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...]
Gratitude: A Daily Routine | The Benefits of Gratitude in Recovery
People most frequently discuss gratitude and being thankful during the holiday season. They are often acknowledging the benefits they have or received or will receive. While it is possible to express insincere gratitude, most people give thanks because they are truly happy with something in their life. This positive mindset is beneficial for both mental and physical health. It can provide people … [Read more...]
PTSD, Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Experiencing trauma does not mean a person will develop an addiction, but studies suggest those who have suffered trauma are more at risk. Trauma does not have to be a catastrophic life-altering event to have a substantial impact on someone. While trauma may involve experiencing physical harm, it is more often linked to the emotional response of a person following an event. How Can PTSD and … [Read more...]
#FitLife: Regaining Health Through Exercise
It seems as though every day is the new World [fill in the blank] Day. This month, posts about World Mental Health Day flooded social media. These posts spanned from general mental health awareness to “call me if you need a friend” messages to heartfelt stories of individuals who know or are someone personally struggling with mental health issues. For many, these troubles end in drug or alcohol … [Read more...]