Tag Archive

Conversations about overdoses and overdose deaths are not the easiest to have, but the dialogue is necessary to help decrease the occurrence of both. There are several substances—illicit or prescription drugs—that are problematic. The one that rarely seems to provide second chances to first-time users, however, is an unknown and lethal amount of fentanyl arbitrarily […]

Independence Day, graduations, weddings, and backyard barbecues can be part of summertime fun. And usually what comes along with those experiences is a range of alcoholic beverages. If you have an alcohol use disorder and are currently sober,  attending events where alcohol is served may be triggering. And at the same, you don’t want to […]

Stigma occurs when an individual views another individual (or even themselves) in a negative way for the sole reason of having a mental health condition. Some describe this experience as a feeling of judgement or shame from someone else. Stigma encourages a life of secrecy, blaming, and isolation, which creates obstacles for an individual struggling […]

Alcohol misuse in the United States has been a challenge even before the pandemic. However, life “in the time of COVID” has exacerbated the problem. Alcohol is legal and readily available. Beer, wine, and hard liquor are socially acceptable substances to consume, despite the fact that, if misused, could be dangerous. Alcoholic beverages can be […]

Television, film, celebrities, and even social media influencers by their very name, can influence the public’s buying habits, create and guide the narrative of conversations, and over time, even shift paradigms. Likewise, contingent on the viewer’s perspective, the media can seemingly glorify substance use, shame those struggling with a substance use disorder, or create an […]

Many celebrities have used their platform as a podium and microphone to lead a narrative about issues that genuinely matter to them, especially in recent years. Everything from political and social concerns to mental health and substance addiction. With the opioid crisis having such a profound and negative impact as it is, it’s not a […]

Lately, everything has been up for debate. Topics that many had already drawn conclusions based upon established facts, have now been reduced to heated arguments across the dinner table or perhaps an interpretative dance of opposing sides. Why wouldn’t the decriminalization of drug possession be any different? Should laws be modified in order to help […]

January not only marks the beginning of a new year, but it seems to be deeply imbedded in the human psyche that we all have new opportunities because of the new calendar year. And although any time in a twelve-month period is a great time to seek help when battling an addiction to alcohol, making […]

Certain experiences become pivotal moments that change the course of an individual’s life forever. It may be as tragic as a car accident that leaves the driver permanently paralyzed. Or as inspiring as meeting a musician whose work you admire. Or as empowering as it is to walk each day in sobriety after years of […]

Labels aren’t always bad. Labels can reflect positive characteristics, set productive expectations, and provide meaningful goals for us. However, often the labels we use to describe one another are based on unsubstantiated assumptions and stereotypes. These labels may be associated with race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They may also be the stigmatizing labels […]