woman using laptop for telehealth drug rehab during covid-19

Safety First: COVID-19 Testing of Incoming Rehab Patients and Increased Use of Virtual Addiction Treatment and Mental Health Services

Given the rising need for addiction treatment and mental health services due to the increased stress and strain of the COVID-19 pandemic—both on individuals and society as a whole—BoardPrep Recovery Center®, located in Tampa, Florida, is taking extra precautions and establishing solid safeguards at its residential treatment facility, as well as increasing use of outpatient…

nurse wearing surgical mask during the covid-19 pandemic

Reflections on COVID-19 Pandemic and Increasing Access to Treatment for Doctors and Nurses Seeking Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Abuse

“It’s not stress that kills us; it’s our reaction to it.” – Hans Selye, Nobel Prize-nominated endocrinologist, coined the physiological term “stress” On February 29, 2020, the first COVID-19 death was reported in the U.S.[1] In the nine weeks since that date, the coronavirus has caused more than 68,000 deaths with over 1.17 million confirmed…

poker game showing Common Addictive Behaviors

Common Addictive Behaviors

When we think of addiction, we automatically think about people with substance use disorders. The stereotypes often cloud our judgment. While drugs and alcohol can cause physical and psychological dependencies, there are also some common addictive behaviors. How does someone become addicted to a behavior? How Do Common Addictive Behaviors Develop? It is easier to…

man in bed sick from coronavirus and marijuana abuse

Coronavirus and Smoking Weed (Even a Little) = Increased Risk of Complications

On April 6th, researchers at the National Institutes of Health announced guidelines relating to the coronavirus and marijuana use, saying it could be a risk factor for complications from Covid-19. “Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who…

man using telehealth services for addiction treatment during coronavirus pandemic

The Vital Role of Staying “Connected” for Addicted Doctors, Nurses and Medical Professionals in Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic

“We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface, but connected in the deep.” – William James   Although our entire world is facing the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in addiction treatment are facing a particularly trying time. While people everywhere are marshaling their efforts to…

opioid pills in a bottle representing an update on the opioid epidemic

Update on the Opioid Epidemic and Opioid Addiction Treatment 2020

Opioids are the class of drugs that are naturally found in the opium poppy plants. They are prescription medications that are used for the treatment of chronic or acute pain. Among society, these drugs are widely feared for their association with addiction, abuse, and adverse effects. Because these drugs can make you feel relaxed, they…

addiction in doctors and nurses showing in man with hand over his face in hospital

Rehab-Recovery 101: Addressing Addiction and Shame in Doctors and Nurses

“Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.” – George Soros   Having been in recovery for 22-plus years, I must say it seems rare for me to hear someone has easily admitted to having a problem with alcohol…