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…
People tend to think of alcoholism as an all-or-nothing proposition. The perception is if a person can maintain a job and a life that is not falling apart, then they do not have a problem. The reality, however, is a lot less black and white: alcohol addiction is a progressive disease with many different degrees. Binge drinking…
Low self-esteem, a perception that one is inadequate, unlovable, unworthy and/or incompetent. It often stems from exposure to dysfunctional behavior as a child. When children bear the brunt of anger, abandonment, abuse, neglect or continual negative criticism, it can lead to feelings of low self-worth. Low self-esteem isn’t limited to individuals who have suffered trauma…
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)? Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medication, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to comprehensively treat substance use disorder. MAT can be used for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Not everyone is a candidate for MAT. Prior to initiating Medication-Assisted Treatment, medical professional evaluate the patient to…
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…
According to a 2017 article in The Washington Post, one in eight Americans have an alcohol use disorder and a 2017 Pew Research poll found that nearly half of U.S. adults have a close friend or family member who has a substance use disorder involving drugs. Do you know the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction? Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol…
For WBEZ’s final Voice of Chicagoland’s Opioid Crisis segment, host Jennifer White spoke to Gateway Director of Events Marty Cook and alum Nick about young people and life after recovery. To listen to the segment, click here. “I just imagine that the power, particularly for younger people, to walk into a room and they think their life is over because they’ll…
Justin Kaufmann spoke to Gateway President and CEO Dr. Thomas Britton and Gateway alum Spencer on WGN’s “The Download” for insights on the opioid crisis, how we can combat it, and Spencer’s journey to recovery. Biggest takeaways: “A criminal problem rather than a public health problem” Dr. Britton mentions how more government funding is being allocated to law enforcement…
Struggling with an alcohol use disorder can be devastating to your health and your life. But if you drink heavily for years, months or even weeks, stopping suddenly can cause alcohol withdrawal symptoms – serious physical and mental side effects that occur due to the body’s dependency on alcohol. Stopping drinking is an important first step to…