Government and healthcare – for better and for worse, the two have been joined. Their matrimony hasn’t been all that holy, but boy has it been holey. Some pretty big gaps have appeared in the areas of healthcare access and affordability, and the current political track of a repeal and replace action … [Read more...] about Marijuana & Politics: What’s Happening in 2017?
Alcohol: The Real Gateway Drug
When it comes to the real gateway drug, alcohol fits the bill. For years, people have said that marijuana is the true gateway, but recent research has proven that alcohol takes the lead. What is a Gateway Drug? A gateway drug is best described as a substance that can lead to the use of harder and … [Read more...] about Alcohol: The Real Gateway Drug
The Top 3 Co-Occurring Conditions of Addiction
When a person has a co-existing mental illness and a substance use disorder, it’s referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder (COD). It’s extremely common for recovering addicts to receive this diagnosis. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the top three co-occurring conditions of … [Read more...] about The Top 3 Co-Occurring Conditions of Addiction
Recognizing Co-Occuring Conditions in Recovery
In our previous blog, we discussed the top three co-occurring conditions of addiction: major depression, panic attacks and anxiety, and mental illnesses like schizophrenia and personality disorders. Knowing the most common dual diagnosis of addiction is important, but recognizing their symptoms is … [Read more...] about Recognizing Co-Occuring Conditions in Recovery
Meditation and Substance Use Recovery
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying that addicts aren’t addicted to substances, they’re addicted to escaping reality. While the premise of this statement is thought provoking, addiction is a real medical condition that can involve physical and psychological elements. Finding the best recovery path is … [Read more...] about Meditation and Substance Use Recovery
Private Prisons & Drug Sentences: Good or Bad?
Innocent until proven guilty. It’s the backbone of the American legal system. It’s the heart of justice. Or at least, it’s supposed to be. It’s what we’re told, what we grow up hearing, what (supposedly) sets us apart from all the other “justice” systems in the world. Yet, when it comes to the … [Read more...] about Private Prisons & Drug Sentences: Good or Bad?
Mental Illness: Why the Term Shouldn’t Scare Us
Remember the adage knowledge is power? If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you were bombarded by this statement. But there’s another that bears repeating. Words are powerful. The words we use to identify things, concepts and ideas, can immediately stir a particular emotion, reaction, or mental image. … [Read more...] about Mental Illness: Why the Term Shouldn’t Scare Us
