic for those who struggle with alcohol abuse due to its very nature. The emphasis on family, friends, coming together, and sharing special moments can be particularly difficult for both those with addiction and their loved ones. While the holidays are a time for togetherness, it can … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Staying Positive in Early Recovery
Everyone experiences positive and negative moments in life. For many with addiction, the negative moments can play a substantial role in the development of substance abuse. Navigating negative situations in recovery can be trying. A person may have previously turned to drugs and alcohol to try to escape a slump, but that is no longer an option. Developing new ways of coping with negative … [Read more...]