A Connected Life

Let’s start by celebrating something that may seem small but is far from it: you’re here. You have an interest in getting sober. Perhaps you’re at a crossroads. Do you turn back or do you keep going, and if you keep going (that’s the goal!), you might wonder, “How do I get sober?”  Taking the…
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Drug rehabilitation (rehab) and recovery programs are not one size fits all. Not only are programs highly individualized based on the person’s needs, but they also vary based on duration, intensity, and frequency of meetings. Rehab programs typically fall into one of three categories: outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient rehab. The type of rehab program…
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Mental illness among veterans is often referred to as war’s invisible wound. Veterans and their families have a difficult time coping with the emotional and psychological challenges that are often a part of post-active duty life. Many veterans returning home from combat and military deployment struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, grief, and suicide…
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Dealing with a teen who may have a drug abuse issue is overwhelming and stressful. This is not a journey to tackle alone. Teens dealing with drug abuse are struggling with a difficult adult-like problem; however, they’re biologically and psychologically very young. It’s important to work with professionals who can navigate the ins and outs…
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There’s one thing that can help everyone understand why some develop an addiction to drugs and others don’t: accurate information. It’s important to clarify the misinformation and false perceptions that surround this disease. In fact, we’ll start with that. Drug addiction is a disease that affects the chemicals in the brain. Some mistakenly believe that…
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Rehabilitation centers are frequently recommended for those looking to recover from a drug addiction. The treatment provided at rehab centers is extensive and includes a variety of programs including medical detoxification, group therapy, individualized therapy, family support programs, and more.  As one can imagine, treatment does not come free and the cost of drug rehab…
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You can’t control your loved one’s addiction, nor can you control your loved one. So what can you do to help a family who is suffering from an addiction?  Dealing with a family member who has a drug addiction may seem like a losing battle. It’s stressful and difficult, and it requires an incredible amount…
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Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic with devastating and potentially deadly effects if left untreated. Prescription drug abuse involves anything from taking a medication in a different form, dose, or frequency than prescribed, taking a medication that was not written for you, and/or taking a prescribed medication for purposes other than the doctor intended….
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If someone mentions a “drug overdose,” it’s natural to link illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine (meth) to the cause. Although it’s less common to think of legal, prescribed drugs as being involved in overdoses, certain drug classes like benzodiazepines warrant serious attention.  As prescription rates for benzos have exploded over the years, so…
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Treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) has evolved significantly and includes much more than Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol abuse treatment options now include behavioral therapy treatment plans, web-based programs, prescription medications, and more. Despite the differences in how they provide rehabilitation, they each have one thing in common: the individual must participate in treatment.  According to a…
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As the number of prescriptions written in the United States continues to rise, so does prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse involves taking a prescribed medication in any other way than the prescribing doctor intended. Whether this is because access to medications has increased, teens and young adults are hosting “ prescription parties”, and/or there’s…
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Being a teenager is not easy. Academic, social, and family pressures pile while trying to navigate friendships, extracurricular activities, personal style, and hormones. Teens and young adults are bombarded with messages from parents, teachers, their friends, television, and more. Unrealistic expectations from parents, friends, coaches, teachers, and themselves can lead teens to feelings of disappointment…
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