Most people don’t truly understand addiction. They see an unhealthy dependence on drugs or alcohol, and mistakenly think addicted individuals lack willpower or have some kind of moral failing. Most don’t understand why an addict can’t just stop using. The truth is addiction is a complex brain disease. This means quitting takes more than just…
As a dad, you want your children to always look at you as their hero. However, if you’re struggling with substance use, the effects of your addiction are bound to impact or even devastate your family. Even if you believe you’re hiding the signs and your family doesn’t know, you’re probably mistaken. Over time, drugs and alcohol…
There’s nothing like the bond between a mother and her child. But when a mother is held captive by addiction, this disease attempts to make drugs or alcohol the most important thing in her life, until she becomes blind to everything else. If you have found yourself in the depths of drug or alcohol addiction,…
From time to time, we all need reminders that some people are out there suffering from various physical or mental issues. It’s not that they need or want our sympathy. It’s simply a matter of us being aware that we may be among the lucky ones who don’t have to suffer. To keep us aware…
What takes place in rehab is all in support of one feat, the pursuit of recovery. The entire treatment process seeks to prepare the client for a lifetime without drugs or alcohol. After treatment, the client then heads out to begin life anew. Unfortunately, not all exiting clients are completely ready to take on all…
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…