The holiday season is upon us, and it can be a stressful time for some. The holidays have a way of being the most wonderful time of the year, yet also being filled with plenty of temptations and triggers. Parties with family, food, travel, and shopping…it’s not easy to put your sobriety first among all […]
Recovery from drugs or alcohol is a journey that differs from person to person. However, the end goal is always to lead a life free from the clutches of your addiction. The path of sobriety has many obstacles along the way, and with a strong support system and the willingness to live a sober life […]
This past year brought on many unexpected stressors to our lives, such as; the COVID-19 Pandemic, colder than usual winter weather, many canceled trips and events, and extreme isolation from our friends and family. Now that society has slowly begun to return to normal and summertime is here, this means beaches, pools, and lots of […]
Mental health has taken a step into the spotlight over the past few years. With more people prioritizing their mental health, the stigma behind these conditions has been slowly decreasing. In 2018 The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 47 million adults over 18 reported some form of mental health condition in their […]
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, an annual educational campaign begun by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. This campaign began in 1988 to highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse. In April, we bring attention to the importance of prevention strategies and treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse. Since their start in 1988, […]
“We don’t have a choice to be sick; but we do have a choice to fight for recovery.” – Anonymous. It was a beautiful summer morning at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Joseph was on his way back from his usual morning run. This day was slightly different, though; 49-year-old Joseph was facing prison time for […]
Withdrawal symptoms are defined as physical and mental symptoms that can occur in a person who stops or reduces their consistent intake of drugs or alcohol. These can sometimes be life-threatening depending on the severity of the addiction. Medical professionals should monitor any person going through withdrawal symptoms, especially if they worsen over time. There […]
In mid-March of 2020, the world was faced with a global pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The first case originated in Wuhan, China, before quickly spreading across the world in a matter of months. To protect anyone who was not infected and those at higher risks, such as the elderly, […]
The DUI Cost is Often Steep When one is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, they will most likely need a DUI lawyer. They can usually expect to face harsh consequences which may include jail time. Most likely hefty fines at a minimum if convicted in court. The DUI cost, however, becomes exponential […]
Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process and treatment for addiction varies for each individual based on individual needs. Treatment programs teach clients how to focus on healthy, sober activities as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, depression, or PTSD. The coping mechanisms that you learn in treatment must be used throughout recovery to […]
Deafening Silence… I heard this two word expression so many times, but I did not put much thought into it. That is until the day my life changed in just a quick moment. Our son’s behavior started to change in subtle ways. He seemed to be secretive and sneaking around at times. We caught him […]
Excessive gaming can affect a person’s physical and mental health, personal relationships, and work or school. Drug or alcohol addiction changes the way the brain functions and the same happens when a person has a gaming addiction. This makes the person continue gaming despite negative consequences. Excessive gaming can lead to isolation, social anxiety, and […]
Medical professionals prescribe painkillers as a way to manage pain from an injury, surgery, or trauma. Painkillers are highly addictive opioids, such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, Dilaudid, and Demerol. These medications are used to treat pain, short-term; however, opioids are also used for long-term illnesses such as cancer. The opioid epidemic has been declared a national […]
“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).” It can be difficult for a person who suffers from addiction and mental health issues to […]
Not everyone who drinks or uses drugs is an addict. So why am I an addict? They say that the first step in addressing any problem is admitting that you have a problem, but admitting I was an addict was the last thing I wanted to do. It seemed to me that admitting that I […]