You’ve likely heard how hard quitting powerful stimulant drugs like cocaine is. Of course, you’re unsure about how to cope without the happy and energetic high. Further, you’re worried you won’t be able to stay sober long term. Perhaps you’re also concerned about friendships that revolve around snorting or smoking cocaine. But, your biggest fear…
For many, drinking alcohol is a way to celebrate and have fun. Generally, sipping on wine at dinner or throwing back a shot with friends isn’t a problem. However, excessive alcohol use will harm your health. Specifically, the powerful liquid will change your brain chemistry over time. As such, your body will demand more and…
Dr. Roueen Rafeyan has worked as chief medical officer of Gateway Foundation since 2016 and has been a trailblazer in the field of Addiction Medicine for over 20 years, having served as a medical director for psychiatric and substance use programs at leading Illinois healthcare institutions including Rush, Michael Reese, Resurrection and Presence Behavioral Health.…
There’s a strong correlation between trauma and addiction. Learn why you or a loved one should immediately seek help for both issues to experience dual recovery. What is Trauma? Trauma can occur following any highly stressful or life-threatening event. Traumatic events can fall into several categories including, natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, man-made catastrophes…
What is Motivational Interviewing? Motivational Interviewing is a patient-centered approach to counseling. During sessions, the counselor guides the patient to help identify their own internal resources. This helps to develop a realistic action plan unique to their individual needs and goals. The basis of the practice is to partner with the client and identify the…
What is Seeking Safety? Seeking Safety quickly and effectively addresses the root causes of substance use disorders, and helps people feel safe immediately. It is an evidence-based practice with proven results for treating substance use disorders and trauma that is both flexible and empowering. Group and individual treatment using Seeking Safety is present-focused, and does not require clients to…
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originated in response to a need for improved treatment of individuals with borderline personality disorder. However, the application of DBT has since expanded to treating people with a variety of mental health or substance use disorders. DBT was modified from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to place emphasis on…
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? The concept of “I think therefore I am” illustrates the importance of thought as an essential component of our very existence. What is cognitive behavioral therapy? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based practice that focuses on how thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect feelings and behavior. In other words, how…
What is Mindfulness Based Sobriety (MBS)? Mindfulness Based Sobriety provides a safety net for recovery. Mindfulness Based Sobriety (MBS) is an integration of mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and clinical psychologist Alan Marlatt’s research on relapse prevention. What are the Benefits of Mindfulness Based Sobriety? Patients often have the impression that experiencing triggers to relapse is somehow a…
Gateway Foundation Swansea is now officially offering acupuncture every Tuesday evening as part of its regular addiction treatment programming. Dr. Eric Waltemate will provide free acupuncture to every patient who signs up. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has gained popularity in the United States over the past decade. Historians believe the practice originated in…