Talking to kids about a parent's substance abuse problem isn't easy, but this is a conversation you simply can't ignore. Brushing the topic aside gives children the message that addiction is a shameful family secret. Instead, plan to discuss a parent's decision to seek treatment in an age-appropriate manner—setting the stage for open and honest [...]
Nationwide, the opioid epidemic killed more Americans in 2016 than the wars in Vietnam and Iraq combined. On October 26, 2017, President Donald Trump officially declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. The Roots of a National Crisis The term opioid is used to refer to substances that act on the opioid receptors [...]
The relationship between binge drinking and alcoholism is often misunderstood. The majority of binge drinkers are not physically dependent on alcohol, but binge drinking is considered a significant risk factor for developing an alcohol use disorder. What Is Binge Drinking? Binge drinking refers to consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. [...]
The relationship between alcohol and depression is deceptive. Since drinking is often a part of social gatherings, it may seem like a few beers would be a great way to take your mind off your troubles. However, alcohol can actually worsen depression symptoms. In some cases, it may even induce depression in someone with no [...]
An intervention is often the best way for someone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction to begin their path to recovery. People struggling with substance abuse are often suffering from denial about the extent of their problem, so hearing firsthand how their actions have affected their loved ones can serve as a wake-up call. This [...]
Meet St. Joseph Institute’s Alumni/Aftercare Coordinator and PRN Counselor, Emily Benjamin. An alumna of St. Joseph Institute (SJI) and a self-professed nerd, Emily brings joy and enthusiasm to her work. Her passion comes in large part from her own experience as a recovering addict and the thrill she finds in being able to live [...]
There are several personality traits that have been linked to an increased risk of addiction. It's important to note that addiction is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including genetics, environment, and individual experiences. Personality traits are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are six personality traits that have been associated with a [...]
Withdrawal is the first step towards addiction recovery, but it's an often misunderstood part of the process. Why Withdrawal Occurs The term withdrawal refers to the symptoms someone with a substance abuse problem experiences after suddenly stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal typically begins within a few hours of when the abused substance [...]
Co-occurring disorders are mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD, that occur in people who are also suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. This is sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that most mentally ill people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction are [...]
If you're interested in a holistic approach to addressing your substance abuse issues, massage therapy may be an option to consider. Although it's not a commonly used part of addiction treatment, massage therapy offers several benefits to people in recovery. Here are some of the reasons why: 1. Promotes Detoxification The squeezing and pulling motions [...]
