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 [...]
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 [...]
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 Suboxone, is that the answer?” “Will Vivitrol cure my son’s addiction?” How wonderful it would [...]
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 I was contacted by a mother who was frantic following a phone call from her [...]
In the next several blogs we'll discuss connections between the Stations of the Cross and the stages of addiction. The first Station is about Jesus' condemnation to death; just like many addicts, He felt a sense of abandonment and rejection. Many people have life experiences that cause them to feel abandoned or rejected. These feelings [...]
The Stations of the Cross is a prayer that facilitates union with God through the passion of Christ. Traditionally, it is a devotion practiced largely by Catholics, particularly on Fridays during the season of Lent. Over the years we’ve come to appreciate this devotion as being far more than a simple recitation of prayers. In [...]
Life in recovery can have many benefits and positive experiences. The key to staying in recovery is to discover the goodness and the fulfillment life has to offer when you are drug-free. People who are engaged in a proactive recovery from addiction: Do things to help them manage stress Work on building and sustaining healthy relationships, especially [...]
Like any chronic disease, addiction needs to be treated; however, the answers do not lie in quick fixes. Overcoming addiction requires learning the tools, strategies and behaviors that enable someone to manage life without resorting to drugs or alcohol as the easy answer. Help is important, because the addicted person must learn to think, act, and [...]
For some people the main obstacle keeping them from entering addiction rehab is their job. How do they tell their boss? What do they say to co-workers? Will they be fired? Fortunately the answers are often easier than they think. At St. Joseph Institute, we take care of most communication with the employer. For those [...]
