Making the decision to get treatment for issues related to substance abuse or addiction is an extremely personal and, in most cases, difficult process, so it’s not surprising that there are a variety of excuses addicts make to avoid going to rehab for treatment. For […]
Whether a person is actively living in recovery, has yet to attempt sobriety or has been sober and recently relapsed, battling the disease of addiction comes with a lot of emotional baggage, most notably guilt and shame. When dealing with guilt vs. shame, it’s important […]
It’s impossible to define exactly how important music is in our day-to-day lives. It has the power to bring people together, to soothe sad feelings, and even outline the beliefs and cultural touchstones of the many unique societies around the globe. So, it’s not an […]
As November comes to an end and the holiday season swings into full gear, the list of party invitations begin to pile up. There are the office parties, neighborhood-block parties and any number of friends and family that take pride in throwing their annual ugly-sweater […]
Adjusting the way we think and act is one of the most difficult aspects of recovery, whether it’s from past trauma, depression, substance abuse or any number of life’s challenges. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals overcome uncertainty or ambivalence […]
In more ways than one, Massachusetts, which has been at the heart of the opioid crisis in the United States, is now leading the charge to fight the epidemic. The state has suffered devastating loss of life due to heroin and opioid addiction. According to […]
“You don’t see cancer patients or diabetics stealing from the jewelry box or the family,” Annie Highwater writes in the description of her book, “Unhooked: A Mother’s Story of Unhitching from the Roller Coaster of Her Son’s Addiction.” Battling her son’s addiction to opioids, this […]
“In the unlikely event of an emergency,” flight attendants tell us at the start of every flight, “oxygen masks will appear in front of you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. If you’re traveling with a child or someone who […]
It’s difficult to measure the value of a good dog. Beyond mere anecdotal evidence, research suggests that dogs (and other pets) can help people come back from traumatic experiences, lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression and, yes, even be powerful allies in recovery from addiction […]
One of the harshest and most ineffective policies of the U.S. government’s “war on drugs” is the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act which was passed in 1996. Sponsored by Republican John Kasich, Ohio’s state representative at the time, the act banned anyone with […]
