Anyone who has ever owned a pet or even played with a rambunctious puppy knows there is something magical, even healing, about spending time with animals. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for substance abuse can help people find hope and healing during their intense recovery process. The healing impact of animals is a medicinal tool used for…
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Alcoholism is a pervasive issue through the United States. When someone struggles with an alcohol use disorder, they feel an overwhelming compulsion to drink alcohol. Even when not drinking, they’re preoccupied with the urge to drink. Over 15 million Americans struggle with this disease, and that’s only those over the age of 18. An additional 623,000…
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Addiction is a disease with far-reaching ramifications. Not only does it impact the individual and their loved ones, but drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace exacts a high toll on employers and co-workers. The majority of people who struggle with a substance use disorder maintain some form of employment. That means, whether or not…
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The High Cost of Drug Addiction Addiction to any substance comes with an array of destructive consequences. These consequences affect the person struggling with substance abuse, but also have a ripple effect that touches everyone around them. Friends, family and even co-workers and employers suffer when addiction takes hold of someone they know. Addiction tends…
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The Stages of Alcoholism and Recovery Alcoholism is one of the most dangerous addictions a person can have. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in America, yet few people get the help they need to address alcohol abuse and dependence. The good news is that most people can benefit from some form of treatment, but many…
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The ability to move past anger and into forgiveness is a healing experience. Unfortunately, the process of forgiving can be very difficult, especially when someone has hurt you time and time again. If your parent is an alcoholic or drug abuser, that experience can alter your perspective and lead to anger and bitterness. Growing up…
DetailsTake Strides to End Overdose in Lake County! Fourth Annual One Stride at a Time: Race to End Overdose Hosted by Gateway Lake Villa to benefit the Lake County Opioid Initiative and Gateway’s Naloxone Distribution Program. WHEN Saturday, October 19, 2019 8:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 9:30 a.m. Youth Fun Run WHERE Hastings Lake Lake County…
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Substance abuse in someone you care about is a challenge few people know how to handle. When someone begins to misuse drugs or alcohol, it often seems like they start turning into someone unrecognizable. You may struggle with feelings of helplessness and wonder what you can do to stop a loved one from continuing down…
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We all know recovering from any addiction is a process that involves many steps. Recovery doesn’t just happen all at once — it takes commitment, resilience and a willingness to do whatever it takes. When temptation strikes, your efforts to stay committed to recovery can be derailed. That’s why avoiding temptation is one of the…
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People who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) suffer from higher rates of social discrimination and stigmatization. Due to the elevated stress levels associated with the constant rejection, abuse and social isolation, members of the LBGTQ community also experience higher rates of substance abuse problems as compared to the general population. What…
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