People drink and use drugs for a reason; they want to feel different. For many of them that reason is hazy when they first enter treatment. As they detox and their brains begin to heal, they are able to make the connection between life events and their pattern of drinking or using. They see that there were [...]
The line between substance abuse and addiction is often hard to see until it has been crossed. An individual may deny they have an addiction until the consequences are overwhelming and undeniable: a lost job, broken relationships, a DUI, financial problems, legal issues, or a serious health condition. The CAGE Test is one way to [...]
Addicts and alcoholics often describe their addiction as cunning, baffling and powerful. It has the ability to destroy their careers, financial savings, relationships, hopes and dreams. During the holidays it is particularly brutal, ready to bring potentially disastrous consequences into the lives of millions. For the part of the brain that controls addiction, the holidays [...]
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 [...]
