Author: joe

When most people hear the words “addiction relapse”, they think about the physical act of using drugs or alcohol after a period of recovery. However, physical relapse is only part of a larger struggle that’s taking place. Addiction relapse actually occurs in three stages. Stage One: Emotional Relapse Before using again ever becomes an idea […]

Americans have been fascinated by cocaine for decades. Several of the drug kingpins associated with bringing cocaine into our country in the 1980s have had their lives turned into entertainment on television and on streaming platforms. Despite our obsession with the money, notoriety and lifestyles enjoyed by those who profited from the drug, a number […]

For some, asking for help with anything is difficult. Maybe you’re embarrassed or feel like you’ll be exposed as a failure. For others, admitting they need help feels like a sign of weakness. Depending on your upbringing and surroundings, you might have been conditioned to avoid displaying any such signs at all costs. When the […]

Support groups can be difficult for those with mental health troubles. Trust issues and problems expressing one’s thoughts or emotions are some of the hurdles someone with mental illness might face when participating in the group therapy sessions common to most 12-step-based rehab programs. When addiction and mental health problems are both present in an […]

Trauma can take many forms. Life-threatening experiences, war zone situations, terrorist attacks, sexual assault and domestic violence can all leave psychological wounds that linger long after physical ones have healed. But you don’t have to experience physical pain to be traumatized. Just the threat can be enough. Witnessing others suffering a traumatic event or even […]

Admitting you need help with addiction is the crucial first step of your recovery journey. Finding the right treatment program, however, can pose some challenges. Make sure to research reputable rehab facilities. Treatment tailored to the specific needs of women or men may lead to better outcomes. Another important factor to consider in your choice […]

When treating addiction, it’s important to understand that you’re dealing with a chronic disease with a variety of potential complications. A quality recovery program should seek to identify all the underlying causes and work with you to educate and advise on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle going forward. Proper family support is another hallmark […]

You’ve read headlines about the opioid crisis facing the state of Florida and the nation. Did you know that Florida is dealing with some of the highest opioid overdose rates in the country? The Sunshine State spent more than one billion dollars treating opioid-related issues in 2018. That’s why Florida’s leadership is increasing funding and […]

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has roots in many different cultures going back thousands of years. Babylonians and Romans engaged in the practice. Today, nearly half of Americans resolve to make lasting, positive changes in their lives at the beginning of each year. Whether you are vowing to eat healthier, work out more […]

Substance abuse is not an isolated problem – it impacts many aspects of life. Patients often enter rehab with housing issues, employment problems, or damaged family and social relationships. With all of these facets at work during recovery, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has defined recovery as a process of change […]

Family members, parents, spouses and even friends struggle and feel helpless when watching a loved one in the throes of an addiction. You may find yourself asking often: “what did I do wrong?” and trying to control the situation or fix the one you care about. In order to support your loved one and give […]

If your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, food can become an inconvenience in his or her life instead of a source of health and vitality. As the addiction grows, other parts of their life take less priority – such as work, relationships and even food. Sometimes it’s the drug that directly affects the […]