Addiction is a Complex, But Treatable Disease – 6 Principles of Effective Treatment For those struggling with a substance use disorder (a.k.a. addiction to alcohol and/or drugs), seeking treatment can at times seem like a daunting, even overwhelming task. This is especially true when it comes to finding a well-established treatment center that you can…
We in recovery know that unexpected situations—“life on life’s terms”—can arise at the drop of a hat… but this is especially so during the holiday season. Whether it be while you’re making plans for a holiday gathering, doing some extra cooking, having guests over, visiting relatives, or simply gift-shopping, the additional stress and anxiety so…
Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) are commonly known to care more than most about maintaining healthy habits, and they generally live healthier lifestyles than the general population. This is backed up by research data showing, among other examples, they smoke less and exercise more than the average American.[1] Still, the rate at which…
In the latest Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, it’s pointed out that, “Remission from a substance use disorder can take several years and multiple episodes of treatment, recovery support services (RSS) and/or mutual aid.”[1] The good news, however, is there are increasing numbers of mutual aid groups and newly emerging recovery support…
A longitudinal research study of more than 900 physicians struggling with substance use disorders (a.k.a., chemical dependency or addiction) enrolled in 16 confidential, state-run Physicians Health Programs announced an 80 percent success rate — significantly higher than the typical 50 percent success rate of the general population.[1] Given the noteworthy outcomes of these physician-tailored programs,…
Typically, Ambien—the common brand name for zolpidem, a pharmaceutical drug—is used to treat sleeping disorders, particularly insomnia. Being a sedative-hypnotic (the class of drug it’s in), Ambien is recommended for short-term use and per a medical doctor’s supervision only. Further, since Ambien is classified as a Schedule IV drug, it has a legitimate medical use,…
A study published in Open Journal of Psychiatry and conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Southern California found patients in recovery from a substance use disorder are more likely to succeed when they are in treatment for more than 30 days.[1] The researchers emphasized that once a patient has completed alcohol…
As a recovering addict myself (with 23 years “clean and sober,” thanks to working a program of recovery in my life each day), I’m sometimes inspired to reflect upon the gifts I’ve gotten since “putting down the dope and picking up hope.” Mind you, I don’t take for granted there are countless blessings I‘ve received……
Last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country, overdose deaths rose more than 30%, compared to the previous year, according to the latest CDC report.[1] Higher than any other overdose toll on record, approximately 100,000 U.S. citizens succumbed to drug overdoses this past year. U.S. health officials link this to both the ongoing…
A recent article posted on the website, RegisteredNursing.org, paints a clear picture of “how things have changed” regarding the way nurses with substance use issues are currently handled; i.e., with more understanding, support and options for getting treatment and (when ready) resuming their nursing career – that is, in contrast to how, even just 40…