Regaining Control: A Young Mens Success Story Feelings of isolation, fear, lack of control and failure were all too familiar for Mariusz. When attempts at creating an idealistic world to escape his reality fell short, Mariusz found comfort in alcohol and drugs at age 15. Like many young men, Mariusz began drinking on the weekends with a new group…
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Gateway Foundation President and CEO Dr. Thomas Britton and Gateway alum Nick spoke to Niala Boodhoo on Illinois Public Media’s The 21st show to discuss the current opioid crisis and Nick’s journey to recovery. To listen to the podcast, click here. “It destroyed everything.” Nick’s addiction had severe consequences. It damaged his relationships with family and loved ones. He found himself…
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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…
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People who experience both mental health and substance use disorders don’t need treatment for one disorder and then the other. Instead, they need treatment for both disorders at the same time. For this reason, Gateway Foundation offers dual diagnosis treatment in a truly integrated manner. We use an interdisciplinary, team-based approach that includes doctors, psychologists, and licensed…
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Craig’s Alcohol Success Story The trouble didn’t come all at once. Craig had a family he loved and a job he cared about. From the outside, life seemed pretty good. But too often, it didn’t feel that way to Craig. In his mind, he was stagnant. This is Craig’s alcohol success story. “My life felt…
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Opioid drug abuse is one of the biggest public health issues facing the country today. The harmful effects of opiates can have devastating consequences on every aspect of an individual’s life. Opioid abuse can result in legal troubles, family problems, financial hardships, long-lasting health problems and loss of life. What Are Opioids? Prescription opiates, as…
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For many people, leaving treatment presents a whole new set of obstacles to overcome. One way to face these obstacles is to get involved with a recovery community. A recovery community gives people the opportunity to connect with others who have shared experiences and helps them build connections with one another. Importance of a Recovery Community Marty Cook,…
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What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is the consumption of alcohol that raises a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 or above. For men, this usually takes five or more drinks in two hours, and for women, it usually takes four or more drinks. In contrast, the recommended amount of alcohol consumption for women is no…
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Nearly 70 percent of high school seniors have tried alcohol, 50 percent have taken an illegal drug and more than 20 percent have used a prescription drug for a non-medical reason. Research has found most people start misusing drugs and alcohol during this time. Learn more about adolescent substance abuse, and why teen drug abuse and teen alcohol…
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Out of the Ring, into Recovery Before he became a voice of recovery, Everett abused alcohol and crack cocaine for about 20 years. He let down his extended family, his children and their mother. He felt like he was in a boxing ring, fighting a 12-foot monster. “I’m in the ring and I’m not even swinging anymore…
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