The most important thing you can do if you think your teen is struggling with teen drug use is to talk to them about it. Even if you aren’t worried about teen drug use yet, drug and alcohol prevention should start early. Research indicates that when parents talk to their kids openly about drugs and drinking,…
Details
At McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition‘s first Ride for Recovery on August 12th, about 25 motorcyclists stopped to cool down at Gateway Foundation Lake Villa. McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition works with community stakeholders to reduce and change attitudes about substance abuse. About Gateway Foundation Lake Villa Located in Northern Illinois, Gateway Foundation Lake Villa offers a…
Details
World Book Day Today is World Book Day, and another day to celebrate addiction recovery. Here is our list of good reads about struggling through and overcoming addiction, recommended based on what you care about. FOR THE POP CULTURE EXPERT Recovery: Freedom From our Addictions by Russell Brand While sharing his own battles, Brand reaches out to…
Details
Two million people over the age of 12 abused prescription pain relievers in 2015. This prescription drug abuse is a growing public health concern that is considered part of the opioid crisis or opioid epidemic. In addition to the harms of drug abuse, prescription drug withdrawal symptoms can be difficult and potentially lethal. Therefore, you…
Details
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. Overdose deaths are now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50 years old. It is a medical emergency, and drug overdose symptoms require…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details