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A drug overdose is a scary and often life-threatening situation. An overdose can happen to anyone, whether you’re a first-time user or someone suffering from a prolonged substance use disorder. Drug overdoses are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. In 2018, 67,367 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses. When a person…
For centuries, society viewed addiction as a moral failing. People with substance use disorders were told they did not have the desire or willpower to quit. In fact, some people still do not believe that addiction is a disease. Addiction, however, is not a moral failing. It is a chronic disease that often requires medical…
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…
Opioid addiction is now a public health emergency in America, with the crisis directly impacting hundreds of thousands of people. More than 115 people die from opioid overdoses every single day. In 2016, 42,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses, more than any year on record. And this crisis isn’t just about heroin: prescription drugs were…
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…
Nicks Success Story: Breaking the Cycle Addiction was nothing new to Nick. His father drank routinely, and after watching his family fall apart, Nick told himself he would never drink or do drugs. Yet, as the stress of school, friends and the pressure to fit in grew stronger, he fell victim to the disease of…
It takes courage to ask for help to overcome substance abuse. For some, help for a substance use disorder involves a stay in a Residential Treatment facility. If you have never been in treatment before, it can be overwhelming not knowing what to expect. Do I Need to Go to Rehab? While it might be…