The grip of addiction brings a torrent of complex emotions – shame, fear, and guilt among them. But for women battling substance use disorder, this emotional burden is often intensified, a heavy weight disproportionately shouldered. Societal expectations, cultural norms, and pervasive stigmas create a unique disparity where women are far more likely to experience these…
Understanding the difference between an residential mental health facilities vs hospital psychiatric care is challenging. Even though hospital psychiatric units and residential inpatient treatment programs seem similar, the reality is there’s a big difference between residential treatment programs and a psychiatric hospital unit stay. Regardless of what mental health condition, substance abuse disorder or dual…
Recovery is one of the most courageous journeys a person can take, but staying sober doesn’t just involve avoiding alcohol or drugs—it often requires untangling years of negative patterns and beliefs. One of the most persistent challenges in sobriety is self-sabotage: when we undermine our own success, happiness, or well-being, often without realizing it. Whether…
A bump of cocaine can temporarily boost your mood but even occasional, casual use – can have a gripping effect on your body. Chasing that next high with cocaine, and succumbing to a cocaine addition, can be downright dangerous – affecting everything from your family, relationships, social interactions to your one and only liver. Does…
The line between letting off steam after a rough day and indulging in an unhealthy coping mechanism can be a fine one. If someone you know regularly uses alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs to deal with difficult emotions, they may be engaging in a harmful behavior as self-medicating. It may seem harmless at first, especially…
Whether you’ve recently quit drinking or are well-adapted to sober life, social gatherings can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience. When friends and family are enjoying alcoholic beverages, it’s easy to feel left out of the celebration as you sip a soda or plain water. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a fun beverage…
Al-Anon meetings offer a supportive environment for all individuals who are affected by someone else’s problem drinking. These gatherings provide a space for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and fostering a community of mutual support while balancing the need for privacy. Al-Anon is able to manage both by occasionally alternating the way they conduct meetings, with…
Meth is one of the most dangerous drugs out there. It’s incredibly addictive and can destroy your body quickly. Meth, short for methamphetamine, can be snorted, smoked, or injected. No matter how you take it, meth can rot your teeth, ruin your insides, and cause severe stomach pain, leaving you a shadow of your former…
For decades, the focus of alcohol addiction treatment and support has primarily been on the peson with the addiction — but alcoholism doesn’t just affect just the person doing the drinking. Like ripples in a pond, the effects of alcohol addiction spreads outward, affecting numerous people connected to that person such as spouses, children, parents,…
December 2, 2024 by Addiction Treatment Forum Stop Stigma Now is excited to announce that we will be holding our5th Annual Virtual Recognition Event“Break the Silence” onTuesday December 3, 2024, at 12pm EST (9am PST) Join us in honoring Dr. Miriam Adelson and her accomplishments in the field of addiction. Dr. Yngvild Olsen will provide…
