Getting Ready for Christmas
Christmas is a very special time at St. Joseph Institute. We have been busy preparing for Christmas during the 25 days of Advent. We prepare ourselves spiritually by reviewing the origin and history of Christmas carols. Each morning we set [...]
Safe For the Holidays
Amid the festivities of the Holiday Season there are some important concerns that must not be ignored. When friends and family gather to celebrate and spend time together, alcohol and other mood-altering substances are often found in abundance. Too often [...]
Trouble in Paradise
Addiction rehab in Florida may not be the best choice. As winter arrives in Pennsylvania, the “destination rehabs” in Florida crank up their marketing efforts. Sometimes families find it easier to convince someone to get help for a drug or [...]
Is there room at the Inn?
People often ask us “what does faith-based mean?” “Does it mean that you will be preaching at me?” “Will I be welcome if I don’t participate in organized religion?” “Can you help me re-connect with my faith?” These are important [...]
Drugs in the Workplace: Bad for Business
Michelle didn’t seem to take her job too seriously; she was usually 5-10 minutes late, took an excessive amount of breaks and often called in sick, all without remorse. However, she was clearly one of the best saleswomen in the [...]
Addiction is Only the Beginning
For decades addiction treatment has followed a common path; using 12 Step groups and regular meetings for addicts and alcoholics. However, the rapidly expanding knowledge of addiction and the workings of the human mind is leading to new approaches [...]
Consequences: A Critical Tool in Addiction Treatment
When we acknowledge that addiction is a brain disease it becomes easier to understand that there is a battle going on inside the addict’s head. They hear the “voice of the disease” saying that they need drugs and alcohol to [...]
The Case Against Methadone, Suboxone and Other Medication-Assisted Treatments for Addiction
I spend a lot of time talking to families determined to find help for a loved one who is addicted to drugs. Inevitably the conversation includes the questions: “Aren’t there some medications that will make them stop?” “I’ve heard about [...]
7 Hard Truths About Opiate Addiction
I recently spoke with a young man who was “having a problem with opiates.” In actuality, he was trying hard to convince both himself and me that his prescription medication abuse wasn’t serious. Certainly he felt it would be wrong [...]
Not All Drug & Alcohol Rehabs Are Equal
I don’t like to voice criticism of other rehab programs. Every business has some players that are focused more on making money than providing quality service. But when there are lives being hurt, it’s time to speak out. This morning [...]
