Stigma is a word that seems to trail around behind the word ‘addiction’ everywhere it goes. It is hard not to put the two together, because it has to do with shame. It is not something people want for themselves or their loved ones, but stigma seems to be everywhere addiction goes. Opioids are another…
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When people are in recovery, they need a lot of support and confidence. Anything that threatens to sabotage this growth can be detrimental, but also triggering, which may lead to relapse. No matter how successful a person wants to become, they will not achieve their goals if they self-sabotage their growth. Mentally, there can be…
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Alcohol use disorder is a challenge for many Americans. Going to rehab is the start of a long journey the people with addiction travel. With medical needs and co-occurring mental health conditions, there are typically some things that have to be done after rehab to support a person’s recovery. Instead of returning home, they may…
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With marijuana being legalized in many states, there are new complications for health providers across the United States. The dilemma they now face is based on research that shows marijuana use may impact responses to anesthesia on the operating table and a person’s history of drug use may either help or hinder symptoms. When it…
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Therapy is a helpful way to work through triggers that may be harmful in recovery. When they come on stronger than ever, it is good to have some strategies to deal with them effectively. It starts with outlining how to navigate them when they hit and what to do if they are too strong to…
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Methamphetamine is a serious drug with major consequences for those who use it on a regular basis. It is highly addictive and is making a comeback amidst the opioid crisis. People are falling into meth addiction more frequently, but it is talked about less than the opioid crisis at the moment. Medical providers have fewer…
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Everyone has, at some point or another, taken bad advice. Maybe they took their own or someone else’s, but they took advice that did not add value to their lives. A little thing called ‘optimism bias’ gives people a sense of hopefulness things will work out, even when things don’t look so good. When people…
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When people look for help with substance abuse addiction, it might appear that detox and rehab are the way to go. Substance abuse is complicated, so there is no one solution. Family members often want to help but are not sure what to say or do in support of their journey to healing. If a…
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With sobriety and recovery, there is no one journey. Everyone will experience something different while they travel the path to healing from addiction. Some people feel confident while others lack self-esteem and struggle to pull themselves up. There are some ways to begin restoring lost confidence in recovery. Try thinking about these three things to…
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Antidepressant therapy is a great way to find support for people who struggle with depressive symptoms and need extra help navigating life effectively. Medication is often used for the treatment of depression, along with other substance use disorders, so it becomes a somewhat complex issue. Weight gain can be one unfortunate side effect of treating…
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