According to a just-released estimate by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a record number of drug overdose deaths were reported this past year—93,000—a 29% increase over the previous record (in 2019).[1] Brandon Marshall, a Brown University public health researcher who tracks overdose trends, said, “This is a staggering loss of human life. The nation…
When it comes to alcohol abuse, many teens have no idea they are at risk for it. Sometimes adults don’t either. There are some situations where parents encourage their child or don’t tell them not to engage in drinking. Considering that, you may be unsure what to do about your teen. If he or she…
If you’re a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional in the process of completing (or have just completed) treatment for a substance use disorder (i.e., alcohol and/or drug dependence), you’ve very likely heard a trumpet blaring in your ear about the importance of… aftercare! Indeed, given the medical establishment does not currently have a cure…
Given the stereotype that’s floated around for decades—”most nurses are women”—turns out to have statistics to back it up (per Health Career Institute figures, 9 out of 10 RNs are female)[1], it likely would prove beneficial for those treating healthcare professionals for addiction to consider a 2019 Vanderbilt University study’s findings about women and addiction.…
Many people can’t wait to spend time with their family during the holidays. However, getting everyone together sometimes opens old wounds, causing stress and arguments. If you’re committed to a sober Christmas, you will need all the coping tools that you can master to stick with sober living during the holidays. At BoardPrep Recovery Center,…
If you’re fresh out of rehab, or if you’ve been out of rehab for years, the holidays are often challenging times. You will be seeing family and friends who you may not have seen since you became sober. Someone may not be aware of your new lifestyle and offer you an alcoholic beverage. If you’re…
Fear Losing Your Medical or Nursing License? Common Misconceptions about Physician Health Programs, PRN, IPN and Substance Use Disorders “Impaired practitioners can easily lose their licenses through suspension due to not being willing to get help. Getting help quickly often prevents catastrophic career consequences. It is not getting help that causes the suspension, it is…
“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” — Norman Cousins One of the most powerful “mantras” I heard when I was new in recovery was: “Play out the tape all the way through to the end.” And recently, I was able to help someone out by sharing some of my experience with it, which…
“Nature never sends a great man into the ground without confiding the secret to another soul.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “confide” as follows: ‘to trust’ And it defines “trust” as: ‘reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something’ So, what does confiding in someone, trusting someone,…
“In family relationships, love is really spelled T.I.M.E.” – Dieter Uchtdorf When I was relatively new in recovery, it was pointed out to me I would do well to choose wisely who I spent time with, in order to more readily heal and strengthen—certainly not toxify or stress out further—my mind, emotions and spirit.…