With the opioid epidemic making headlines every week, it's understandable to be worried about the risk of addiction if you or someone you love has been prescribed opioids. However, you must remember that opioid medication does play a vital role in the management of chronic pain for certain individuals. It does these patients a disservice [...]
When you've made the decision to seek addiction treatment, it's hard to imagine what your life will be like without drugs or alcohol. Although no two people are exactly alike, this article outlines some of the issues you can expect to deal with during your first year in recovery. Withdrawal The term withdrawal refers to [...]
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 life [...]
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 [...]
Opioid abuse remains a serious public health issue throughout the United States. This is, however, an often misunderstood type of addiction, since many people who use opioid pain medication have a valid reason for doing so and abusers often begin due to an appropriately diagnosed medical condition. About Opioids Opioids are a type of narcotic [...]
Job hunting is never an easy process, but people in recovery face some distinct challenges. From the need for a flexible schedule to explaining a spotty work history, landing a new position while in recovery will require careful planning and preparation. Daniel Krasner, Summit Behavioral Healthcare’s Assistant Vice President of National Business Development, has a [...]
The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are in the early stages of recovery. If you're used to a holiday season that involves using alcohol or drugs to socialize and celebrate, navigating a sober Christmas may feel a little intimidating. Prepare yourself for the challenge with this 7-step game plan. 1. Organize [...]
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 questions. In a world where all-to-often we see people seeking to impose their beliefs on [...]
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 that are proving valuable in treating this chronic disease. While most treatment centers treat only [...]
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 cope with life, or they really don’t have a serious problem, or what they do [...]
