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# Willow Springs Recovery

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## Posts

- [Teen Rehab Can Treat Young People](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/teen-rehab-can-treat-young-people/) - Addiction Rehab For Teens In Texas Many schools have winter or spring breaks this time of year. For many people, such vacations are synonymous with heavy partying, including heavy drug and alcohol consumption. It seems like every year, we hear about the consequences of such heavy partying. People who die of alcohol poisoning and drug
- [Dual Diagnosis – Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder – Often Co-Occur](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dual-diagnosis-mental-illness-substance-abuse-often-co-occur/) - Imagine you have a tumor in your shin that causes the bone to break. Now imagine the doctor only puts a splint or a cast on the leg and doesn’t address the tumor. Or bandaging an infected wound without cleaning it or disinfecting it. That’s kind of like substance use disorder treatment in the US.
- [Abusing Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin, and Other Drugs Isn’t a Good Focus](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/abusing-concerta-adderall-ritalin-drugs-isnt-good-focus/) - Do Study Drugs Work? The True Cost Of Taking Study Drugs The abuse of study drugs is common, unfortunately. Even though you may read articles and see news reports about such drugs and think to yourself, “I don’t know anyone who uses those drugs,” there’s a good chance that you know someone who actually does.
- [A Drop in Performance with Performance Enhancing Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drop-performance-performance-enhancing-drugs/) - Do Performance Enhancing Drugs Work? Competition is innate within social groups. It provides people with motivation, determination, and willpower. People become obsessed with the idea of winning and some will do anything to get the victory. Those who compete in athletics know how the game is played better than anyone. Sports culture varies depending on
- [Helping Others Live Sober through Service](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/helping-others-live-sober-service/) - How To Help Others Become Sober From Native American sobriety circles though Keeley’s Gold Cure and Alcoholics Anonymous, it’s evident that addicts and substance use disorderrs do better when at least some of the people helping them have personal experience with substance use disorder, dependence or addiction themselves. Knowing that the healer has suffered as the
- [When Teens Struggle with Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/teens-struggle-drug-addiction-alcohol-abuse/) - How To Help A Teen Struggling With Addiction A lot of schools in he United States are opening again after an extended holiday break. But some students aren’t returning to class. That’s because these teens are struggling with alcohol abuse and drug addiction. For many parents, addiction is one of their biggest fears. The parents
- [Is Vaping Addictive?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/is-vaping-addictive/) - Is Vaping Addictive? What The Research Says You might have heard about the use of e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) or use them yourself. There has also been a considerable amount of discussion about vaping, which is the practice of using e-cigarettes by inhaling and exhaling. Is vaping addictive? It’s a valid question, especially since using regular
- [Nicotine Is a Dangerous Drug](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/nicotine-is-dangerous-drug/) - Is Nicotine A Drug? What You Need To Know About Nicotine Is this a case of another day, another lecture? Maybe, but there’s some fascinating and startling information that links nicotine to other drugs. Nicotine is a drug that is a major component in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco (chaw)
- [E-cigarettes: Controversy, Nicotine, and Danger](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/ecigarettes/) - Are E-Cigarettes Addictive? Have you heard about Juul? If you are under the age of twenty-one or know someone who is, you may have heard of it. It’s popular with young people. Juul is a device known as an electronic cigarette or an e-cigarette. It heats liquids and converts the liquids into a mist or
- [Monitoring Alcohol Use and Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/monitoring-alcohol-use-abuse/) - Devices Used To Detect Alcohol: What They Are & How They Work Did you know that authorities can test you to determine if you’ve been drinking alcohol from the comfort of your home or vehicle? It’s true. Whether these tests work and whether they can help people are two other matters entirely. One company makes
- [Price Fixing Schemes for Drugs?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/price-fixing-schemes-for-drugs/) - Price Fixing Schemes For Prescription Drugs When it comes to prescription drugs, a generic drug will always be cheaper than a brand-name drug, right? Not necessarily. A number of pharmaceutical companies may have worked together to fix prices on their drugs. Such arrangements have helped the companies immensely. Such arrangements have also hurt their customers.
- [How Does a Sobriety ToolKit Help with Addiction? Part 1](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/sobriety-toolkit-help-addiction-part-1/) - Sobriety Toolkits: What Are They & Do They Actually Help? When we deal with rough patches in life, we cope in various ways. We try to ease our pain, anxiety, and triggering elements through distraction. Some turn to yoga and meditation for coping with stress. Others use food, sugar, work, TV, and other things to
- [Nicotine and Young People](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/nicotine-and-young-people/) - The Effects Of Nicotine On Teen Brains Young people, drugs, and alcohol don’t mix. While we already knew this, an increasing number of studies have produced even more evidence about the dangers of introducing substances to the young. For example, scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered that exposing newborn
- [Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/homelessness-mental-illness-and-substance-abuse/) - Substance Abuse And Homelessness: Understanding The Connection If you’re homeless, mentally ill, and addicted to drugs in San Francisco, you may receive treatment, whether you want to receive it or not. Is this an example of compassion or a violation of civil rights? In June, 2019, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 to
- [Faith-Based Drug Rehab Centers and Programs Address Addiction and Spirituality](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/faith-based-drug-rehab-centers-programs-address-addiction-spirituality/) - Texas Faith-Based Addiction Rehab Program Yesterday, many people celebrated Easter Sunday. Even if you remove the religion from the holiday, the idea behind it makes for an interesting story. Easter is a story of coming back from the dead, of resurrection, and of renewal. That kind of sounds like what happens when people go into
- [Labor Day: No Alcohol, No Problem](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/labor-day-no-alcohol-no-problem/) - Sober Labor Day Drink Recipes Labor Day and other summer events are a good way to celebrate summer, friends, and good times. Many people choose to celebrate Labor Day by gathering and participating in many activities. Eating and drinking are often two of these activities. Not everyone may welcome the holiday. People recovering from alcohol
- [How Do You Handle the Early Days of Recovery from Substance Use Disorder?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/handle-early-days-recovery-substance-abuse/) - Proven Ways To Fight Addiction Urges In Recovery It's a painful truth: most relapses occur in the first days of recovery. But there are ways that you can prevent relapse from happening. Schedule. Keeping to a regular routine helps to prevent unexpected tempting situations, or triggers that could tempt you to use again. Mentor. Find
- [Technology and Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/technology-and-treatment/) - Rehab That Allows Cell Phones & Laptops In Texas While alcohol or drug addiction may devastate every aspect of people’s lives, many people are afraid to seek much-needed treatment to fight such addiction. They may be afraid of the treatment themselves, afraid of what it costs, and afraid of what others will say about them.
- [Is Alcohol Safe?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/is-alcohol-safe/) - How Much Alcohol Is Safe To Drink Daily? How much alcohol is safe? It depends on who you ask. According to some scientists, alcohol may be very dangerous to one’s long-term health. One study tracked the drinking habits of almost 600,000 people in nineteen countries. It found that people who drank ten to eighteen pints
- [Uniqueness in Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/uniqueness-in-addiction/) - Why The 12-Steps Don't Work For Everyone & What Does There’s no magic tool that cures drug and alcohol addiction for everyone, say experts. Actually, there’s no cure for drug and alcohol addiction, but there are many different tools that may aid in sobriety and produce long-lasting recovery. Barry Grant is the director of outpatient
- [Fighting Addiction with Everything We Have](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/fighting-addiction-with-everything-we-have/) - How To Fight An Addiction & Win Weightlifters use spotters, writers use editors, and factories use quality control inspectors. Clearly, utilizing more people and more processes often creates improvements. So, why shouldn’t people seeking help for addiction utilize more than one type of treatment? Multiple treatment approaches are evident in Narcotics Anonymous groups (NA) for
- [Can Marijuana Help Fight Opiate/Opioid Abuse?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/can-marijuana-help-fight-opioid-abuse/) - It seems like every day, we hear or read something about the opiate/opioid epidemic in the United States. After hearing the statistics, it’s really not surprising. According to estimates, in 2015, around two million Americans were addicted to prescription pain relieving drugs, a class of drugs that includes opioids/opiates such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, ,
- [Amphetamine vs. Methamphetamine - What's the Difference?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/amphetamine-methamphetamine-whats-difference/) - Amphetamine and methampetamine (meth) are both drugs with similar names. Are they similar themselves? Well, yes … and no. Whether they’re the same or different, though, amphetamine and methamphetamine can both be abused and can both be dangerous. Chemically, both drugs are very similar. The chemical name for amphetamine is methylated phenylethylamine, while methamphetamine’s name
- [Changing Attitudes about Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/changing-attitudes-about-marijuana/) - There have been many developments relating to marijuana laws in the last few years. There have been so many that it seems hard to keep track of all of them. For example, did you know that Texas politicians are considering decriminalizing marijuana in certain instances? In 2018, delegates of the Texas Republican Party voted for
- [Substance Use Disorder and Eating Disorders](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-and-eating-disorders/) - If you read this blog on a regular basis, thank you. I hope you’re enjoying it and getting something out of it. If you’re such a reader, you know how often I talk about my love of food. I know I’m not alone. Food is a big topic for me. For other people, it’s a
- [Demi Lovato: Her Struggles and Her Triumphs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/demi-lovato-her-struggles-and-her-triumphs/) - On July 24, 2018, singer and actress Demi Lovato was hospitalized after an apparent drug overdose. Whatever the cause of her hospitalization, Lovato deserves compassion, not condemnation. She appears to be the visible face of a problem shared by many. Lovato has been open about her relationship with drugs and alcohol and her other problems.
- [5 Books About Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/5-books-about-recovery/) - 5 Books About Recovery There are millions of people who are in recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. There are millions more who still need help to take that first step into recovery. The problem is that many people don’t know where to turn and many recovering addicts are relapsing because of this.
- [The Different Classes of Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-different-classes-of-drugs/) - According to U.S. federal law, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places substances under certain schedules. The schedules relate to the substances' potential for abuse, medical use, and liability for dependency and safety. The CSA has the right to provide information that may change the schedules, such as removing or adding schedules. Before any changes can be
- [The 1970 Controlled Substances Act ](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/the-1970-controlled-substances-act/) - For decades, the Controlled Substances Act, or more specifically, the Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, has served as the foundation for the campaign against narcotics and drug abuse in the United States. The legislation addresses both illicit and prescribed drugs misused by individuals. Taking effect in 1971, the legislation centralized many
- [Opiate/Opioid Inhibitors Save Lives](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opiate-opioid-inhibitors-save-lives/) - Opioid abuse and addiction is so widespread, we’re seeing the repercussions of such problems in many parts of society. One of these parts is the education system. Schools in the state of Michigan and other U.S. states now have opioid/opiate inhibitors available. As their name indicates, opioid inhibitors or opioid antagonists are drugs that block
- [What Is Kratom?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-is-kratom/) - What Is Kratom? If you travel West across the globe, it's unlikely you'll hear much of anything positive about kratom. In the United States in 2016, the CDC reported that poison control centers were receiving 10 times as many calls as they had in 2010 for kratom exposures. In the same year, the FDA banned kratom,
- [Inspiring Substance Use Disorder Quotes to Help Your Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-quotes/) - April 1, 2018 is (or was, depending on when people read this) Easter Sunday, a very holy day for many Christians, whose faith teaches them that Jesus Christ rose from the dead at that time. Easter is all about new beginnings and renewal, but we don’t have to be religious to believe in fresh starts.
- [The Places Most Affected by Opioid Epidemic Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-places-most-affected-by-opioid-epidemic-problems/) - You’ve read about it. You’ve seen it on television. Maybe you or a loved one has experienced it. It’s the opioid epidemic, a widespread addiction to opioid (opium-like) drugs. How widespread? Well, the places affected by opioid epidemic problems include many regions of the United States and the world: West Virginia. In addition to its
- [Ongoing Recovery Requires Ongoing Work](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/ongoing-recovery-requires-ongoing-work/) - Today, Monday, September 4, 2017, is Labor Day in the United States and Canada, a holiday when we celebrate workers of the past and the present. Funnily enough, to commemorate this celebration of labor, many workplaces shut down and give their employees a vacation day. As you know, we can’t take vacations from everything in
- [Do Young People Celebrate Alcohol Abuse?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/young-people-celebrate-alcohol-abuse/) - Many people think that being young and abusing alcohol go hand-in-hand. After all, we’ve all seen the movies and television shows about the wild keg parties people throw when their parents go out of town or the crazy fraternity parties that feature a good amount of alcohol. As a consequence, then, some teenagers and young
- [Social Support Fights Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/social-support-fights-addiction/) - This blog often discusses the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction, various problems, and things that can go wrong. Doing so is necessary, because substance use disorder is dangerous and may create several problems for individuals and the people who know them. But it’s also refreshing to talk about things that may go right, about
- [Young People and Cocaine Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/young-people-and-cocaine-addiction/) - Young People and Cocaine Addiction Did you know that abusing cocaine may produce many problems? They include Restlessness, irritability, and paranoia Irregular heart rates and heart disease Increases in blood pressure and temperature Problems with the nose, mouth, lungs, or other organs, depending on how people consume cocaine These are just a few of the more
- [Opioid Abuse May Cause Disease](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opioid-abuse-may-cause-disease/) - Opioid Abuse May Cause Disease An addiction to opioid drugs may cause several short-term and long-term problems due to the addiction alone. But did you know that addiction can cause other problems that can be just as bad and just as fatal? Opioid addiction may cause several health problems. It may lead to several diseases and health
- [US Government Needs to Approve Marijuana Substance Use Disorder Research](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/us-government-needs-approve-marijuana-substance-abuse-research/) - A recent research study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that marijuana use might more than triple your risk of death from hypertension. The study doesn’t pretend to be conclusive. It’s a small “retrospective follow-up study” of 1200 people, based on a 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Lead author Barbara
- [Serenity, Not Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/serenity-not-substance-abuse/) - “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other similar 12-step rehab programs use part of this prayer and include it in their literature. This prayer is comforting, even to a nonreligious person to
- [Genetic Predisposition to Obesity Linked with Depression](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/genetic-predisposition-to-obesity-linked-with-depression/) - Obesity and depression, not a great combo. A study on the relationship of genetic variants related to higher BMI and depression was published in the November 13 issue of the International Journal of Epidemiology. The said study strongly suggests that depression is caused by obesity and that depression is an unpleasant psychological effect of obesity that
- [Giving Thanks for Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/giving-thanks-for-recovery/) - Giving thanks, staying thankful, and being grateful. We often hear such phrases this time of year. On Thursday, November 22nd, the United States celebrated the holiday of Thanksgiving. This holiday acknowledges that the Pilgrims, people who settled in what is now the U.S. region of New England in the 1620s, initially faced some tough times
- [AUDIT Examines Risky Alcohol Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/audit-examines-risky-alcohol-use/) - Do you have a problem with alcohol? As strange as it sounds, it might be hard to tell. Alcohol is everywhere in our culture and people drink alcohol for different reasons. They drink it for the taste, to celebrate good times, to try to forget bad times, or to feel drunk or buzzed. To determine
- [8 Addiction Forums for Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/8-addiction-forums-for-recovery/) - Are you contemplating joining an addiction recovery forum? Is it to share your thoughts, to understand addiction from the perspective of other people, or to inspire you to take action? There are many reasons to consider participating in online discussions. Before joining an addiction forum, you must first find one. Even then, the forum will
- [How Alcohol Affects the Brain](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-alcohol-affects-the-brain/) - We’ve all seen how alcohol can affect people physically. They may stumble and slur their words when they begin drinking. With long-term use, they may suffer from disorders that affect different parts of the body, including the liver. Alcohol and drugs affect more than a person physically. They can have profound impacts on a person’s
- [How to Report Someone Abusing Prescription Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/how-to-report-someone-abusing-prescription-drugs/) - If you want to know how to report someone abusing prescription drugs, there are many ways you can do that. According to HealthDay, in the United States of America, around seven million people abuse prescription drugs. This is a much higher statistic than it is for those who abuse heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine combined. Many people
- [Is Shoplifting Similar to Drug Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/shoplifting-similar-drug-addiction/) - In October, the streaming service Netflix will offer new episodes of its hit series Stranger Things. The show’s biggest star is Winona Ryder. Funnily enough, she plays a mother in the series, while a few decades ago, there’s a good chance Ryder would’ve played one of the young characters back in her days as a
- [President-Elect Trump, Veterans and Substance Use Disorder: Where Does He Stand?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/president-elect-trump-veterans-substance-abuse-stand/) - Happy Veteran's Day. As we all know, this a day to give remembrance to our nation's fallen veterans, as well as honor those veterans that are still with us today. Perhaps more persistent a topic would be the question: what's next for our nation's veterans? How will we continue to support them in the years
- [Drug Use Diminishes Life Expectancy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-use-diminishes-life-expectancy/) - Despite modern medicine, sophisticated sanitation systems, the absence of war, and other advantages, it appears that life for U.S. residents is not as good as it could be. The life expectancy of U.S. residents dropped for the third straight year in 2017. Drug use is partially to blame. Life expectancy is an educated prediction of
- [Should Drugs Treat Chronic Pain?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/should-drugs-treat-chronic-pain/) - Chronic pain. Millions of people suffer from it and are understandably looking for ways to relieve this painful and life-altering condition. Although sometimes, it seems as if treating chronic pain might be one of those situations where the cure might be worse than the actual disease. Take the way we often treat pain in the
- [A Neuroscientist Explores Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/a-neuroscientist-explores-addiction/) - Judith Grisel’s professional and personal experiences are revealing a great deal about drugs and addiction. Dr. Grisel is a neuroscientist and professor. She has also experienced decades of living sober after alcohol and marijuana misuse. These personal experiences inform her professional work, which includes the book Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction. In
- [Drug Smurfing Is Not Child’s Play](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-smurfing-is-not-childs-play/) - Smurfing doesn’t involve dressing up as cartoon characters. Or, maybe sometimes it does, but for the purposes of this guest post, smurfing is something different. In the practice of smurfing, several people each buy the most cold and allergy medication pseudoephedrine that the law allows them to purchase at one time. They then combine these
- [Marijuana’s Substance Use Disorder Potential Real but Exaggerated](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/marijuanas-substance-abuse-potential-real-exaggerated/) - Most likely you don’t read the journal Addiction, so if you read an article referencing it, you can’t just pull out your copy to check that the article has referenced to it accurately. You take the article at face value. Reading an online discussion of marijuana legalization efforts, one of the comments stated the opinion
- [Do Your Research before Entering Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/do-your-research-before-entering-treatment/) - Rehab is rehab, right? Not necessarily. As with other things in life, it pays to research rehab centers and programs before you or a loved one attends one. This is especially true if you’re traveling to receive treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. We hear more and more about medical tourism and how some people
- [Education and Drug Abuse: Are the Two Connected?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/2858/) - Maybe you associate 'education and drug abuse' with the idea of college frat parties. But depending on where you're from and who you are, your risk for drug abuse might be associated with the way you learn. It seems that education levels and drug abuse are in some way linked, but there is no definitive
- [The Different Types of Counselors in Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/the-different-types-of-counselors-in-rehab/) - There are several different types of counselors in rehab treatment facilities. Each counselor may use different kinds of therapies to help people with addictions reach their sobriety goals. Your counselor might choose one or more different therapy treatments during your sessions. Addiction treatment therapies include, but are not limited to, the following: Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral
- [Basis of Street Names for Cocaine](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/basis-of-street-names-for-cocaine/) - Cocaine is one of the top addictive substances not only in the United States but in the world. Despite its many adverse effects, cocaine continues to be attractive to users. Records show that over a million visits to the emergency departments of U.S. hospitals occurred due to cocaine abuse or misuse in 2014. While cocaine is accepted
- [Monitoring the Future of Substance Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/monitoring-the-future-of-substance-use/) - Every year since the 1970s, the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research conducts the Monitoring the Future study. This survey asks children, teens, and young adults about their lives and their health habits. Many of the questions in this study relate to alcohol and drug use and the attitudes about substance use and abuse.
- [What Causes Alcohol Sweats?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/what-causes-alcohol-sweats/) - Alcohol is frequently used by many adults and young adults in the United States. If you have ever consumed alcohol, you are probably aware it can cause physiological side effects to a person’s body. These effects may include hangover, slow brain activity, mood swings, and much more. However, you might not be aware it can
- [What Do You Need To Know About Leaving Rehab Early?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/what-do-you-need-to-know-about-leaving-rehab-early/) - Can you check yourself out of rehab? Well, there are some things you should know about leaving rehab early. Just as it is your choice to check yourself into rehab, it is your choice to check out early. However, if you do so, your entire recovery could be at risk. Most people who leave rehab early
- [Anthony Bourdain Suicide](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/anthony-bourdain-suicide/) - Anthony Bourdain was the best of the best in many fields - from the kitchen to the media to books and more. He advocated for so much and brought a rise of excitement in everything he did. So, what happened? According to CNN, Anthony Bourdain was working in France on an episode for “Parts Unknown”.
- [Ideas for a Safe St. Patrick’s Day](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/ideas-for-a-safe-st-patricks-day/) - St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips? Try a Green Milkshake Instead of Green Beer The Feast of Saint Patrick marks the death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. A day of attending mass or services is what some do, but many of the rest of us drink. St Patrick's Day has become a
- [Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Blues](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/over-the-counter-otc-drug-blues/) - Millions of people around the world struggle with allergies. Many allergy sufferers use allergy medications in the forms of pills or shots. But how much do we really know about such drugs? How should we sell them? Many people use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their allergies. These medications don’t require doctors’ prescriptions. But even
- [Drug Addiction Can Cause Homelessness](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-can-cause-homelessness/) - As you probably know, drug addiction isn't just one problem, it's many. Abusing drugs often leads to many problems both for abusers and others in their lives. After all, if drug abusers spend all their time locating and using drugs, there's a good chance that they're neglecting their families and friends as well as the
- [Can You Get High On Suboxone?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/can-you-get-high-on-suboxone/) - If you’re addicted to opiates or heroin, Suboxone is a medication that can help you get off of them. However, there are some people that think that if you take Suboxone, you’re simply replacing one drug that gets you high with another drug that gets you high. This is not true. Suboxone is a particular
- [Drug Detoxing While Pregnant](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/drug-detoxing-while-pregnant/) - When pregnant, one of the main things you must do is think about your child. You are bringing a bundle of joy into this world. There are many things you can do to keep you and your baby safe during pregnancy. One thing you can do is to make sure you are drug detoxing safely.
- [What is a Sponsor?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/what-is-a-sponsor/) - Making Recovery Gains What is a sponsor? That’s one of the first questions people new to 12 Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous (AA or NA) will ask. It makes sense - "get a sponsor" is typically the first recommendation you'll hear when you're a newcomer. It's good advice; a sponsor will help cut through
- [Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or a Drug](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/driving-influence-alcohol-drug/) - Police routinely stop drivers they suspect of drinking too much and give them tests to detect the presence of alcohol in their bodies. Police also stop drivers who may be driving under the influence of a drug. Did you know that police can also issue tests to determine that? A number of counties in the
- [Supporting Your Addicted Partner Without Enabling Them](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/supporting-your-addicted-partner-without-enabling-them/) - When you have a loved one who is struggling with alcoholism or addiction, you want to be there for them. You may not exactly know how, but you want to be there for them in a way that is supportive, yet not enabling. Whether your loved one has been struggling for just a short while
- [Drug Addiction Treatment Isn't One-Size-Fits-All](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-treatment-isnt-one-size-fits/) - One of the debates over substance use disorder treatment is whether including medication-assisted treatment is preferable to detox and therapy alone. The argument is that if an opioid addict takes methadone or buprenorphine (often prescribed under the brand name of Suboxone, a formulation also containing the opioid antagonist naloxone), then they are merely substituting one
- [Marijuana Legalization Debates](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/marijuana-legalization-debates/) - Interesting battles have been occurring for some time, and it doesn’t look like they’re ending anytime soon. The battles? People who advocate the legalization or decriminalization of drugs and people who want to punish drug use, possession, and distribution. Perhaps the most famous set of battles relates to people who want to treat marijuana in
- [Recognizing and Overcoming Codependency ](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/overcoming-codependency/) - Overcoming codependency requires that you first recognize it - and that can be difficult, especially at the beginning of your efforts to heal. Chief among the difficulties in recognizing codependency is that the patterns are often deeply entrenched and long-standing. For many of us, the patterns go back to childhood. Consequently, a good deal of codependency
- [Wake-Up Calls About Sleeping Pills](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/wake-up-calls-about-sleeping-pills/) - Sleeping pills may be deadly. That was the message of an April 30, 2019 statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the agency, it will be issuing boxed warnings on a number of sleeping pills. Among the drugs affected are: • Zolpidem (brand names: Zolpimist, Intermezzo, Edluar, Ambien CR, and Ambien)
- [Would Morphine-Subutex Prevent Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/would-morphine-subutex-prevent-addiction/) - Many people believe that Subutex can be effective in preventing addiction to opiates like morphine and heroin. Another is that the drug can treat opiate addiction. The hit television series, Mr. Robot, is one endorsement of these ideas in popular culture. In the series, the main character, Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malek) suffers from dependence
- [Using Statistics to Study Opioid/Opiate Addiction and Overdoses](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-statistics-to-study-opioid-opiate-addiction-and-overdoses/) - Statistics are important, but how we compile and analyze statistics are also important. Using statistics in these ways can help us take effective, focused action. Speaking of statistics, we frequently see grim information about drug abuse and addiction. The numbers are depressing. For example, the state of Michigan experienced more overdose-related fatalities in 2017 than
- [Abusing Ketamine and Other Drugs Can Lead to Long-Term Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/abusing-ketamine-other-drugs-long-term-problems/) - Misusing drugs and alcohol just doesn’t kill people by overdoses. Drug abuse also kills people in other, less obvious ways. Abusing drugs and alcohol can make you sick. The substances can make people immediately sick, like making people dizzy or nauseated or slow their breathing. What people often don’t know is that abusing drugs and
- [Did Lil Wayne Abuse Codeine and Lean?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/did-lil-wayne-abuse-codeine-lean/) - In early September 2017, rapper Lil Wayne was hospitalized after he suffered two seizures and fell unconscious in a hotel room in Chicago. He was released a few days later. This hasn’t been the first time Lil Wayne experienced seizures and has been hospitalized. He claims that epilepsy, exhaustion, and a busy schedule prompted this
- [The Ruling on Kratom](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-ruling-on-kratom/) - People who suffer from opioid and heroin addiction have been using Kratom, a plant found in south-east Asia, to help relieve the withdrawal effects and ween themselves off altogether. Kratom is an enigma in the world of substance as it has both stimulant and opioid-like effects. The plant at low dosages spikes energy in the
- [Toluene and Inhalant Abuse in the Young](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/toluene-inhalant-abuse-young/) - Older teenagers and adults aren’t the only people who struggle with substance use disorder. Young teenagers and preteenagers (preteens) also abuse substances. Monitoring the Future (MTF) is an annual survey that includes information about drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among young people in the United States. The survey also compares current findings to previous surveys.
- [The Consequences of Steroid and PED Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-consequences-of-steroid-and-ped-use/) - Despite vows to fight drug abuse in professional sports, it seems that such abuse still occurs and isn’t ending any time soon. In April, 2017, Major League Baseball (MLB) suspended Pittsburgh Pirates star Starling Marte eighty games for using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). More specifically, he tested positive for nandrolone, a synthetic steroid related to testosterone.
- [Discussing Crack Cocaine](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/discussing-crack-cocaine/) - If you lived in the United States in the 1980s, you probably heard a lot about crack cocaine. It seemed like you couldn’t read a newspaper or magazine or watch a news broadcast without hearing about the drug and the alleged toll it took on some communities. You saw frequent reports about “crack babies,” children
- [Effects and Dangers of Fentanyl](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/effects-and-dangers-of-fentanyl/) - Fentanyl can be administered in lollipops, nasal or oral spray, patches, or injections. This medication is a synthetic, potent opioid analgesic. It is prescribed for managing severe pain. The DEA has this medication classified in the Schedule II controlled substances. This basically means there is a large potential for abuse when taking fentanyl. It is
- [The Average Cost of Illicit Drugs on the Street](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-average-cost-of-illicit-drugs-on-the-street-2/) - From cocaine to OxyContin, drugs have been easy to find on just about any street corner in any country around the world. As long as there is a demand for these substances, drug suppliers will find a way to get people the drugs they crave. Why? It is because of a concept that goes all
- [Suboxone and Medical Treatment for the Opioid Crisis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/suboxone-medical-treatment-opioid-crisis/) - You probably know that medical professionals use drugs to treat drug addiction. Although that treatment method may sound counterintuitive at first, it actually makes a lot of sense. You see drug treatment quite often in the treatment of opiate/opioid addictions. If people abuse opiates/opioids such as heroin, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), Norco/Vicodin or similar drugs,
- [Six roles Family Members Play in Drug Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/six-roles-family-members-play-drug-addiction-2/) - plays a crucial role when there is one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol in the group. Each member of the family plays a role that impacts the individual who is addicted and it is important to recognize who plays what part in the situation. There are roughly six roles that family members typically
- [How to have a Sober Cinco de Mayo](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/sober-cinco-de-mayo/) - How to have a Sober Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is coming up fast and with that, staying sober on and around this holiday is extremely important to those in recovery. If you're recovering from an alcohol addiction, you know that Cinco de Mayo is one of those holidays where alcohol is the main focus
- [Going Cold Turkey from Alcohol and Why it Hurts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/going-cold-turkey/) - “Cold Turkey has got me on the run,” sings John Lennon. As he was recovering from heroin abuse, Lennon sang about the cold sweats, high temperatures, that he wishes he was a baby, that he wishes he was dead. What he describes as “thirty six hours of pain” is a pretty accurate description of the
- [Carrie Fisher Shared All She Could - Her Drug Abuse, Too](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/carrie-fisher-shared-all-she-could-her-drug-abuse-too/) - "You know how they say that religion is the opiate of the masses? Well, I took masses of opiates religiously." Those are the words of the witty, inimitable Carrie Fisher, who passed away on December 27th, after a massive heart attack. You can't count many people don't vividly remember the fearless Princess Leia, starring in
- [Social Work and Substance Use Disorder: How Does It Help?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/social-work-and-substance-abuse-how-does-it-help/) - When you think of a social worker, you're often thinking of a therapist—and with substance use disorder, there are are social workers who address addiction specifically. Especially for young people in addiction, a social worker can really turn a young person's life around and help them more forward to a future free of drugs and
- [3 Seasonal Mocktails to Celebrate the Season Without Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/3-seasonal-mocktails-celebrate-season-without-alcohol/) - Holiday celebrations can be tricky when you don't drink alcohol. But just because you choose not to partake, doesn't mean that you can't have fun drinks for the holidays, too. Here are a couple classic favorites that are sure to be enjoyable: Eggnog For the holidays, eggnog is often spiked with rum, brandy, vodka, or
- [Getting Away from Shame and Stigma of Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/shame-stigma/) - Many people are pleased with the Surgeon General for having shifted then perspective of addiction in his recent report (the first of its kind) on substance use disorder. Can we all learn how to think about addiction differently? We're going to have to—the very life expectancy of the United States (while other developing countries are
- [The Relationship Between Writing and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/relationship-writing-substance-abuse/) - When you're in recovery, a therapist might recommend you keep a journal. That way you can document your journey, and keep in your memory moments of clarity. You can work through a confusing situation by writing it down on paper; you can find flashes of inspiration through this type of self-help. Even if you don't
- [10 Surprising Addictions that Aren't Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/10-surprising-addictions-arent-substance-abuse/) - Did you know that it's possible to be addicted to something that isn't alcohol or a drug? It might seem strange, but people can really become addicted to substances or even objects other than drugs and alcohol...and it can be very disruptive. Caffeine If you can't stop guzzling coffee or caffeinated beverages and go far,
- [How Does Sugar and Alcohol Abuse Get Along?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/sugar-alcohol-abuse-get-along/) - Oh, sugar. You can hardly go a few steps in a grocery store without encountering some kind of processed food laden with sugar. And the tricky part is, sugar is hardly an explicit category anymore. It goes by the names of high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, lactose, brown sugar, maltodextrin, honey, fruit juice, and
- [5 Basic Methods to Stay Sober When Recovering from Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/5-basic-methods-to-stay-sober-when-recovering-from-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - When you first start out with recovery, it can feel like the world has collapsed, and you're not quite sure how to reenter it. Relapse rates are high, especially in the first day of sobriety. But there are still some powerful tools you can use to keep yourself on track and prevent future relapse. Schedule.
- [Nutrition and Alcohol Abuse: How Important is It, Anyway?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/nutrition-and-alcohol-abuse-how-important-is-it-anyway/) - Many addicts find that in recovery, they turn to other substances. The alcoholic is known to guzzle coffee after getting through recovery. It's a staple item at Alcohol Anonymous meetings. But the stereotype of the alcoholic who eats pounds of sugar when beginning recovery as a coping mechanism is more real than you'd think. It's
- [What Are the Connections Between Narcissism and Substance Use Disorder?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/what-are-the-connections-between-narcissism-and-substance-abuse/) - A diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a tricky thing—it's not just that the person diagnosed believes they are larger than life, but also has difficulty feeling empathy for others, among other symptoms. On the outside, it can be difficult to understand a person with this diagnosis, because they might seem very selfish and
- [7 Tips On How To Talk To Your Teen About Drugs And Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/how-to-talk-to-teens-about-drugs/) - It’s not surprising to hear that the teen population using alcohol and drugs is pretty high. Even teens as young as 13 are beginning to drink or try certain drugs due to peer pressure. Of course, parents certainly don’t want their children to fall into alcohol or drug abuse, so knowing how to talk to teens
- [What is Triple C and its Effects?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-is-triple-c-and-its-effects/) - Coricidin HBP Cough C (also known as Triple C) is a commonly used brand of cold medicine. It can be very addicting to those who abuse it. It contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM). DXM is often used in brands of cold medicine on the market. When the cough suppressant dextromethorphan is consumed in high doses it
- [Pride Month Provides Help](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/pride-month-provides-health/) - June is pride month. Every year, the month celebrates and commemorates LGBTQ culture. Raising awareness about LGBTQ culture is still necessary. Although we know more about LGBTQ culture and other people are more accepting of it, many members of the LGBTQ population still face people who ignore them, hate them, or discriminate against them. According
- [What is the Success Rate of Rehab?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/what-is-the-success-rate-of-rehab/) - What is the Success Rate of Rehab? There is an increasing interest in finding ways to combat and treat the opioid crisis successfully. One popular treatment option is addiction rehab. Many current rehabilitation programs combine intensive inpatient treatment and long-term outpatient support as part of a comprehensive program designed to support the patient from detox through long-term
- [How To Deal With Alcohol Withdrawals](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-to-deal-with-alcohol-withdrawals/) - How To Deal With Alcohol Withdrawals Are you looking to deal with alcohol withdrawal? Alcohol withdrawals symptoms differ from person to person, and they can put the person’s life in danger. It is important to be knowledgeable of prevalent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, it can also be helpful to know how to manage the symptoms during
- [ How Do Drug Courts Work? ](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/how-do-drug-courts-work/) - More justice systems are turning to diversion programs and drug courts. These programs are used to get the help criminal defendants need with addiction. Recovery vs. Punishment The National Drug Court Resource Center defines drug courts as programs designed for individuals who have been arrested on charges related to substance use disorders. Individuals found guilty enter
- [Brixadi: A Revolutionary Recovery Medication?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/brixadi-a-revolutionary-recovery-medication/) - What is a liquid, turns into a gel, and may fight opioid addiction? A magic substance? No, it is a drug known as Brixadi. What are Brixadi and Buprenorphine? Opioid addiction is a huge problem in the United States and the entire world. More than 47,000 people died due to opioid addiction in the United States
- [Most Abused Prescription Drugs: What Should Be Known About Them?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/most-abused-prescription-drugs-what-should-be-known-about-them/) - There are many prescription drugs that are beneficial to patients. For example, anxiety medications can help someone to feel calmer and more at ease. Pain medications can help someone feel more comfortable when recovering from surgery. The problem is there are many prescription drugs that are abused. By learning more about the most abused prescription drugs,
- [Are Opioid Guidelines Dangerous?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opioid-guidelines-dangerous/) - Solving the opioid crisis shouldn’t involve stopping or limiting the prescription of opioids for everyone, regardless of their conditions. Yet, some authorities are taking those actions, which has been creating disastrous results. What are the guidelines? A number of U.S. states are lowering the maximum daily dosage a person can take of an opioid/opiate drug
- [May Is National Mental Health Month](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/may-is-national-mental-health-month/) - May Is National Mental Health Month Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s talk about the fact that every May is national mental health month in the United States. Also known as mental health month, this is not a new observance. Some organizations say that it is the seventieth year they have celebrated the month. In
- [Reversing the Damage of Alcoholism](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/reversing-damage-of-alcoholism-and-hypertension/) - Health experts have long been advising people to steer clear from drinking alcohol because moderate to heavy drinking over time can negatively affect the body. You’ve probably heard of the main health concerns, like cirrhosis of the liver or elevated blood pressure, but there are plenty of other health issues associated with drinking. In fact,
- [The Gist of Nootropics](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/the-gist-of-nootropics/) - The purpose of medication is to help one heal when they are sick or injured. Nootropics, on the other hand, are synthetic compounds that enhance one's cognitive ability. The term itself is an umbrella term, meaning, that there is a myriad of nootropics that are used for different functions of the brain. Some are meant
- [Campus Help for Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/campus-help-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - As difficult as alcohol and drug abuse are, they’re not hopeless conditions. There’s often hope all around if you know where to look for it. For example, if you’re a student at a college or a university, you probably have a health services facility available on your campus. These facilities often offer medical professionals who
- [Is Substance Use Disorder a Disease?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-disease/) - (Image from Pixabay) Does what you call something affect how you perceive or treat it? Almost certainly. Politicians and activists have long known this. In George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, the language Newspeak is designed to limit thought, and government ministries seem to be named the opposite of what they do (the Ministry of Love tortures
- [No, Substance Use Disorder Is Not Caused By Medicaid](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/no-substance-abuse-not-caused-medicaid/) - Q: If a problem has gotten worse while spending money on it, is the solution to spend less money on it? A: Yes, according to an editorial in National Review. The author is Sam Adolphsen, “a senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability,” a conservative advocacy group that has long been opposed to ACA in
- [Suboxone can be safe tool in substance use disorder treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/suboxone-safe-tool-in-substance-abuse-treatmentl/) - Tom Price (Wikimedia commons) Almost every medicine – both those found in nature and created by humans, prescription and over-the-counter – that has the potential to heal can also harm, maybe even kill. Even knowing that, we don’t ban all medications; we regulate them and try to make sure they will be prescribed under careful
- [The Link Between Opiate Overdoses and Organ Donation](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/link-opiate-overdoses-organ-donation/) - The opioid/opiate epidemic is creating a ripple effect that touches many aspects of life. One of its most surprising effects might be its effect on severely sick individuals. Opioids (also known as opiates) are drugs that can relieve pain and include prescription drugs such as morphine, OxyContin, codeine, Vicodin, , and fentanyl as well as
- [U.S. Drug Overdoses Are Still Rising](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/u-s-drug-overdoses-are-still-rising/) - The numbers are in, and they're not good. What are the numbers? They’re the numbers of drug-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdoses killed 70,237 U.S. citizens in 2017. Some observers thought that these numbers would be lower. More people are aware of addiction
- [Dual Diagnosis Treatment Gets Real](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/dual-diagnosis-treatment-gets-real/) - In February, 2019, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, the star of reality television programs such as Jersey Shore, announced that he sought help at a holistic rehabilitation center. Staying about a month at the treatment facility, Ortiz-Magro sought treatment for depression and alcohol abuse. While Ortiz-Magro’s life on reality shows may initially appear different from the lives of
- [Delivering Alcohol on Demand](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/delivering-alcohol-demand/) - Modern conveniences have made life more pleasant, if not better, for many of us. But sometimes, modern conveniences may not be such a good thing in the long term. New options for purchasing alcohol may be one of those things. These days, we don’t even have to travel anywhere to buy alcohol. It’s possible to
- [How Does A Sobriety Toolkit Help With Addiction? Part 2](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/sobriety-toolkit-help-addiction-part-2/) - So as we noted in Part 1, coping mechanisms can be either positive or negative. Drug and alcohol abuse can be a way to numb out the pain that comes with life's hard knocks. But when you start to use drugs or alcohol on a regular basis to deal with the negative aspects of life, this
- [Borderline Personality and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/borderline-personality-drug-abuse/) - What's wrong with you? Why do you keep doing crazy, reckless things? Don't you see that you're being awful to others? Borderline Personality (BPD) might be reasonably considered one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. As we discussed in the last blog post about BPD, alcohol can trigger downward mood swings, and cause a self-perpetuating cycle
- [Overeating and Food Addictions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/overeating-and-food-addictions/) - We’ve been talking a lot lately about whether Halloween relates to drinking alcohol and sugar addictions. We might as well discuss other conditions that might relate to the holiday: overeating and food addictions. Heavens knows I worry about eating too much, especially too much candy. Although I make better food and eating choices than I
- [Holidays and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/holidays-and-recovery/) - Another day, another post about Halloween. Today’s post is about celebrating holidays without alcohol. Some people might think that a holiday with alcohol is not a holiday at all. They might think that it’s impossible to truly celebrate a holiday without using alcohol or other substances. Other people might have once felt this way and
- [Tricks, Treats, Judgment, and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/tricks-treats-judgment-substance-abuse/) - Happy Halloween! I hope you have fun things planned today, or have been doing other fun, Halloween-related things leading up to this. Just the decorations alone are kind of fun, right? I also hope that you don’t think that you’re too old for such activities. It seems there’s always someone out there who tries to
- [Beginnings and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/beginnings-and-recovery/) - Today’s the first of the month, so we might as well talk about new beginnings. Since this is a site about addiction and recovery, we’re all about beginnings around here. After all, so many people think that drug addiction and alcohol abuse are endings. It’s true that they are destructive, but they do not have
- [Substance Use Disorder, Stigmas, and Judgment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-stigmas-judgment/) - If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, you’re probably wrestling with several complicated thoughts and emotions. You might even be dealing with the opinions of others. That’s because there still seem to be stigmas surrounding drug and alcohol abuse. Even today, some people seem to judge people who abuse
- [Specialized Treatment for Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/specialized-treatment-addiction/) - This is an encouraging fact, although a lot of people might not know it. Did you know that there are medical professionals who specialize in addiction care? There are. Many of these people belong to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), an organization of physicians, dentists, physicians assistants, nurses, social workers, researchers, and other
- [Substance Use Disorder and Luck](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-luck/) - Today is July seventh, or 7/11 or 11/7, depending on how you write the date. For a lot of people, seven and eleven are lucky numbers. Remember a decade ago, when there were a slew of couples who got married on July 7, 2007 (7/7/7)? They seemed to believe in the luckiness or unluckiness of
- [Talking about Emotions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/talking-about-emotions/) - This is another post about emotional health and recovery. Are we beating a dead horse by talking about the same subject? Maybe. I hope not. But seriously, emotions are a rich topic. We can talk about different aspects of emotions and recovery and not really talk about the same thing twice. Speaking of emotions and
- [Drug Addiction, Choices, and Elections](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/addiction-choices-elections/) - Happy Election Day! Finally, right? If you’re living in the United States, you know what I mean. It seems like this election has been going on since the last presidential election day in 2012. I didn’t really support either candidate this year. Instead, I grudgingly voted for one because I really didn’t like the opponent.
- [Teens and Opioid Prescription Abuse: Opioid Substance Use Disorder and Youth](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/teens-opioid-prescription-abuse-opioid-substance-abuse-youth/) - Let's say a teen goes in for an innocent wisdom tooth extraction. A common procedure, followed by a few days of recovery. Not without pain, but the dentist will likely give them a prescription for a common painkiller, like Vicodin, or (nowadays) Norco, otherwise known as hydrocodone. An opioid. In a perfect world, this would
- [The Dangers of Morphine and More](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dangers-morphine-more/) - Maybe I’m showing my age, but whenever we used to talk about needing pain medications, we would often talk about morphine. There were other drugs, then, of course, but morphine was the one that stuck in our minds. Now, there are so many more drugs out there. Many of these drugs are so much more
- [Who Are the Real Life, Drug-Abusing Nurse Jackies?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/real-life-drug-abusing-nurse-jackies/) - Nurse Jackie depicts Edie Falco, of Sopranos fame, as a painkiller-addicted, high functioning ER nurse. Her day revolves around the moments when she can take Xanax, Vicodin, or Percocet to make it through another day. She can't stop abruptly, because she'll go through severe withdrawal. And yet, nobody seems to notice. And nobody will, either,
- [Down with OTC (Over-the-Counter Drugs)?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/otc-counter-drugs/) - When I have a headache or an injury, I often take a pain reliever. When I have allergies, I take a pill. When my digestive system is bothering me, sometimes I take something for that. Writing these statements reminds me that I use medication to care for common ailments. Luckily, my ailments aren’t severe and
- [All about Methadone](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/all-about-methadone/) - Prescribing methadone has long been a method to treat additions, but it seems as if this drug might be as controversial as it is useful. Methadone is an opiate (opioid). That puts it in the same class of drugs such as codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, OxyContin (oxycodone) and others. In fact, methadone’s similarity to these
- [Regret and Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/regret-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - “Regrets, I’ve had a few./But then again, too few to mention.” These lines are from “My Way,” a song covered by Frank Sinatra and others. Regret is one emotion that can be particularly difficult. It involves thinking about the past and comparing it to the future. These comparisons often aren’t favorable. We judge ourselves for
- [Drug Overdoses and Appearances](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-overdoses-and-appearances/) - To solve a problem, you have to acknowledge that it exists. It may sound obvious, but that’s a statement embraced by a number of schools and school districts, an action that may eventually save lives. Schools, school districts, and states across the United States are placing naloxone in public schools. Often distributed under brand names
- [New Names for Drugs and Drug Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/new-names-drugs-drug-use/) - Every day, we’re learning more about drugs, drug users, and addiction. This knowledge has helped assist people who have struggled with substance use disorder. It also seems like every day, we’re learning more terms for drugs, ways to use drugs, and the side effects of substance use disorder. Here are some of those terms. •
- [What Percentage Of Addicts Recover?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/what-percentage-of-addicts-recover/) - Addiction is presumably a disease that is running rampant in America and other countries. From alcohol to prescription pain pills to heroin, addiction is causing individuals and families a great deal of undue stress and misery. One question that you hear quite often in recovery circles is, “What percentage of addicts recover?” With the many relapses that
- [Independence from Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/independence-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Happy Independence Day! Happy Fourth of July! For readers outside of the United States, July fourth marks the anniversary of the founding of the United States. It is the anniversary of the date in 1776 when people signed the Declaration of Independence, a document that claimed the United States was a separate country from Great
- [Drug Addiction Is Not a Choice](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-is-not-choice/) - “Drug addicts are drug addicts and alcoholics are alcoholics because of the choices they make. They’ve created sad situations, to be sure, but the situations exist solely because of choices they’ve made, choices that have hurt them.” You sometimes hear people make variations on this statement today, although luckily, you hear it less often than
- [Options for Young LGBTQIA People Struggling with Alcohol or Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/options-young-lgbtqia-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - Do things get better? Perhaps, but for LGBTQIA teens and young people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, it might be difficult for them to see brighter futures when their current worlds might be so dark. LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, intersex, and asexual. In the 2000s, things are better for people
- [Drug and Alcohol Abuse Relapses in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/relapses-drug-alcohol-abuse-common/) - All week, we’ve been talking about the work needed to maintain sobriety and to help fix or prevent relapses. For many people in sobriety, relapse is a dirty word. Maybe that’s why many people don’t seem to want to discuss it. But as with other problems, discussing relapses might help people deal with them. Relapses
- [Drug Courts Can Fight Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-courts-can-fight-addiction/) - If the police find that you’re carrying drugs such as cocaine or heroin, they’ll arrest you, send you to court, and you’ll end up in jail or prison, right? Not necessarily. In fact, authorities might send you to a special court called a drug court. Drug courts are like other courts that feature charges for
- [Emotions, Relationships, and Life after Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/emotions-relationships-life-after-rehab/) - Most relationships can be challenging in one way or another. Relationships after rehab can be especially challenging. That’s because rehab and recovery can be intensely emotional experiences. Many times, people enter therapy during these experiences. This therapy can be pretty intense. It can urge patients to confront their emotions, and some of these emotions might
- [Food, Eating, Holidays, and Diet Pills](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/food-eating-holidays-diet-pills/) - Since this is Thanksgiving week in the United States, we’ve been hearing a lot about food lately. A lot of holidays seem to center around food and eating. For most people, this focus on food isn’t a problem. They might eat too much, complain about it, and go on temporary diets to shed this extra
- [Time and Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/time-and-rehab/) - Can you believe that today is the last day of November? It seems like we just started 2016, not that we’re going to end the year in about a month. Talk about months, days, and years is also common in treatment and recovery circles. If you belong to 12 step organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous
- [Paying Compliments Can Assist in Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/paying-compliments-can-be-form-treatment/) - You know how we often talk about those wacky national holidays? You know, how we sometimes discuss how it’s National Talk to Squirrels and Other Woodland Creatures Day, and stuff like that? Today’s actually a pretty good one. Today is National Compliment Day. Paying compliments is a form of bringing positivity into the world. We
- [Specialized Rehab Can Help Treat Special Needs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/specialized-rehab-treat-special-needs/) - Specialized rehab. Did you know that there was such a thing? It’s okay if you didn’t, because I sure didn’t. It turns out that there are rehab facilities—and rehab programs—that suit the needs of particular patients. As Martha Stewart probably would say, they’re a good thing. Rehab, like so many kinds of medical treatments, is
- [Is Portugal a Destination for Drug Tourism?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/portugal-destination-drug-tourism/) - Portugal decriminalized drugs in 2001. Since that time, more Portuguese adults have used drugs and sought rehab, but fewer drug users have contracted HIV and fewer teenagers have tried drugs in that country. One of the concerns about decriminalization was that reduced penalties for drug possession and drug use would entice travelers from all over
- [Drug Addiction Is a Disease](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-is-a-disease/) - Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. That’s according to former U.S. surgeon general Vivek H. Murthy. This is a refreshing attitude for a visible, vocal government figure (or former government figure). It acknowledges that addiction isn’t a lack of willpower, a moral shortcoming, or a bad decision. Those judgments seemed to be the
- [The Pope’s Surprising Words about Drug Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/popes-surprising-words-drugs/) - You know that something is bad when the pope comments on it: “Drugs have inflicted a deep wound on our society and ensnared many people in their web. Many victims have lost their freedom … enslaved by an addiction we could call ‘chemical.’” Pope Francis spoke these words in a meeting sponsored by the Pontifical
- [Truman Capote and Image](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/truman-capote-and-image/) - When Truman Capote was staying in Kansas to research his famous nonfiction novel In Cold Blood, he allegedly held cocktail parties in his hotel room. Capote was also known for throwing the famous Black and White Ball in New York in 1966. Many prominent writers, performers, artists, politicians, publishers, and socialites attended this event, a
- [Alcohol, Marijuana, and the Law](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/alcohol-marijuana-law/) - The title of this post sounds like a bad made-for-television movie from the 1970s, but it’s based on some fascinating developments in the news. On Election Day (November 8, 2016), Massachusetts voters went to the polls to help elect a new U.S. president and vote for other candidates for other offices. Massachusetts also voted on
- [How to Battle Substance Use Disorder and the Winter Blues](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-battle-substance-abuse-winter-blues/) - I don’t know about you, but this time of the year can be rough. Around here, it’s cold and we have to shovel snow. We don’t get a lot of sunshine, and what little daylight we receive is typically gone by 5:30 in the evening. Winter, in short, can be brutal. I’m not surprised that
- [Alcohol Abuse, Drug Addiction, and Anticipation](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-abuse-drug-addiction-anticipation/) - Oooh, it’s eleven months until Christmas! Doesn’t that sound ludicrous? I wonder if some marketer or retail person is thinking that, looking for a way to make the long holiday buying season start even earlier and last even longer. If people aren’t anticipating the Christmas season just yet, they’re probably anticipating other things. It seems
- [Substance Use Disorder Can Abuse Your Looks](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-can-abuse-looks/) - At first, the topic of this post might seem shallow, but I think it will still be useful. The topic? Personal appearance. More specially, the fact that abusing drugs and alcohol can damage a person’s appearance. Yes, that is somewhat shallow. But like it or not, society does pay a lot of attention to people’s
- [Drugs and Alcohol: Not an Award-Winning Combination](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drugs-alcohol-not-award-winning-combination/) - The Academy Awards (Oscars) ceremony will occur a few days from now. In some ways, the ceremony encapsulates what many people think when they hear the word Hollywood—movies, attractive people in glamorous outfits, and the like. Many people also think about alcohol and drugs when they hear the word Hollywood. Stories of actors, actresses, and
- [Alcohol and Brain Damage](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-brain-damage/) - Saturday, March 17th, 2018 is St. Patrick’s Day. In different places in North America and Europe, this day means different things and different ways to commemorate it. Some people commemorate the day by attending religious services honoring St. Patrick, some celebrate by attending St. Patrick’s Day parades, and some people wear green clothes and eat
- [Dsuvia and the Continuing Debate about Opioid Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dsuvia-and-the-continuing-debate-about-opioid-use/) - A new opioid drug is creating controversy in the ongoing debate about opioids and opioid use. On November 2, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had approved a new opioid. Known by the brand name Dsuvia, it is a form of the drug sufentanil that is sublingual, which means people
- [Yes, Poppy Seeds Are Related to Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/yes-poppy-seeds-are-related-to-drugs/) - In an episode of the classic television show Seinfeld, one character tests positive for opium and experiences career problems because she ate muffins with poppy seeds. Although this sounds goofy, it appears that products related to poppy seeds might pose a real-life drug-related danger. On July 12, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- [Using Tools to Fix Addiction and Other Diseases](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/using-tools-to-fix-addiction-and-other-diseases/) - Using Tools to Fix Addiction and Other Diseases Modern medicine can save lives and improve the quality of our lives. That is, when we let it. Sometimes, we don’t use the tools at our disposal, which may cause grave consequences. Vaccines are one example of life-saving tools. They’re also tools that increasingly large numbers of people
- [Red (Wine), White (Russians), and Blue (Schnapps)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/red-wine-white-russians-blue-schnapps/) - Happy Fourth of July! (Or Independence Day, if you want to be all fancy about it.) Today marks the 240th birthday of the old U.S. of A. Some of us will celebrate with barbecue. Some of us will celebrate with one or two cold ones. And some of us will celebrate with a lot of
- [Ernest Hemingway: Stereotype of an Alcoholic](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/ernest-hemingway-stereotype-alcoholic/) - You often hear of the stereotype of the tortured genius writer. This person can write brilliantly but often battles with severe problems that can include alcohol abuse or mental illness. It sounds like Ernest Hemingway conformed to this stereotype. Maybe he’s the basis for this stereotype. Hemingway wrote a number of literary classics and won
- [Anger Is Powerful](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/anger-is-powerful/) - “You wouldn't like me when I’m angry,” is what Bruce Banner says when describing the creature he periodically becomes, the Incredible Hulk. Luckily, we don’t deal with anger the exact same way as Bruce Banner. But we all have at least a little of the Incredible Hulk in us. Drug and alcohol abuse can bring
- [Alcohol, Drugs, and Hobbies](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drugs-and-hobbies/) - Today, November 15th, marks the start of hunting season with firearms around here. I don’t hunt myself, so it’s not really a big day for me, but I know many hunters who are excited. It’s not that I think hunting is barbaric or anything. For one, I’m not a vegetarian and I wear leather, so
- [The Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Driving](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/dangers-combining-alcohol-and-driving/) - Did you know what this month is? Yeah, it’s December. Very funny. But it’s also something else: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Once known as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, this designation makes sense. December is a busy time. A lot of people attend parties to celebrate various holidays during this month. Many
- [Don’t Let Alcohol or Drugs Be Your Valentine](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dont-let-alcohol-or-drugs-be-your-valentine/) - Valentine’s Day. For some, the holiday conjures thoughts of love, romance, and desire. For others, it evokes feelings of depression or disgust. Either way, people often feel pretty strongly about Valentine’s Day. Some people might turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with feelings of loneliness, depression, and disgust. If they’re feeling lonely, people might
- [Tobacco and Alcohol Were Not Just Popular in the Mad Men Era](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/tobacco-alcohol-popular-mad-men/) - The Mad Men era is dead. Long live the Mad Men era. But is it really dead? Many commentators observed that the television program Mad Men celebrated a bygone era, where the women had big hair and few opportunities. They also noted the prevalence of alcohol and cigarettes on the show. The program depicted the
- [Moderate Alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day and Create Your Own Luck](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/moderate-alcohol-on-st-patricks-day-create-your-own-luck/) - Later this week, a lot of people will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Some people might engage in holiday-related traditions with their friends and family. Did you know that how you celebrate Patrick’s Day depends a lot on where you live? In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were traditionally more subdued, but Irish Americans and
- [May Day and the Promise of Hope after Alcohol or Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/may-day-promise-hope-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - Have you ever celebrated May Day? I haven’t. When I hear about May Day, I always think of people dancing around a Maypole, but maybe I’m confusing that with the Festivus tetherball pole featured in the television program Seinfeld. Of course, there’s also the May Day that the Soviet Union used to celebrate with soldiers
- [Helping Veterans Cope and Not Use Alcohol or Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/helping-veterans-cope-not-use-alcohol-drugs/) - Today is Memorial Day in the United States. This is a day Americans celebrate members of the military past and present, especially those who sacrificed their lives in such military service. But after all the ceremonies, parades, and other events honoring veterans and service members, many people don’t think about vets, soldiers, sailors, and other
- [Alcohol, Drugs, and the Blame Game](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drugs-blame-game/) - Blame is a complex process. By blaming ourselves, we’re beating ourselves up over real or imaginary infractions. But even if we’re blaming others, we’re really still highlighting our own issues. While blaming others may appear to involve others, we’re really still focusing on ourselves. It seems as if kids are quick to blame others when
- [Overcoming the Obstacles of Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/overcoming-obstacles-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - It’s Wednesday! You know what that means—it’s hump day! That means for many people, it’s the middle of the five-day workweek. Once the workday on Wednesday ends, we’ve gotten past the hump of the workweek and are more quickly approaching the weekend of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We all know that there are other humps
- [Canadian Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/canadian-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - What do many U.S. residents think of when they hear the words Canada and Canadian? Polite people? Low crime rates? Nationally funded health care? Hockey? Beer? The truth is, Canada is a huge country with a diverse population. It’s impossible to reduce such a complex nation and people to just a few words, a few
- [Alcoholism, Family Structure, and Rick and Morty](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/alcoholism-family-structure-rick-morty/) - Since the end of the third season, Rick and Morty have been at the top of the headlines. The show follows Rick Sanchez, a scientist who can invent anything that comes to mind, and his grandson Morty, who he basically uses as his “guinea pig” for all his experiments. Rick is usually seen drinking from
- [Substance Use Disorder: An Equal Opportunity Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-equal-opportunity-disorder/) - Tomorrow, January 27th, marks the birthday of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although his music is more than 200 years old, it’s still lively and relatable. That’s no small feat. We complain that different generations of rock music are hard to hear. We say that certain music is for old fogeys or for kids
- [Mary Tyler Moore: A Courageous Advocate for Alcohol Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/mary-tyler-moore-courageous-advocate-alcohol-treatment/) - After we lost so many notable people in 2016, it looks as if 2017 might be no better. That’s because actress and producer Mary Tyler Moore died last week at the age of eighty. Many of us know Moore for acting in the sitcoms The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
- [Alcohol and Drugs Do Not Soothe Anger](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drugs-do-not-soothe-anger/) - Anger. It’s an emotion that might be a dirty little secret. Or, if we’ve had incidents and anger management issues, maybe not such a little secret. It’s a tricky emotion, because anger often seems to be disguised as other emotions. If people are jealous or insecure, it could be that they’re really angry with other
- [Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Can Cause a Lifetime of Physical Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-lifetime-problems/) - Most of us have heard that fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can cause problems for a developing fetus. What we’re now learning is that FAS might cause a large number of problems throughout a person’s life. Fetal alcohol syndrome is complex, although its cause isn’t. It can occur when pregnant women drink alcohol. The alcohol in
- [The Costs of Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/costs-alcohol/) - Quick, after tobacco, what’s the most-abused substance in the United States? Is it heroin? Is it marijuana? Is it methamphetamine? Although those are all good guesses, alcohol is the second-most abused substance in the United States, according to government reports. It seems like every day, there are reports on news programs and articles in newspapers
- [Women, Discrimination, and Admitting Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/women-discrimination-admitting-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - We recently discussed how the late Henrietta Lacks may be one of the most important figures in medical research, yet not many people had heard of her before the publication of the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and the subsequent television movie based on that book. Researchers have used Henrietta Lacks’s genes to
- [Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Nature, Nurture, or Both?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drug-abuse-nature-nurture-both/) - Sunday is Mother’s Day, Just in time for a debate about nature, nurture, alcohol, and drugs, right? You may have wondered if alcohol and drug abuse has a genetic component. We all probably know families that have many people who struggle with problems relating to alcohol or drugs, or we may even be part of
- [Discussing Alcohol and Drugs with Children](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/discussing-alcohol-drugs-children/) - The television program Today features a recurring segment about addiction. The segment addresses information and statistics about addiction, includes interviews with experts, and features personal stories. While the information and experts are certainly interesting and informative, it’s the personal stories that really hit home. One such story featured three generations of women in the same
- [Fake Alcohol, Real Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/fake-alcohol-real-problems/) - If alcohol and drug abuse wasn’t bad enough, it turns out that other things and activities can also be dangerous. At least that’s what some travelers allegedly discovered on recent vacations. The travelers apparently ingested illegally produced alcohol while visiting certain resorts in Mexico. According to the travelers, some blacked out after only one or
- [There Are No Vacations from Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/no-vacations-recovery/) - In yesterday’s blog post, we discussed work, recovery, and Labor Day. So, it only seems fitting that we should talk about the opposite of work for today’s post. We should talk about vacations. Of course, just because people take time from work to go on vacations doesn’t mean that they’re not putting in any effort.
- [Alcohol and Drugs on Campus](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drugs-campus/) - In August and September, many students start school. This is an exciting time of new beginnings, new experiences, and new hope. It can also be a dangerous time. Some students might engage in dangerous behavior such as binge drinking and experimentation with drugs and drug culture. Students who move away from home to attend school
- [Kurt Cobain and What Could’ve Been](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/kurt-cobain-couldve-been/) - As many of you know, famed singer and actress Courtney Love has had highly publicized battles with drugs and alcohol. She now appears to be sober. She continues to make music and work as an actress. As you probably also know, her late husband, singer and songwriter Kurt Cobain, didn’t have such a happy ending.
- [Talking and Healing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/talking-and-healing/) - We’ve often heard about people who deal with things with a stiff upper lip. Other times, people have told other people to “man up” or “put on your big girl panties.” Strength is admirable. So is putting one foot in front of the other and continuing to move forward, despite the obstacles and pain. But
- [Ignorance Is Not Bliss with Drug Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/ignorance-not-bliss-drug-use/) - “Ignorance is bliss.” “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” These statements might apply if you don’t know whether you really look good in your favorite outfit. When it comes to looks, it’s more important how you feel than what others might think. These statements certainly don’t apply when we’re discussing drug use. Ignorance is
- [Drug and Alcohol Costs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-alcohol-costs/) - Drugs are expensive. Buying them is expensive, of course. But there are so many costs related to drugs. For one, what happens if police pull you over for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or a specific drug? You might face jail time. You’ll probably also be paying a lot of money in the
- [An Allied Fight against Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/allied-fight-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Today (June sixth) marks the seventy-third anniversary of D-Day, a day when Allied forces stormed the beaches in Normandy, France as part of a massive World War II military offensive against the Axis powers. Among the most significant aspects of this operation, and all of World War II, were the partnerships that this war created.
- [Drug Abuse Causes Collateral Damage](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-abuse-causes-collateral-damage/) - Drugs don’t just hurt the people using them. They can also hurt people trying to help others. For example, some drugs are so powerful, you don’t have to willingly take them to feel their effects. You can experience their effects just by touching such drugs by accident. That’s what has happened to a number of
- [Lowering Levels of the Drug Nicotine](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/lowering-levels-drug-nicotine/) - Although we often write about negative developments regarding drug and alcohol abuse, today, we’re excited to report about something. This development? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to lower the nicotine content of cigarettes. The FDA is trying to persuade U.S. cigarette manufacturers to reduce the amount of nicotine in their products
- [September 11, PTSD, and Dual Diagnosis Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/september-11-ptsd-dual-diagnosis-treatment/) - Today marks the sixteenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, a date when terrorists hijacked two planes and crashed them into New York City’s World Trade Center and another plane into Washington, DC’s Pentagon. Terrorists hijacked another plane bound for the Washington, DC area, but passengers forced its hijackers to crash it into a field in
- [What To Expect At Your First AA Meeting](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/what-happens-at-an-aa-meeting/) - Most people are a bit nervous attending their first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. That’s to be expected, as you're entering an unfamiliar environment in an unfamiliar stage in your life. Having anxiety about the unknown is normal, and you can combat that by learning exactly what happens at an AA meeting. That way, you'll be more
- [Meditation in Rehab and Everyday Life](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/meditation-rehab-everyday-life/) - Did you ever see those commercials with the camel who shouts, “Hump Day”? Wednesday is often known as hump day because it’s the middle of the work week. After Wednesday, you’ve gotten over the hump of the week and are well on the way to the weekend. (Of course, in elementary school, the word hump
- [Using Exercise for Rehab Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/using-exercise-rehab-treatment/) - We hear about the importance of exercise all of the time. But some things bear repeating. Exercise provides so many benefits. For people recovering from alcohol or drug abuse, exercise can strengthen areas weakened by substance use disorder, including the heart release brain chemicals that produce positive emotions help prevent brain damage that substance use
- [Trauma and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/trauma-substance-abuse/) - At first, it might seem that we’re lucky if we don’t usually discuss trauma. That’s because this means there’s a good chance we haven’t experienced trauma and don’t know anyone else who has. If we have suffered trauma, we still might not discuss it. We could be afraid of reliving our trauma. Or, we could
- [Relationships after Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/relationships-after-recovery/) - Former addicts sometimes jump quickly into relationships after rehab. They might do this because they’re trying to recreate the rush of good feelings that they found in drugs and alcohol. While jumping into any relationship could be risky, depending on the circumstances, addicts who jump into new relationships might face additional risks. Addiction and recovery
- [How Gambling Resembles Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/gambling-resembles-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Today’s February 7th. It’s funny how some people consider seven a lucky or an unlucky number. I guess a lot of it has to do with gambling, where you can win or lose money if you roll a seven in the game of craps. Speaking of gambling, it’s a busy time of year for gambling.
- [Fear of Success](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fear-of-success/) - Recovery is an ongoing process. While rehab can be a great tool, it’s only the beginning. Many factors lead to people’s addictions and their entry into rehab. Rehab facilities help people identify and address these factors, but rehab isn’t magic. It’s not some magic wand that automatically makes all of these problems disappear. One of
- [Promoting Drug Rehab Instead of Punishment for Addicts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/promoting-drug-rehab-instead-punishment-addicts/) - It’s better and more productive to treat people with drug addictions, not punish them. That seems to be a guiding principle among a growing number of governments in the United States. This blog has discussed Portugal’s decision to decriminalize small amounts of many drugs. If police find people with these substances, they direct the people
- [Using Rehab Centers and Other Help](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-rehab-centers-help/) - Yesterday, we talked about how in 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. We also talked about how people struggle to gain their independence in more private but just as important matters. One of these matters is drug addiction. People do truly become dependent on drugs and alcohol, since their cravings for
- [Stigmas Surrounding Drug Abuse Still Exist](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/stigmas-surrounding-drug-abuse-still-exist/) - Recently, we discussed how the opioid epidemic is producing some unexpected results. Namely, we discussed how more and more people dying of drug overdoses are serving as organ donors. Maybe these donations can help eliminate some of the stigma surrounding drug addiction and drug abusers. Treatment of drug abusers is better than it used to
- [Keep on Trying](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/keep-on-trying/) - Do you remember the music video for the song “No Rain” by the band Blind Melon? If you don’t, don’t worry about it, it’s from the early 1990s. If you do, you know what I’m talking about when I say the words Bee Girl. The music video features a little girl in a bee costume.
- [More Than a Case of the Mondays](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/more-than-a-case-of-the-mondays/) - The Mamas and the Papas and the Boomtown Rats both recorded songs about it (“Monday, Monday” and “I Don’t Like Mondays,” respectively). So did the Bangles, in a song written by Prince, no less (“Manic Monday”). Cool songs aside, sometimes it’s hard to get excited about Mondays. For some people, this lack of enthusiasm adds
- [The Places You'll Go](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/places-youll-go/) - It’s graduation time again. Many people give the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! as a gift to graduates of all ages. In this time of joy, celebration, and parties, it’s important to remember certain things that allow the graduates to actually go places and not stop them in their tracks. What does
- [Addiction: A Family Thing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/addiction-family-thing/) - Addicts are young people who have problems with drugs or alcohol, right? Well, maybe. The thing is, addicts can be (and are) everyone, not just people in certain groups. Different members of a family might struggle from substance use disorder. Yes, teens do struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. But even there, their addictions might
- [Breaking the Silence](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/breaking-the-silence/) - It’s no secret that women lead stressful lives. Issues with work, responsibilities, relationships, and so many other areas lead to stress. There are also external pressures. The Internet and social media can be useful tools. But they can also be sources of negativity. People frequently insult each other on different sites. Other people compare themselves
- [Wishing Courtney Love the Best](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/wishing-courtney-love-best/) - Today’s subject is a little happier. That’s because the subject, Courtney Love, has struggled with substance use disorder but is still alive. Love is a successful singer, songwriter, and actress. Most people know her from her rock band Hole, a band she started in 1989. The band gained fame for songs such as “Miss World”
- [Addiction Silences Great Voices](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/addiction-silences-great-voices/) - So many times, your relatives, friends, and overall social circle have a great impact on what you do and how you see the world. It can be the same way with substance use disorder. Friends, family, coworkers, and other people can shape our lives immensely. This is even true for the rich and the famous.
- [F. Scott Fitzgerald, Alcohol, and Potential](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/f-scott-fitzgerald-alcohol-potential/) - “There are no second acts in American lives,” said the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. This statement is both right and wrong if you apply it to Fitzgerald. The sad thing is, nowadays, he could have created his own second act. Because in addition to being a talented writer, Fitzgerald struggled with alcohol abuse. In an
- [Fraternities, Sororities, and Substance Use Disorder in the Movies](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fraternities-sororities-substance-abuse-movies/) - What is the fascination with movies about substance use disorder in college fraternities and sororities? Do the movies reflect real life, or is real life trying to reflect these movies? Either way, it looks as if we should consider changing the way we depict Greek life (fraternity and sorority life) in the movies. There are
- [The Mystery of Prince](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/mystery-of-prince/) - Ah, Prince, we hardly knew ye. We recently discovered that the singer and songwriter Prince recently died from an accidental overdose of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. For someone so guarded in his personal life, his death is strangely public. Prince wasn’t the type of celebrity who jumped on couches on talk shows in order to
- [Yes, Virginia, Crack Is Still a Problem](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/yes-virginia-crack-still-problem/) - In the 1980s, it seems like you couldn’t turn on the television or read a newspaper or magazine without hearing or seeing some mention of crack cocaine. (For you younger readers, a newspaper is a collection of news items printed on paper and distributed on a set schedule.) In those days, the message the media
- [Weekends and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/weekends-substance-abuse/) - “Working for the Weekend” was a popular song and music video for the band Loverboy back in the early 1980s. Yes, I’m old enough to remember both the song AND music videos. Yes, I’ve gone on rants where I complain that MTV was way better back in the days where they actually played music videos.
- [Is Addiction a Disease?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/is-addiction-a-disease/) - There is an ongoing debate about how to classify addiction. Some people say that calling addiction a disease helps addicts acquire treatment. They also say that referring to addiction in medical terms lessens the stigma that society places on addicts. Neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis disagrees. He argues that calling something an illness doesn’t necessarily
- [Prince and the Power of Fentanyl](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/prince-power-fentanyl/) - We recently discovered that the singer and songwriter Prince died from an overdose of fentanyl. Apart from the many questions surrounding Prince’s death, many of us are asking other questions. Many of these questions surround the drug itself: What is fentanyl? Why is it so deadly? Fentanyl is the generic name for an extremely powerful
- [Depicting Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/depicting-alcohol-abuse/) - It’s a confusing world out there. On one hand, we’re learning and talking more and more about addiction and recovery. These topics are out in the open and we’re treating them with less stigma than we ever did. On the other hand, it seems like alcohol is everywhere. Try to find an Internet meme that
- [Not Your Grandma’s Views on Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/not-grandmas-views-addiction/) - As with other things, how people view and treat addiction has changed over the years. While substance use disorder and treatments for substance use disorder have never really been simple, new ways at looking at addictions and treating them have provided increasingly effective help for people. In the past: People viewed addiction as a moral
- [Long Live the Drug Czar!](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/long-live-drug-czar/) - For years, people have been debating whether the U.S. government’s war on drugs is effective. Who knows if we’ll ever get to the bottom of the debate. (This debate might be the topic of a future blog post, so stay tuned.) Less debatable, however, are the qualifications of the current U.S. drug czar, Michael Botticelli.
- [Taking after Dad?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/taking-after-dad/) - People might inherit the color of their fathers’ eyes or the way they laugh. Could they also inherit their fathers’ tendencies to abuse alcohol or drugs? This is an interesting topic. Experts still don’t have a definitive answer. Genetics is a complex topic. Addiction is also a complex topic. If you combine genetics and addiction,
- [Family Rehab Helps the Entire Family](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/family-rehab-helps-entire-family/) - Yesterday, we talked about how drug and alcohol abuse can affect addicts and their families and friends. We also mentioned that there is help for such addicts and their families. This help can come in many forms. One of the more interesting forms of help is family rehab. As the name indicates, family rehab is
- [The Olympics: Faster, Higher, Druggier?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/faster-higher-druggier/) - Don’t you hate being right sometimes? A few days ago (Thursday), I talked about drugs and the Olympics. I said that we suspected that there would be a lot more talk about the connections between both subjects. Sadly, I was right. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) recently extended the ban on Russia’s track
- [Honesty Is the Best Policy When It Comes to Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/honesty-best-policy-comes-addiction/) - Is honesty the best policy? It depends. If someone asks if they look fat in something, NEVER say yes. Even if … well, you get the picture. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to addiction, however. Trying to hide an addiction does much more harm than good. For addicts, hiding their addictions is
- [Celebrating Responsibly](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/celebrating-responsibly/) - The United States celebrated the Fourth of July a few days ago. I hope your holiday was fun. Just as importantly, I hope that it was safe. Summer holidays often give us the opportunity to spend leisure time with our friends and family members. In this summer, this leisure time can include visiting parks, having
- [Addiction or Not an Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/addiction-not-addiction/) - Can behaviors be addictive? Why not? To clarify things, there is some debate as to whether certain behaviors are addictive and similar to alcohol abuse or drug addiction. These behaviors might include overeating, problem gambling, sexual compulsion, and shoplifting. People who struggle with these behaviors do seem to display the signs of addiction. They become
- [Addiction Is Everywhere](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/addiction-is-everywhere/) - Before I started writing this blog, I had some definite opinions about drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and the people who struggled with those problems. I thought I knew some stuff about those issues. Now? Eh, I’m not so sure. The more I learn about addiction and substance use disorder, the more I find out how
- [Looking at Time](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/looking-at-time/) - Although the Fourth of July is already over, we still have a lot of summer left to celebrate. Of course, my mom always says that once the Fourth of July comes around, the rest of the summer just flies by. Let’s hope that Mom’s wrong for once. It’s funny how we look at time, isn’t
- [Trying to Maintain an Image](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/trying-maintain-image/) - Janis Joplin would’ve been seventy-three years old this year. Doesn’t that blow your mind? This October will mark the forty-sixth anniversary of Joplin’s death. She was only twenty-seven years old when she died. Janis Joplin has been dead far longer than she was alive. In some ways, she seemed like she was a bigger-than-life sort
- [They Walk the Line](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/they-walk-the-line/) - Yesterday, we discussed how drug addiction damaged the relationship between Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Today, we’re going to talk about substance use disorder and another relationship between two famous people. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were singers, songwriters, and musicians. June Carter Cash was born to country music’s prominent Carter family and had
- [Whitney, Bobby, and Relationships](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/whitney-bobby-relationships/) - Another day, another story about addiction and a popular figure in the music industry. Like some of the others, this story ends sadly. Whitney Houston had a big voice. Reared in the gospel world, she had performed in her mom’s church since she was a child. Her mother Cissy Houston was a gospel star and
- [Fear and Loathing and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fear-loathing-substance-abuse/) - “I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.” --Hunter S. Thompson So said the late journalist Hunter S. Thompson. He was a journalist best known for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a novel first published in the early 1970s. During the course of Fear and
- [Your Life Is Not Jim Morrison’s Life](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/jim-morrison-drug-use/) - “Art imitates life,” is an old expression. We find this statement to be obviously true when it comes to movies that depict real-life people or events. Of course, people often debate whether these movies accurately depict these real-life people and events too. One movie that allegedly depicts real events and people is the 1991 movie
- [Addiction Hurts Entire Families](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/addiction-hurts-entire-families/) - Most people know that drug and alcohol abuse can create physical and psychological problems. Such abuse can hurt addicts’ health, jobs, and personal lives. What some people don’t know is that drug and alcohol abuse can hurt people other than the addicts themselves. More specifically, it can hurt the addicts’ friends and family members.That’s because
- [Family Environment and Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/family-environment-addiction/) - Families. You can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them. Many of us have complicated relationships with our families, even under the best of circumstances. If you throw addiction into that mix, things become even more complicated. If you or a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, it might be good idea
- [The Stanley Cup (Full of Beer?)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/stanley-cup-full-beer/) - In the last few weeks, sports fans have celebrated all sorts of championships. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the men’s professional basketball championship of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Pittsburgh Penguins won the men’s professional hockey championship of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Oklahoma Sooners won the Women’s College World Series in softball. Congratulations
- [The Curious Case of DeAndre Levy and Medical Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/curious-case-deandre-levy-medical-marijuana/) - Continuing this week’s sports theme, we’re now discussing an athlete in another sport: DeAndre Levy of the Detroit Lions football team. In addition to being an excellent linebacker, Levy is smart and interesting. How interesting? Levy recently suggested that the National Football League (NFL) conduct research regarding the use of medical marijuana to treat the
- [Game, Set, and Suspended?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/game-set-suspended/) - What? Professional tennis has banned Maria Sharapova for two years for violating drug policy? As surprising as this, a situation concerning one of tennis’s most talented and famous athletes, it’s also confusing. Although when you think about it, confusion regarding drug use, punishment, and professional sports seems to be the norm, not the exception. Why
- [Drug Games and the Olympic Games](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-games-olympic-games/) - What is it about drugs and sports? Even the Olympics, which are supposed to honor the highest ideals of sportsmanship and athletic ability, are not immune. We keep hearing news reports about Olympic athletes who test positive for drugs. These positive readings are sometimes for old drug tests, such as tests conducted during the 2008
- [Alcohol and Sports](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/alcohol-and-sports/) - Alcohol and sports. Sports and alcohol. To paraphrase that song that Frank Sinatra sings, they go together like a horse and carriage. You might think I’m exaggerating, but they more I think about it, alcohol and sports can be hard to separate. Just think about it: athletes who win championships frequently drink or spray alcohol
- [Substance Use Disorder Policies and Sports](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/confusing-substance-abuse-policies-sports/) - Is it just me, or is the way society treats drug and alcohol abuse confusing? For example, I can’t figure out how professional sports leagues treat players who are struggling with substance use disorder, or how the leagues treat drugs and alcohol in general. First, there’s the National Football League (NFL). It regularly suspends players
- [Female Writers and Alcoholism](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/female-writers-alcoholism/) - Of course, we all know that men aren’t the only ones who grapple with drug addiction or alcohol abuse. We all probably know women who struggle or have struggled with such problems. There have been several famous women who have had such problems, including some famous writers, including Carson McCullers and Patricia Highsmith. Just as
- [Depicting Drug Use in the 1960s](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/depicting-drug-use-1960s/) - Drugs were everywhere in the 1960s, right? At first, it certainly seems that way. Writer Ken Kesey took a psychedelically painted school bus to travel across the United States and use LSD with his friends in 1964. This journey forms the basis of Tom Wolfe’s 1968 book The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Another proponent of
- [Stephen King’s Scary Story Has a Happy Ending](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/stephen-kings-scary-story-happy-ending/) - We’ve been talking a lot about famous writers and substance use disorder lately. We’d be neglecting our duty if we didn’t mention one of the most famous writers ever, a writer who has also had a pretty famous drug addiction. That author is Stephen King. We probably don’t need to tell you who Stephen King
- [The Destructiveness of Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/destructiveness-alcohol-abuse/) - Have you ever seen the movie Leaving Las Vegas? If not, I highly recommend it. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Ben, a man who is depressed and struggling with severe alcohol problems. He moves to Las Vegas with the intention of drinking himself to death. He moves in with Sera, a prostitute played by
- [Pulp Fiction’s Perspective on Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/pulp-fictions-perspective-drugs/) - When some people might claim that drug and alcohol abuse can’t happen to them, and that such abuse is not part of our culture, they only need to take a look at a few movies. These movies can show them just how wrong they really are. The movie Pulp Fiction provides an interesting perspective on
- [Is Stoner Humor Really That Funny?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/is-stoner-humor-funny/) - Yes, the 2000 movie Dude, Where’s My Car? has a funny title. It also, unfortunately, contributes to the long tradition of marijuana-based (stoner) humor in the movies. This humor minimizes what drugs such as marijuana can really do to your life. Abusing substances such as marijuana, other drugs, and alcohol could do much more than
- [Scarface Is a Warning](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/scarface-is-a-warning/) - Why do some people idolize the movie Scarface? The movie came out more than thirty years ago, and we’re still seeing posters, t-shirts, and other merchandise related to the movie. When I think about that movie, the image that pops to mind is Al Pacino’s character, Tony Montana, snorting a huge amount of cocaine from
- [Alcohol Doesn’t Have to Destroy Relationships](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-doesnt-destroy-relationships/) - Although it’s a work of fiction, the 1966 movie Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? sometimes seems all too real. The movie stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who were married to each other at the time. They later divorced, remarried briefly, and divorced again. In the movie, Taylor and Burton play Martha and George, a
- [Dog Day Afternoons](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/dog-day-afternoons/) - Today, August 1st, we’re in a period of time often known as the dog days of summer. Do you know where that phrase got its name? The term dog days relates to the position in the sky of the star Sirius, a bright star also known as the dog star. The brightness of Sirius led
- [Do We All Scream for Ice Cream?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/scream-ice-cream/) - Today marks the celebration of an interesting day. Today, August 2, 2016, is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. In the past, I would’ve lobbied to make it a national holiday. Now, my feelings are more mixed. I don’t know if I’ve talked about this already, but I love to eat. I lost some weight a
- [The Wonderful Watermelon](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/the-wonderful-watermelon/) - Today we celebrate National Watermelon Day. That’s pretty good timing, right? After all watermelons are mostly water, around ninety-two percent water, in fact. Eating watermelon (or drinking watermelons in the form of juice or smoothies) can be a refreshing way to get your fluids during what can be an extremely hot and humid time of
- [Veterans, Mental Illness, and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/veterans-mental-illness-and-substance-abuse/) - Today is U.S. Coast Guard Day. It’s a good day to recognize what our active military service members do for the country and what veterans of the military have done in the past. Unfortunately, the service of military members often comes with a cost. Some service members don’t make it home. Others return home with
- [Fighting Stress and Addictions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fighting-stress-addictions/) - Today is National Oyster Day. I don’t know much about oysters, personally, but they’re a big deal in different parts of the world. There are oyster festivals in Connecticut and New Orleans, another in Long Island, New York, and still others in England and Australia. The little mollusks are a big deal. National oyster day
- [Mead Is Still Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/mead-still-alcohol/) - Today’s National Mead Day. Who knew? Actually, I should have known. I recently visited a place that brewed and served different kinds of mead. Although I’ve heard of people making and drinking mead occasionally, I thought that the drink’s popularity had peaked during the times of Beowulf. Apparently I was wrong, because mead seems to
- [Making Happiness Happen](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/making-happiness-happen/) - Tomorrow’s an interesting day. Far from being an ordinary Monday, tomorrow is National Happiness Happens Day. If you’re like me, your first thought might have been that National Happiness Happens Day sounds kind of ridiculous. At first, the motto happiness happens might sound a little sappy, a relative of the I’m okay, you’re okay types
- [Progress,  Not Perfection](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/progress-not-perfection/) - Some former drug and alcohol abusers have adopted the motto “Progress, not perfection.” This phrase reminds me of one of my favorite quotations, “Perfect is the enemy of good,” a quotation by the writer and philosopher Voltaire. These expressions are good reminders to count our blessings. So many times, we want things to be a
- [Confronting and Embracing Our Fears](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/confronting-embracing-our-fears/) - “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” said Franklin D. Roosevelt famously. But the truth is, most of us are afraid of something, or afraid of a lot of somethings. This fear might drive us to abuse drugs or alcohol. Substance use disorder also can create new fears. Even if we choose
- [Fear and Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fear-addiction/) - Yesterday, we talked about fears that people have about their addictions and about their lives. Addiction can also create fear in others. Addiction creates so many scary things. If people have relatives and friends struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, they worry about the health of their loved ones. They worry about the addicts’ families,
- [Is Drug Use Acceptable?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/is-drug-use-acceptable/) - Is it acceptable to use drugs? It seems like it depends on who you ask. Recreational drug use is very popular. Many areas of the United States, from New Hampshire to Florida to Michigan to Alaska, and all parts in between, are struggling with high levels of drug abuse, especially heroin. Many regions are seeing
- [Cosigning Our Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/cosigning-our-problems/) - We don’t need anyone to cosign our BS. That’s a great expression that’s used in recovery circles. This phrase means that we don’t need anyone to encourage our lies, bad behavior, or other negative actions—our BS. If we’re actively suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, the chances are good that we’re lying to other people
- [Using Me Time to Heal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/using-me-time-heal/) - You often hear of people taking me time. While it might sound like a trendy catchphrase, it can be a great way to recharge a person’s batteries. It can be especially useful during recovery. As many people learn, healing doesn’t just occur during rehab. Healing continues after rehab during aftercare. It’s a lifelong process. Newly
- [Thinking Makes It So](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/thinking-makes-it-so/) - “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,” said Hamlet in the play of the same name. This a good quote for people recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. How we view things can have such an impact on our recovery and how we face our lives in general. We’re not
- [Elvis Didn’t Have to Die](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/elvis-didnt-die/) - Today marks the thirty-ninth anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Elvis was only forty-two when he died, so he would’ve been eighty-one years old. Instead of reaching the age of a senior citizen, though, Elvis died in the prime of his life. Who knows what he would have done professionally and personally if he had lived.
- [Finding Success After Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/finding-success-rehab/) - Success means many things to many people. For people dealing with drug and alcohol problems, success might be a painful word. Drug and alcohol abuse can prevent people from achieving their definitions of success. If people consider success to be making lots of money and becoming wealthy, addiction can definitely mess with those plans. Drug
- [Finding Happiness](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/finding-happiness/) - Happy. We all want to be happy, but how many of us truly are? Maybe we’re setting the wrong goals. Maybe we should appreciate happiness when we have it and acknowledge that it’s impossible to be happy 100% of the time. Expecting to be happy all of the time is setting ourselves up for failure.
- [The Opioid Epidemic](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-opioid-epidemic/) - We keep hearing news reports about the opioid epidemic? What is it? What are opioids? Are we really experiencing an opioid epidemic? Opioids might sound exotic, but they’re really just one category of drugs. Opioids are drugs related to opium. Opiates are another term for opioids. Some people use the term opiate when referring to
- [You're Good Enough](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/youre-good-enough/) - Do you know about the Stuart Smalley sketches on the program Saturday Night Live? These sketches starred comedian (and now U.S. senator) Al Franken as the character Stuart Smalley, who hosted a fictional show called Daily Affirmation with Stuart Smalley. As part of his show, Smalley would give affirmations, or positive statements, while looking into
- [The Confusion of Addiction and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/the-confusion-of-addiction-and-recovery/) - Drug and alcohol abuse can cause some confusing times. So can recovery. Searching for and using drugs and alcohol, and recovering from using drugs and alcohol, can take a lot of time. Addicts’ drug habits can dominate their lives. When they enter recovery, people are taking great strides to improve their lives. But they might
- [Just in Time](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/just-time/) - At first, this post might seem like a departure from what we usually talk about around here. But if you stick with me, you’ll see that it relates to our overall general conversation. The topic of this post is time management. Yeah, that makes it sound as if our post is going to sound like
- [Dealing with a Toxic Family](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/dealing-toxic-family/) - Many people leave drug and alcohol rehab only to discover that they still have work to do. This work relates to the people in their lives. Sadly, some people have toxic families or toxic family members. Toxic family members are family members who behave in ways that are extremely harmful to other members in their
- [Helping the Relatives of Addicts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/helping-relatives-addicts/) - Relationships can be tricky enough during good times. If people are abusing drugs or alcohol, or even if they’re in recovery from such abuse, relationships can be even more difficult. When people are abusing substances, drugs or alcohol seem to become the third person in their relationships. In fact, addicts seem to value drugs or
- [Recovery and Relationships](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/recovery-and-relationships/) - If you’ve successfully completed drug or alcohol rehab, congratulations! Your hard work and struggles have led to a great accomplishment. As you’re probably discovering, your hard work and struggles aren’t done. You’re still trying to navigate the world in new ways. You’re trying to function without drugs or alcohol, substances that were a big part
- [Building Confidence, Stopping the Questions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/building-confidence-stopping-questions/) - Do you ask yourself a lot of questions? Do you question yourself often? Questions are a part of life. But if we’re constantly questioning ourselves and if the questions are preventing us from making decisions or taking actions, we might have a problem. Constantly questioning ourselves could be a sign of low self-confidence. Building our
- [Take a Walk](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/take-walk/) - Excuse me if I get too preachy or overenthusiastic today, but we’ll be discussing a topic near and dear to my heart—walking. Walking is one of my favorite activities. It does so much for me. It can do so much for practically everyone. Like all exercise, it can be helpful in recovering from drug and
- [Making Choices](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/making-choices/) - One of the cool things about recovering from drug and alcohol abuse is that we’re able to make choices again. One of the scary parts of recovery is that we’re able to make choices again. Choice and addiction don’t normally seem to go together. If we’re abusing substances, alcoholic drinks or different drugs are the
- [Committing to Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/committing-to-recovery/) - Proper care can do so much to help treat drug and alcohol abuse. Not everyone approaches this care 100% willingly, however. Some people enter rehab because they’ve overdosed or experienced another serious medical condition related to alcohol and drug abuse. These people might have been unwilling to seek treatment in the past, but the severity
- [Focus in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/focus-in-recovery/) - People experiencing addiction and recovery might have difficulty with both. Addiction and recovery can also be difficult for their friends and family members. Addiction causes a ripple effect that affects practically every aspect of a person’s life. Substance use disorder can also affect the lives of addicts' friends and family members. Recovery also affects friends
- [Understanding Addicts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/understanding-addicts/) - We don’t know someone until we walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, according to that old phrase. This phrase is partially true with addiction. We don’t exactly know what it’s like to abuse drugs or alcohol unless we’ve done those things ourselves. But that doesn’t mean that addiction can’t hurt us. It doesn't mean
- [Abstinence, Sobriety, and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/abstinence-sobriety-recovery/) - Abstinence. It’s a word you often hear in recovery circles. It’s funny, but I’ve always heard it in terms of sex and eating. It must be a product of my religious education as a kid. In those religious teachings, abstaining from sex means not having sex. Abstaining means fasting, or not eating. Abstaining from eating
- [Using Drugs to Fight Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-drugs-to-fight-drug-abuse/) - Did you know that rehab centers use drugs to treat drug addiction? This concept sounds weird at first, but when you think about it a little, it makes a lot of sense. Doctors and medical professionals at rehab facilities prescribe drugs such as methadone and Suboxone for patients who are receiving treatment for abusing heroin
- [Living a Better Life](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/living-better-life/) - Live your best life. 10 tips for living a better life. How to improve your life. We’re always seeing articles and news stories about how to live a better life. It seems we all want better lives, or at least magazine editors and news producer think we want them. If we’re newly sober, it’s even
- [Drawing and Meditating Your Way to Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/drawing-meditating-your-way-recovery/) - Do you know what a Zentangle is? Don’t worry if you don’t know—I didn’t know about it myself until just a few minutes ago. The weird thing is, you and I have probably been creating Zentangles for years. It turns out that Zentangles are abstract patterns that you can draw. Since these designs are patterns,
- [Fighting Your Triggers](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fighting-your-triggers/) - Triggers. The very word hints at guns, at violence. That makes it an appropriate word to use when discussing substance use disorder. That’s because substance use disorder is violent. Like physical violence, substance use disorder can dramatically change a person’s life. Both can divide a person’s life into two parts: Before he or she encountered
- [Help Yourself](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/help-yourself/) - If you’ve spent time in a drug or alcohol rehab facility, you received a great deal of help. Even after you leave this kind of facility, there’s a good chance that you will still receive a lot of help. This help could include sobriety meetings, individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted therapy (MAT), or other forms
- [Watching Television Can Be a Good Thing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/watching-television-can-good-thing/) - Going to the movies. Reading a book. Watching a favorite television show. Like many people, I find these activities to be three of my favorite simple pleasures of life. But sadly, we sometimes beat ourselves up for doing those things. We’re constantly telling ourselves that we have to be productive, that we shouldn’t waste time.
- [Stepping out on a Journey](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/stepping-out-on-a-journey/) - “It’s the journey, not the destination” is a cliché, but like a lot of clichés, there’s a kernel of truth in there. Recovery is a journey. If you’re recovering from a drug or alcohol problem, you’re facing one of the longest journeys in your life. In fact, it’s a journey that never ends. But just
- [Recovery as an Ongoing Goal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/recovery-ongoing-goal/) - Yesterday, we talked about how recovery is a journey, not a destination. Although we go through rehab with the goal of becoming sober, sobriety is an ongoing goal. It’s not a goal that you reach, a goal that ends. Instead, sobriety is an ongoing goal that we strive for every day. One of the benefits
- [Rewards of the Recovery Journey](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/rewards-recovery-journey/) - We’ve been talking a lot lately about viewing recovery as a journey. In this view, recovery is an ongoing goal, not a final destination. Using this perspective, we can view setbacks as temporary roadblocks, not as insurmountable barriers. Viewing recovery as a journey also provides other benefits. These benefits include allowing ourselves to focus on
- [Strong People Seek Help](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/strong-people-seek-help/) - Strength. Strength is an important word in rehab and recovery. People seeking help for drug abuse or alcohol addictions might not think that they’re strong. In fact, they might think that they’re the opposite of strong. Physically, this might be true. Addiction can leave people extremely weak. Many drugs are powerful substances, even if people
- [Measuring Your Strength](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/measuring-your-strength/) - Yesterday we talked about strength in recovery. When former addicts go to rehab, they think they’re weak. This might be true physically, because drug and alcohol abuse can hurt our physical strength. On the other hand, former addicts are strong mentally. After all, people need great courage and strength to admit that they have problems.
- [The Intoxication of Drugs, Alcohol, and Love](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/the-intoxication-of-drugs-alcohol-and-love/) - Love is a drug. Love can make you high. Several songs compare love and sex to drugs that have intoxicating effects. It makes sense. Love, sex, and drugs and alcohol all make us feel good physically and mentally. They all stimulate feel-good chemicals in the brain. If former addicts have eliminated drugs and alcohol from
- [What Is Codependency?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/what-is-codependency/) - Dependency. It’s a word that relates to addiction and relationships. In fact, dependency (or codependency), addiction, and relationships can be connected in different, complex ways. We often hear the term codependent, but what does it really mean? A codependent person has a relationship or an emotional attachment to someone who is suffering from drug or
- [Avoiding Dependency](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/avoiding-dependency/) - When people complete rehab, they sometimes discover that they have to build new lives for themselves. These lives can involve building a new social circle. Recovering addicts might have to find new friends. The might have to separate themselves from relatives, old friends, and even significant others if these people don’t support their decisions not
- [Being Confident](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/being-confident/) - Confidence is an interesting thing. Having confidence in ourselves can help us in so many ways. On the other hand, if we don’t have self-confidence, this lack of confidence can have negative repercussions on so many areas of our lives. For example, low self-confidence could contribute to alcohol and drug abuse. If people feel badly
- [Ways to Boost Self-Confidence](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/ways-boost-self-confidence/) - Low self-confidence can contribute to substance use disorder, as people might use alcohol or drugs to try to forget their feelings of low self-confidence and other negative feelings. While rehab can do wonders in help addicted individuals, people need to continue to work after they leave rehab. Much of this work is psychological. Many people
- [Mindset and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/mindset-and-recovery/) - “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical,” famed baseball player and manager Yogi Berra once supposedly said. While Berra’s math might be suspect, we see his point. Sports are both physical and mental. Substance use disorder is also both mental and physical. So is recovery. To treat substance use disorder, we
- [Dealing with Imperfect Pasts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/dealing-imperfect-pasts/) - In this blog, we often talk about how our thoughts can influence our actions. This seems pretty common in cases of drug addiction and alcohol abuse. People sometimes abuse drugs or alcohol to try to block certain thoughts. They often try to blot out their pasts. This is so common. We’ve all done things in
- [Focusing on the Present and the Future](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/focusing-present-future/) - We’ve been talking about how we often beat ourselves up for things we did or said in the past. This kind of criticism is counterproductive, because we all know that we can’t change the past. But we can change things in the present. In fact, changing some things in the present can even help us
- [Fake It Until You Make It](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fake-it-until-you-make-it/) - “Fake it until you make it” is a phrase we often hear when we’re discussing mental health. While a lot of similar-sounding, rhyming phrases seem overly cutesy, this phrase can be useful. It can especially be useful when we’re treating mental health and substance use disorder conditions. This phrase often seems to come up when
- [Substance Use Disorder and Hiding Fear](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/substance-abuse-hiding-fear/) - We talked recently about self-confidence and the idea that we should consider faking it (confidence) until we make it. Some people might worry that this is a sign of being fake, of being inauthentic. This fear seems to be a common concern. It also relates to other fears. On one hand, people are worried about
- [Fearing Failure](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/fearing-failure/) - Many of us have feared failure at one point or another in our lives. Although I deal with this fear, too, I always thought thought it was kind of strange. For one, fearing failure is fearing something that is intangible, an idea. It’s not something tangible, like a fear of lightning or bears. Plus, fearing
- [Little Things Mean a Lot](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/little-things-mean-lot/) - Little things mean a lot. That phrase might seem something like a cliché, but I think it’s a good phrase for the rehab and recovery processes. After all, we’ve been talking a lot about success and failure lately. It seems like most of us measure success in ways that might seem little at first, but
- [Emotions and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/emotions-substance-abuse/) - People dismiss or try to hide their emotions, but it’s not that easy. Although we can’t often define or explain them, emotions can rule our lives. This can be good. Emotions can help us fall in love, care for our children, succeed in our careers, and find our passions in life. Getting all emotional doesn’t
- [Improving Our Emotional Health](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/improving-our-emotional-health/) - We’ve talked recently how emotions can be powerful things. They can lead us to good things and bad things. Trying to cope with emotions can even lead us to abuse drugs and alcohol. Sadly, this is a common occurrence. We’ve all heard of people who say they drink or use drugs to try to forget
- [Positive Emotions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/positive-emotions/) - Yep, this is another blog post about emotions. Will it be the last? We can’t promise that. After all, emotions, addiction, and recovery are all closely related. They influence each other in complex ways. Emotions can contribute to substance use disorder, but rehab doesn’t necessarily eliminate these emotions. Recovery also has its share of positive
- [More about Prince and Fentanyl](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/more-about-prince-fentanyl/) - We keep hearing about Prince in the news. Sadly, it’s not for his music. We’ve also talked about him in these blogs. Again, it wasn’t because of his music. As you’ve probably heard, Prince died in April, 2016 from an overdose of fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opioid, a painkilling drug related to opium. Other drugs
- [Dirty Dealings and the Opioid Epidemic](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dirty-dealings-opioid-epidemic/) - Just when you thought the news about the opioid epidemic couldn’t get any worse…. It appears that groups like the Pain Care Forum may have had a role in the opioid epidemic. Opioids, if you remember, are drugs that are related to opium. They're also known as opiates. Opioids include heroin, but for this blog
- [Lifting Stigmas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/lifting-stigmas/) - The more research I do and the more blog posts I write, the less I understand the stigmas surrounding drug and alcohol abuse. Assigning stigmas to substance use disorderrs doesn’t help the substance use disorderrs. It certainly doesn’t accomplish anything for anyone. Instead, if we view substance use disorder as a highly treatable disease, we
- [Not Such a Pretty Package](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/not-pretty-package/) - Canada is proposing legislation that might help curb the abuse of nicotine and cigarettes in that country. The country’s proposal? It wants to require cigarette manufacturers to use plain packaging for their cigarettes. All cigarette packaging would include the same types of colors and fonts and limit the manufacturers’ logos. The country already uses warning
- [Alcohol and Depression: The Double-Edged Sword](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-depression-double-edged-sword/) - When you feel down, it's natural to desire a release. Alcohol is a depressant, but statistically, those diagnosed with depression tend to drink more. Why? The answer is pretty simple: alcohol is a brief, albeit effective up-lifter. It works, if only momentarily. But, as they say, when you're up, eventually, there's no place to go
- [Seniors and Substance Use Disorder: Let's Not Forget Them](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/seniors-substance-abuse-lets-not-forget/) - A few years back, a unique episode of Intervention aired: Elena was a 63 year old woman living in Fortuna, California with a substance use disorder problem: she snorted crystal meth and popped painkillers endlessly. As an LGBTQ-identified woman, she'd grown up in the 50's with endless stigma for being too "boy-like," and far more so when
- [Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism: Dangerous Shifts and Risky Drinks](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/bipolar-disorder-alcoholism-dangerous-shifts-risky-drinks/) - Bipolar disorder could be described as a figurative grab-bag of varying symptoms: you've got your depression, your mania, your psychosis, and so much more! Jokes aside, the ups and downs of bipolar disorder not only make the disease difficult to diagnose, but predispose any diagnosed individual with the dangerous risk for developing a misuse or
- [Halloween Tricks and Treats](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/halloween-tricks-and-treats/) - Halloween is coming up. Will it provide more tricks or treats? As with other holidays, Halloween might give us ample opportunities to drink large amounts of alcohol or use drugs. We’re not trying to preach to you here, especially since you’re probably an adult. It’s extremely difficult—if not impossible—to try to force adults to do
- [Is Sugar Addiction Real?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/sugar-addiction-real/) - Halloween’s later this month. What does that mean to you? It means lots of things to me. Costumes, parties, cute little kids trick-or-treating, and interesting decorations are just some of the things I associate with Halloween. And candy. Lots and lots of candy. Even though I’ve been an adult for many, many years, I still
- [Borderline Personality and Alcohol Abuse: A Self-Perpetuating Cycle](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/borderline-personality-alcoholism-self-perpetuating-cycle/) - When you have borderline personality disorder, it can be very difficult to feel stable and happy: socially, personally, mentally, and physically. The disorder is characterized by drastic mood shifts, unstable relationships, periods of depression, self-harm and thoughts of suicide. The mood of the BPD individual can shift within a single day. And they always seem
- [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Addiction: Dual Compulsions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-addiction-dual-compulsions/) - When you think anxiety disorder, you might think about cowering in fear, having a physical reaction (like shaking or sweating), or feeling nervous. But it's not always easy to remember that recurring, obsessive, unwanted thoughts, and the inability to quash or forget about them characterizes an anxiety disorder as well. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder marked by
- [Stimulants and Depression: Self-Medicating to Stay Afloat](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/stimulants-depression-self-medicating-stay-afloat/) - Stimulants are called uppers for a simple reason: they get your body and mind moving, and you start to feel pretty good. You're able to get lots of work done; it seems like one thought feeds into the next. You're inspired. In any case, that's usually what happens when you take stimulants and you aren't prescribed them.
- [Moonshine and You](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/moonshine-you/) - It’s hard to believe that it’s 2016 and we’re talking about moonshine, but it is, and we are. It isn’t just a relic of the past. Moonshine seems to be pretty popular these days. As with other types of alcohol and drugs, there’s a huge variety of moonshine out there. There can also be a
- [Glorifying Marijuana?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/glorifying-marijuana/) - What’s the deal with marijuana? Do I sound like comedian Jerry Seinfeld? It seems that Jerry Seinfeld’s one of the few celebrities who hasn’t talked about marijuana in recent years. We’re not going to get into whether marijuana is physically addictive and whether it should be legal or illegal. Those topics are subjects for other
- [Carfentanil: A New Danger](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/carfentanil-new-danger/) - Apparently, fentanyl isn’t the worst thing out there anymore. It’s carfentanil. Fentanyl, as you might know, is a powerful painkilling drug that is 100 times more powerful than morphine. Some doctors and medical groups recommend prescribing fentanyl only in cases of extreme pain, such as people dying of cancer. Carfentanil is even stronger than both
- [Celebrities, Drugs, and You](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/celebrities-drugs-you/) - Does celebrity drug use really encourage other people to drink or use drugs? I’ve often wondered that. It seems like this question is similar to the one that asks if media violence prompts real-life violence. In other blogs, we’ve discussed how celebrities, especially musical performers, seem to glorify the use of marijuana, from Willie Nelson
- [Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder, Part 2](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/bipolar-disorder-substance-abuse-part-2/) - Here's the second part in our series about the association between bipolar disorder and alcoholism. We initially discussed how bipolar disorder can predispose any individual with the diagnosis with a huge risk. Those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are far more likely to develop a substance misuse or abuse disorder ("lifetime rates of substance use disorder
- [Alcohol and Depression, Part 2](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/alcohol-depression-part-2/) - As more and more is discovered about the association between depression and overall health, we have learned that depression can be treated in many ways. Whether it be psychotherapy, psychiatry, and other forms of therapy, like holistic or animal or art therapy. There's many ways to lift your mood, and not all are in the form
- [Don't Think Pink](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dont-think-pink/) - One of the most astounding things about humans is that we’re capable of change. We can change ourselves to adapt to our environments. We can change other things to suit our environments. Our whole evolutionary history is millions of years of seemingly subtle changes that are really quite profound. We’re biologically hard-wired for change. We
- [Opioid Addiction: A Global Problem](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opioid-addiction-global-problem/) - The problem of opioid addiction just seems getting bigger and bigger. People around the world are getting hooked on and dying from it. Tramadol is an opioid, which means that it’s chemically similar to morphine, heroin, fentanyl, and a host of other drugs. Except for heroin, doctors prescribe opioids to treat pain. Aside from this
- [Addressing Drug Addiction around the World](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/addressing-drug-addiction-around-world/) - Quick, name the prominent political figure who recommends rewarding people who kill drug dealers. No, it’s not 2016 U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump. Actually, this political figure is Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines. As outrageous as it sounds, Duterte proposed this solution to fighting drugs during his 2016 presidential campaign. (Apparently the United
- [The Drug Trade Hurts Everyone](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-trade-hurts-everyone/) - Drug abuse doesn’t just physically damage our bodies. The demand for drugs damages so much more. After all, drug trafficking is a global, multibillion dollar business. People have made fame (or infamy) and fortunes from their part in the drug trade. Prominent drug lords such Pablo Escobar have become internationally famous. Escobar has been the
- [Alcohol Abuse and PTSD: Helping Veterans Recover](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-abuse-ptsd-helping-veterans-recover/) - Veterans and mental health came to the forefront of the media recently when Donald Trump described PTSD as a form of weakness: "When you talk about the mental health problems, when people come back from war and combat and they see maybe what the people in this room have seen many times over, and you're strong
- [Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Example of Others](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-alcohol-abuse-example-others/) - Today, November 1st, is a day many people use to celebrate people who have died. Whether they go to religious services, decorate graves, or participate in other activities, people often use this day to think about departed people and the past. Thinking about the past can be useful in so many ways. We’ve all heard
- [The Surprising Dangers of Inhalant Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/surprising-dangers-inhalant-abuse/) - Using inhalants can’t be that bad for you. After all, you can buy them legally in stores. They’re just everyday products and can’t hurt you, unlike drugs like heroin and cocaine. These statements are definitely wrong. Using an inhalant in the wrong way can lead to some serious health complications, even death. Is that worth
- [Support for People Who Abuse Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/support-people-who-abuse-marijuana/) - Today, we’ll be talking about another famous person who has battled drugs. Luckily, while this story is sad, it doesn’t have the tragic ending that so many of these stories seem to have. Irish singer and songwriter Sinead O’Connor rose to prominence in the early 1990s with songs like “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “The
- [Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorder: How Are They Similar?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/eating-disorders-substance-abuse-similar/) - You might not know it, but eating disorders are often treated in addiction recovery centers. That's right. Eating disorders are now considered to be similar to addiction. There are dozens of examples in popular culture: the harrowing tale of the woman on the show Intervention who had a stomach pump installed so that she didn't have
- [Fentanyl in the Midwest: Addiction Turns Deadly](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/fentanyl-midwest-addiction-turns-deadly/) - If you pay attention to the recent news surrounding the opioid epidemic in the Midwest, you've likely heard the name "fentanyl" floating around. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning regarding the prevalence of this drug, which has become the deadliest new facet in the opioid epidemic. And the scariest part? You
- [Concentrating on Concerta](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/concentrating-concerta/) - Do you know what Concerta is? No, it’s not a midsized sedan that consistently wins awards for its dependability. Concerta is the brand name for a drug known as methylphenidate. You might be more familiar with another brand name for methylphenidate, Ritalin. Doctors prescribe Concerta, Ritalin, and similar drugs to people with attention deficit hyperactivity
- [Addressing Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/addressing-substance-abuse/) - Do we have a new president yet? I wrote this post before Election Day, so I’m not sure that the United States actually elected a new president on Tuesday, November 8th. For all I know, the country could be experiencing a replay of 2000, when a close election between George W. Bush and Al Gore
- [A War on Drugs, Not a Drug User](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/war-drugs-not-drug-user/) - We’ve been talking a lot lately about the war on drugs. People commonly use this phrase to discuss the U.S. government’s efforts to fight drugs since the 1970s, but apparently, the U.S. government has been fighting different wars on drugs for a long time. A fascinating article by the Drug Policy Alliance claims that these
- [From Prescriptions to the Streets: Today's Opioid Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/prescriptions-streets-todays-opioid-substance-abuse/) - People are dying from heroin overdoses at alarming rates. Though the amount of prescription painkiller usage has begun to taper off, the number of people who end up overdosing from street drugs like heroin has increased exponentially. There's several different suspected factors in the sharp increase of heroin overdoses, which can be attributed to the
- [Anxiety Disorder and Drug Addiction—Where to Turn Next?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/anxiety-disorder-drug-abuse-turn-next/) - Anxiety is a pervasive, ugly little demon. It can pop up when you least expect it. Maybe you're just talking with a friend. And all of a sudden, your mind goes blank. You're worried. About what? It could be something you said weeks ago, or maybe you're thinking about what to make for dinner. Or
- [Medical Marijuana, Opioids, and Insurance](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/medical-marijuana-opioids-insurance/) - It’s open enrollment time again. That means U.S. health insurance companies are enrolling people in their plans. Maybe I’ve been writing this blog too long, but I wonder if any of those insurance plans cover the cost of medical marijuana. If so, I’d consider using those plans myself. Not that I want or need medical
- [Discussing Marijuana, Other Drugs, and Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/discussing-marijuana-other-drugs-and-addiction/) - So, it’s about a week and a half after many elections in the United States. The U.S. elected a new president, and many states elected governors, senators, Congresspeople, and other officeholders, not to mention all the people who won more local races. Many areas of the United States also voted on various proposals and questions.
- [Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder: Dealing With Co-Morbidity](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/schizophrenia-substance-abuse-dealing-co-morbidity/) - You may not have known it before, but schizophrenia is one of the disorders most commonly associated with addiction. It doesn't matter which came first, schizophrenia or substance use disorder. With dual diagnosis, the specific onset of the disorder never matters, but what does matter is that you're able to get the important help you need to
- [Dealing With Stigma, Substance Use Disorder and Prejudice](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/dealing-stigma-substance-abuse-prejudice/) - When you hear the word "addict," what pops into mind? Is it a crack addict, cowering in the street? Is it a heroin addict, shooting up? Or is it an angry alcoholic? Is the addict male? Are they out of money, and has their family abandoned them? Are they old or young? Does addiction show
- [Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Teens Addresses Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/rehab-teens-addresses-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - In the United States, today is the day before Thanksgiving Day. A lot of people do not have to work or go to school tomorrow because it’s a holiday. A lot of students are home from college and eager to meet up with their friends. These conditions mean that a fair number of young people
- [Thankfulness and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/thankfulness-recovery/) - Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It’s a time to be thankful for all the good in our lives. (It’s also a time for me to eat my body weight in stuffing/dressing, but we can discuss that in another post.) For some people, holidays can be painful. They might be struggling with drug
- ["There Are More People with Substance Use Disorder Disorders than People with Cancer," says Surgeon General](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/people-substance-abuse-disorders-people-cancer-says-surgeon-general/) - Substance Use Disorder Disorders (SUDs) are a bigger problem than cancer and diabetes. Yet, we use less resources to treat the issue of addiction in the United States. On November 17th, the Surgeon General released a new report on the problem addiction, and urged for more awareness and action to be taken against the prevalance of substance
- [Homeless Addicts and Substance Use Disorder: How Can They Be Helped?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/homeless-addicts-and-substance-abuse-how-can-they-be-helped/) - If you've been in any major city, you've noticed people who are homeless. Maybe you've ignored them, given money, or listened to what they had to say. Most people, however, don't think too critically about why the homeless are present, and ignore their presence. Or, they might assume that just about all people registered as
- [D.A.R.E and Preventing Addiction: Does it Really Work?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/d-r-e-preventing-addiction-really-work/) - Just a day ago, Surgeon General Murthy spoke about the need for providing evidence-based strategies to treat the overwhelming issue of substance use disorder that has a chokehold on the country. That would mean better education for children, with learning how to cope with stress and other factors that could bring on addiction. However, if
- [Is Compulsive Shopping Like Substance Use Disorder?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/is-compulsive-shopping-like-substance-abuse/) - Today, the Monday after Thanksgiving Day in the United States is becoming known as Cyber Monday. That’s because many people use the Internet to shop for holiday presents on this day. Since this is a blog that discusses substance use disorder and addiction, Cyber Monday prompts me to wonder if shopping can be an addiction,
- [Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/eating-disorders-and-dual-diagnosis/) - A few days ago, the United States celebrated Thanksgiving. I know my family, friends, and I celebrated Thanksgiving. We usually treat the holiday as an opportunity to eat A LOT. Is this healthy? Probably not, but I know that we weren’t alone. For some people, all this focus on eating isn’t just confined to holidays.
- [Women and Painkiller Drug Addiction: Why You Need to Believe Women](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/women-painkiller-drug-addiction-need-believe-women/) - Women enter emergency rooms every three minutes, due to prescription painkiller abuse. While the opioid epidemic spreads across the country, more and more addicts are becoming addicted merely by virtue of stepping into a doctor's office. Prescription opioids are being abused at higher rates each year, but what many don't realize is that women have
- [Forgiveness, Alcohol, and Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/forgiveness-alcohol-drugs/) - This post doesn’t discuss a holiday, a specific day, or anything related to a time or occasion. It does, however, address a big part of substance use disorder: forgiveness. As you probably know, 12 step programs require participants to go through a series of steps. Some of these steps require people to make a list
- [How to Be Grateful: Handling Gratitude and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/grateful-handling-gratitude-substance-abuse/) - Happy Belated Thanksgiving to the United States! It's a day where we take a look at the things we do have, and feel grateful for what we've got. While you are in recovery from substance use disorder, it's important to remember that expressing gratitude, in some form or another, is crucial to moving forward with recovery,
- [Nutrition and Substance Use Disorder: You're in Recovery, Now What?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/nutrition-substance-abuse-youre-recovery-now/) - Cramming as many sweets, fattening treats, and various processed junk foods into your body as possible seems like a reasonable trade off for drugs and alcohol. In the first days, weeks, months and even years of recovery, many addicts find that without the substances they once relied upon, they need an extra lift. For many,
- [Giving the Gift of Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/giving-gift-recovery/) - Today is St. Nicholas Day, or the Feast of St. Nicholas. This is a popular holiday in Europe. During this holiday, children set out stockings and shoes on the evening of December 5 in the hopes that St. Nicholas will leave candy, gifts, and other fun things for them. This holiday shares much in common
- [Veterans, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/veterans-mental-health-and-substance-abuse/) - Today’s the anniversary of “a date which will live in infamy,” according to former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Seventy-five years ago today, the Japanese military attacked the military base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Following this attack, the United States officially entered World War II. There are fewer and fewer people that can remember
- [Teens, Young People, and Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/teens-young-people-alcohol/) - Teens, Young People, and Alcohol Why do some people think that drinking large amounts of alcohol is a rite of passage for teens and young adults? This idea can be deadly. Some people think they need to celebrate their twenty-first birthdays by drinking twenty-one shots of alcohol. An average shot glass holds 1.25 to 1.5
- [Superstitions, Stigmas, and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/superstition-substance-abuse/) - Some people might not care for today’s date because they’re superstitious and wary of the number thirteen. Other people may scoff and say that such superstitions are silly. The truth is, most of us have opinions that others might think are silly. Is it that way with substance use disorder? Many people are fighting different
- [Prescription Opioids and the Government](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/prescription-opioids-and-government/) - Governments and drugs are interacting in weird ways. How weird? Did you know that a pharmaceutical company lost a $24 million lawsuit to the state of Kentucky in 2015? Do you know why the company lost its lawsuit? It allegedly withheld information about how truly addictive its drug was. The company manufactures the prescription drug
- [Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-alcohol-abuse/) - Today marks a change in seasons. It’s the first day of winter. Winter is an interesting time. The beginning of the season features holidays, while the rest of the season can be tough for some people. For many of us, winter is a season of cold weather, snow, and days of less daylight. That means
- [Honesty and Substance Use Disorder (and Regifting!)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/honesty-substance-abuse-regifting/) - According to those goofy online calendars, today is national regifting (or re-gifting) day. As the name indicates, regifting occurs when we receive a gift and then give this same gift to someone else. I must have done this before. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve received regifted gifts from other people. I don’t mind receiving
- [How to Not Drink Alcohol During the Holidays](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/not-drink-alcohol-holidays/) - It's a very good idea to have a gameplan in place before you head out to holiday parties. Even if you've been sober for awhile, there will always be moments where alcohol can still be tempting, and it can happen out of the blue. 1. Make a commitment to staying sober. Tell yourself that you won't
- [No Regrets: Moving Beyond in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/no-regrets-moving-beyond-recovery/) - Recovery is all about making amends. Most importantly, you must make amends with yourself. Without self-forgiveness, recovery is impossible. Many people have co-morbid disorders that impact their lives negatively, and at times, they don't even know it. Reaching for negative coping strategies, whether there's an underlying mental difficulty, is a totally human response. Whether co-morbidity
- [Gathering, Gifting, and Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/gathering-gifting-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - For people in many parts of the world, today is Boxing Day. During this day, people often gather together to exchange gifts with one another. As much as I like gifts, the older I get, the more I realize that such celebrations aren’t really about the gift giving. They’re more about the gathering. Gathering together,
- [Fruitcake, Drug Addiction, and Reputations](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fruitcake-addiction-reputations/) - Today’s National Fruitcake Day. I didn’t know that there was such a day. Did you? Fruitcake has a bad reputation. We’ve all heard the jokes about it, how heavy it can be and how people give it to others, although not too many people seem to like it. I’m one of those people who don’t
- [What the Wilsons Can Teach Us about Recovering from Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-wilsons-can-teach-us-recovering-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Did you know that today is the birthday of former U.S. president Woodrow Wilson? He would’ve been 160 years old today. Does President Wilson’s birthday have anything to do with a blog about drug and alcohol abuse? Actually, it does. As you might know, towards the end of his presidency, Woodrow Wilson suffered from medical
- [Fentanyl, Prescription Drugs, and Marijuana: 2016 in Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fentanyl-prescription-drugs-marijuana-2016-drugs/) - Can you believe that we only have a few more days left of 2016? I can’t. 2016 has been quite a year. No matter where you stand politically, you’d probably agree that this year’s presidential election was a wild ride, to say the least. 2016 also had many stories relating to drugs. The first, unfortunately,
- [When Opiate Medications Did Good](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opiate-medications-good/) - Or so we thought. There was a resurgence in the amount of opiate prescriptions in the late 90s. After all, they do allow a chronic pain sufferer to live a life free of crippling pain. But in the 90s, the language surrounding opioids was far less careful, and far more optimistic than now. Pain medications like
- [Bullying Has an Impact on Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/bullying-impact-substance-abuse/) - We've heard more and more about cyber-bullying over the past few years. PTSD is a common precursor to substance use disorder. When a traumatic event plays through your mind on repeat, it can make sense to attempt to quash those fears with substances in any way possible. Drinking or using drugs can help you to
- [How to Stay Away from Alcohol During New Year's Eve](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/stay-away-alcohol-new-years-eve/) - ...5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year! Where are you on New Year's Eve? Usually at a party? At home? Are you drinking, or are you having an alcohol-free night? For many, not drinking on New Year's Eve seems strange. The new year is a time of celebration of the past year and the
- [Resolving and Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/resolving-recovery/) - This is the time of year when many people resolve to do some things and not do other things. New Year’s resolutions can be a big deal. We hear different people making different resolutions for the upcoming year, including our friends and neighbors, relatives, and even celebrities. While New Year’s resolutions are noble intentions, I’m
- [Family: Nature and Nurture, Alcohol Abuse and Drug Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/family-nature-nurture-alcohol-abuse-drug-addiction/) - Today, January 3rd, would’ve been my grandfather’s birthday. Not surprisingly, these kinds of commemorations always make me think about families and the importance of family. Families are related to alcohol abuse and drug addiction in many complex ways, ways we’re not entirely sure. Is addiction related to nature or nurture? It looks like both. It
- [Carrie Fisher: More Than an Actress, Writer, or Dual Diagnosis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/carrie-fisher-actress-writer-dual-diagnosis/) - No, not Princess Leia! That’s the reaction many of us had when we learned that Carrie Fisher had died. More than an actress, more than a writer, Fisher’s portrayal of Princess Leia was a huge part of the Star Wars world, a phenomenon that touched generations of fans from all walks of life. One of
- [For People in Recovery, Hobbies Aren't Trivial](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/for-people-recovery-hobbies-arent-trivial/) - Another day, another blog post relating to another day on the calendar. Today's day is a fun one. Today, January 4th, is National Trivia Day. Do you like games that require you answer questions on a number of subjects, like the TV game show Jeopardy! and board games like Trivial Pursuit? I know I do.
- [Epiphanies Could Lead to Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/epiphanies-could-lead-treatment/) - For Christians, tomorrow, January 6, marks Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany and other names. According to some religious teachings, it’s the day that the three wise men or kings arrived to meet Jesus. The word epiphany can mean manifestation, a term that makes sense in relation to the wise men. Epiphany
- [Talking to Teens about Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/talking-to-teens-about-alcohol/) - Yesterday’s blog post discussed how teens and young people can struggle with alcohol abuse and drug addiction. It also included some resources for people in that age group and their parents. One of the sites is for the U.S. Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services Administration. If you ever want to know more about
- [Human Trafficking Can Lead to Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/human-trafficking-can-lead-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Unlike the lighthearted days we often discuss in this blog, today’s commemoration is quite different. That’s because today, January 11th, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking involves exploiting people, forcing people to do things against their will, much like slavery. This could involve holding people captive and making them perform work, sex acts,
- [What's the Best Way to Prevent Children and Teens from Using Drugs?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/children-and-teens/) - Here's some halfway-decent news—many teens are now reported to use drugs and alcohol less than ever. A survey conducted by the University of Michigan surveys 8th, 10th, and 12th graders annually, as granted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. They found that teenagers are now misusing drugs and alcohol at markedly lower rates. But
- [Substance Use Disorder Prevention Can Begin in Pediatrics](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-prevention-can-begin-pediatrics/) - Adults struggling with drug addiction today grew up in a markedly different landscape of drug and alcohol products. Today, we have a multilayered selection of many varying drug products to choose from—and it seems there's a new drug to choose from every week. Teens have access to electronic devices to consume marijuana and nicotine, they
- [Using Therapy to Treat a Dual Diagnosis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/using-therapy-treat-dual-diagnosis/) - Did you ever read the novel One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest or see the famous movie based on the book? Even if you haven’t read it or seen it, you probably know that they depict how medical professionals and the psychiatric hospital system treat hospital patients in a brutal manner. While there has been
- [The Dangers of Abusing Steroids](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dangers-abusing-steroids/) - Did you ever watch those documentaries about steroid abuse? I’m not sure if I had to watch them in school or I saw them afterward, but they were always scary. If you somehow escaped these documentaries, steroid abuse is not rare, unfortunately. People sometimes use steroids because they think that the drugs will help them
- [Good News about Opiates](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/good-news-opiates/) - Here’s some good news for the new year. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is cutting the production of opioids, a class of drugs also known as opiates. Opioids/opiates are powerful drugs that are related to opium, hence their name. Most opioids are medications that you can only obtain with a doctor’s prescription, such as
- [Myths about Detox and Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/myths-detox-rehab/) - There are many people who abuse alcohol and drugs in this country. Many deny that they’re having problems with the substances. Others may know that they have problems, but are afraid to seek treatment. When many people think about rehab, they don’t think happy thoughts. They think that rehab is full of people in severe
- [You Have An Addiction and Addictive Personality, And That's Normal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/you-have-an-addiction-and-addictive-personality-and-thats-normal/) - It seems to you that everyone else has a 'normal' concept of what enjoyment is – it stops within reason, it's moderated. Whether a cup of coffee, a single meal, or a glass of wine, it's enjoyed within a reasonable amount. But you aren't like that—you have to have it all, or nothing. You're not
- [How Do You Manage Money When Recovering From Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-do-you-manage-money-when-recovering-from-addiction/) - When you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, you probably don't care very much about your finances. If you can afford it, you likely spend blindly, purchasing substances until you have no money left. That's how many homeless addicts stay homeless—the mentality is not to acquire money to use on getting food, shelter, or other
- [How Do Triggers in Substance Use Disorder Work?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/how-do-triggers-in-substance-abuse-work/) - A specific location, such as a local bar you frequented as a drinker, might compel you to pick up the bottle again. But triggers can be controlled, because after all, triggers are going to unexpectedly present themselves at any random time, so a strategy must be created so that those triggers don't end up jeopardizing
- [Adderall and Concerta Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/adderall-concerta-addiction/) - Many students are taking midterms and exams now, or they will be taking them shortly. Instead of studying or cramming in the normal ways, some students unfortunately turn to substances that they will think will help them study. These substances include Adderall, Concerta, and other drugs. Adderall and Concerta are prescription medications. Doctors prescribe these
- [Alcohol Makes You Fat: A Diet Story, Part 1](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-makes-fat-diet-story-part-1/) - Are you on the Alcohol Diet? Do you drink on a regular basis? If so, are you also mindful of your weight, and the amount of exercise you get? Do you consider yourself fit and healthy? If so—does drinking seem to make it harder to lose weight? Are you able to develop muscles—but does it
- [Alcohol Makes You Fat: A Diet Story, Part 2](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-makes-you-fat-a-diet-story-part-2/) - We left off the last blog post ready to start talking about how alcohol destructs your looks. If that sounds harsh, perhaps consider this—that just three, 200-calorie beverages tallies up to 600 calories. And it's so easy to pile those on. And as we mentioned before, even if you stick to 75-100 calorie drinks, you're
- [What Does a Trump Administration Mean for Drug Addiction and Recovery?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-does-trump-administration-mean-drug-addiction-recovery/) - There's a few different things we can worry about happening to the realm of addiction treatment: It's no secret that congressional Republicans are intent upon getting rid of Obamacare, which they have begun the necessary initial steps in slashing. Without a replacement in place, up to 18 million Americans may find themselves without healthcare coverage.
- [Is Super Bowl Betting Similar to a Drug Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/super-bowl-betting-similar-drug-addiction/) - Next Sunday is the Super Bowl, the championship game of the professional National Football League (NFL) in the United States. As you probably know, the Super Bowl is much more than a football game. Its television broadcast is known for its commercials, its halftime show, its many hours of pregame coverage, and other related things.
- [Perspectives about Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/perspectives-substance-abuse/) - Thank heavens February is the shortest month, right? Between the cold weather, snow, short days, and sappiness of Valentine’s Day, twenty-eight or twenty-nine days is about all I can stand. Actually, though, the more I think about it, February could be worse. We’re already deep into winter and spring starts next month. (Spring starts on
- [Alcohol and Drug Abuse Means Reliving the Same Day Over and Over Again](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-drug-abuse-means-reliving-same-day-over-over-again/) - As you probably know, today, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day. According to the story, the length of the remaining winter season depends on whether or not a groundhog sees its shadow on this day. As you might also know, there’s a really good movie about this event called Groundhog Day. It stars Bill Murray as
- [Philippines Drug War: When Will It End?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/duterte-drug-war/) - It's certainly not making big headlines these days, but the Philippines drug war is still very much happening, and the results are devastating. It all began when the current president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, known for his no-tolerance policies against criminals, issued a statement about exactly what he'd do with individuals associated with a drug addiction,
- [Making A Career Out of Recovery from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/making-a-career-out-of-recovery-from-substance-abuse/) - It's no small phenomena that many people in recovery often choose to become a bigger part of the picture—they want to hold onto the support they've been given. Compassion for others fosters greater self-worth, which in turn improves mental health, and contributes to long lasting recovery. Of course, no interventionist, therapist, or other addiction recovery
- [Street Drugs Can Mimic Psychiatric Medication](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/street-drugs-mimic-psychiatric-medication/) - It's strange how the human body works—we will always attempt to protect ourselves. Self-medication is a form of that protection, but it happens without the person really knowing what they are doing to themselves. Subconsciously, you latch onto the substance that provides you with a lift. Maybe it begins slowly and innocently. But over time,
- [Substance Use Disorder Affects All Classes, No Matter Who You Are](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-affects-classes-no-matter/) - Many people tend to romanticize addiction as something that only happens to the homeless, someone on welfare—someone with less opportunities in life. Well, that's not entirely true. Addiction occurs throughout a much greater spectrum. It is a common mistake to assume that poverty predisposes addiction, because it is an array of factors that contributes to
- [Social Media Addiction: What Kind of Substance Use Disorder Is It?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/social-media-addiction/) - You don't want to believe that your children have become addicts. It's just a screen they can't look away from, that's all. And there's no saying that having a screen addiction will contribute to a life of crippling addiction. But being in front of a screen all day has never shown to provide actual benefits;
- [Unregulated Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs Are Not Sexy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/unregulated-otc-drugs-not-sexy/) - With Valentine Day’s tomorrow, some people might want to get in the mood in different ways. Some people might turn to certain substances to enhance their sex lives. But using drugs, especially untested over-the-counter (OTC) ones, might not enhance your libido. They might just kill you. This should go without saying, but buying drugs that
- [How to Deal with Alcohol Abuse and Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-to-deal-with-alcohol-and-sad/) - Seasonal affective disorder refers to the experience of depleted serotonin that often happens during the winter months, in states that don't see a lot of sunlight. For some states in the Midwest, a low cloud cover means that there might not be sun for days at a time. Per the American Academy of Family Physicians
- [5 Ways to Get Back to Basics When Recovering from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/5-ways-get-back-basics-recovering-substance-abuse/) - We hear it all the time. A combination of a regular routine of physical activity, attention to nutrition, and other forms of support and therapeutic techniques are the best way to stay sober. When life gets overwhelming, it's beneficial to return to the most basic forms of support. When you're going through a rough time—no,
- [Happy Valentines Day! Here's How Enabling Works in Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/happy-valentines-day-heres-enabling-works-substance-abuse/) - You'd never want to say that behind every addict, there's someone to blame. But the truth is that behind the lives of many addicts are people who love them, but unintentionally contribute to their addiction in various ways. Whether supporting the addict financially, allowing them to live in their home, whether giving them money for
- [Paying the Physical Cost of Ecstasy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/paying-physical-cost-ecstasy/) - Since we celebrated Valentine’s Day this week, we might as well talk about ecstasy. No, not that kind of ecstasy. The drug ecstasy. After all, this is a blog for Willow Springs. We’re not that kind of website. Anyway, many people use ecstasy (MDMA) to feel good, but the side effects have an opposite effect.
- [Ecstasy Does Not Promote Good Health](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/ecstasy-does-not-promote-health/) - Yesterday, we talked a lot about what ecstasy does to your body physically. Like most drugs, ecstasy can also have a profound on your mind and emotions. In fact, many people use the drug to change their emotions, but they encounter side effects they never anticipated. Drugs like ecstasy always seemed scary to me. They’re
- [Harm Reduction for Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/harm-reduction-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - It seems like there’s more than one way to do most things. That also includes seeking help to treat problems with alcohol and drugs. Harm reduction is one such approach. Unlike 12-step programs and non-12-step programs that encourage people to give up alcohol and drugs entirely, harm reduction approaches aim to reduce the amount of
- [A Possible Opiate Breakthrough](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/possible-opiate-breakthrough/) - Around two million. Almost 600,000. These two numbers are the number of Americans addicted to prescription opiates (opioids) and heroin in 2015, according to the American Society for Addiction Medicine. An opiate or opioid is a drug related to opium. Opiates interact with the brain. This means that they can relieve your pain or make
- [Treatment for Cocaine Abuse and What Works for YOU](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/treatment-cocaine-abuse/) - When you're hooked on cocaine, you're hooked on the high speeds of life. You feel great—everything moves at a lightning pace, and all of the best answers land in your mind. Many people become addicted to stimulants like cocaine when they're depressed because they can be uplifting. And plenty of others become users when they're
- [Should You Detox On Your Own?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/should-you-detox-on-your-own/) - It is quite dangerous to detox on your own, depending on the drug. If you are detoxing from an alcohol addiction, this can bring on a phenomena called delirium tremens, which consists of uncontrollable shaking and other movements, as well as intense sweating, raised blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate. Delirium tremens is a
- [Exercising Patience in Recovery: What Works Best](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/exercising-patience-recovery-works-best/) - When you're deep in the dark world of addiction, it's hard to feel patient. After all, why did you get this way? How did you get here? And why do you feel irritable inside? These feelings bleed into other parts of your life—for one thing, it can make it difficult to have interpersonal relationships without
- [Not Taking Alcohol and Drugs to Heart](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/not-taking-alcohol-drugs-heart/) - Today’s the last day of February, which also means that it’s the last day of National Heart Month or American Heart Month. What does that have to do with this blog? Quite a lot, actually. Did you know that alcohol and drugs can do severe damage to the heart and circulatory system? They can. Drinking
- [Finding Strength in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/finding-strength-recovery/) - “In like a lion and out like a lamb.” That’s how we often describe the month of March. Weather-wise, the phrase is appropriate. In the beginning of the month, we’re often still facing fierce winter weather. By the end of the month, the weather is often milder, or at least milder weather’s on the horizon.
- [Thinking in Absolutes and Why it Destroys Recovery from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/thinking-absolutes-destroys-recovery-progress/) - “I'll never get well,” you think. “It's never going to happen. I will always be an addict. I can't recover.” Many who are recovering from addiction have these kinds of thoughts. The words “never,” “always,” and “can't” are absolute terms, meaning that they hold no nuance. If you say you always do something, it means
- [Staying Inspired in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/staying-inspired-recovery/) - When you first enter a life of sobriety, it's common to feel as though you are on a cloud. Actually, this is known as the pink cloud effect—the feeling that all is well, that sobriety allows you to live on a perfect cloud of contentment. But what do you do when the pink cloud goes
- [Doctors, Drugs, and Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/doctors-drugs-alcohol/) - Just because doctors are doctors doesn’t mean that they live the healthiest of lifestyles. Just because lawyers are lawyers doesn’t mean that they will live according to the dictates of the law. Drug addiction and alcohol abuse can lead to health and legal problems for people of all professions. Significant numbers of doctors, dentists, nurses,
- [Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Law](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-alcohol-abuse-law/) - We recently discussed how members of the medical profession sometimes use alcohol and drugs to treat the stress of their jobs as well as treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions. This tactic could backfire, however, creating even more stress and other conditions. Abusing drugs and alcohol can also lead to other problems. Some of these
- [How to Recover from Guilt in Addiction Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/recover-guilt-addiction-rehab/) - When you're actively addicted, often, you may not be very well-behaved. When you're deep into addictive habits, there's always a chance that you might be tempted to steal from friends and family for drugs, get involved in criminal activity in order to get money for more drugs, among other reprehensible acts. Even when you've never
- [When Significant Others Don't Help with Alcohol Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/significant-others-dont-help-alcohol-rehab/) - Wen an addict's friends or family contribute to continuation of an addiction, either intentionally or otherwise, is known as dependency, or enabling. The addict might have a partner who also uses. They might also have a grandparent who gives them money. Or the addict is supported with drugs or alcohol just so they don't fall
- [How Long Does Withdrawal from Alcohol Last?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-long-does-withdrawal-alcohol-last/) - Did you know that alcohol is the most dangerous drug to detoxify from? Yup—it's true. And it's kind of funny that alcohol is not considered a drug, yet it is the only 'drug' that is socially acceptable to use, even if it can be a dangerous and addictive substance. And it's the most dangerous to
- [Doctors Can Prevent Opiate Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/doctors-prevent-opiate-addiction/) - Did you know that your chances of developing an opiate or opioid addiction might depend partly on the doctor you see? According to physicians Michael Barnett and Anupam B. Jena, the behaviors of physicians might lead to such consequences for their patients. In an editorial for the Los Angeles Times, the physicians discuss how they
- [Beware the Ides of March (and Drug and Alcohol Abuse)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/beware-ides-march-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - Beware of the Ides of March. This is the warning that a fortune teller supposedly gave Roman leader Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., a warning that something bad was going to occur on March 15th. Caesar didn’t heed this warning and Brutus and others killed him on that date. Although the term ides might sound
- [Substance Use Disorder, Lumberjacks, and Other Jobs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-lumberjacks-other-jobs/) - “I’m a lumberjack and I’m okay,” sang a lumberjack in a famous song from the television program Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a song later repeated in movies and stage productions. The truth is, all lumberjacks aren’t okay. Many struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. According to a 2009 article by the George Washington University Medical
- [Reach Out for Help With Alcohol Abuse When You Need It](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/reach-help-alcohol-abuse-need/) - Why is sponsorship so important in recovery? What happens if you don't have friends in recovery? Many people credit their success in recovery to the friends that are there for them and the people who provide them with emotional support throughout their recovery from addiction. There's no bad reason to go to rehab. In fact,
- [When Your Thoughts Are Distorted in Rehab, What Can You Do?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/thoughts-distorted-rehab-can/) - As defined in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, there's plenty of ways that you can confront your negative thought patterns. Many addicts 'treat' their underlying mental health issues with substances. They might not realize that there's a mental illness underneath the surface, or that they are even displaying the signs and symptoms They run through
- [Positive Self-Esteem and Why it Helps with Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/positive-self-esteem-why-it-helps-drug-abuse/) - What Is Positive Self-Esteem? Everyone has a “self-image” that follows them around in their head. It refers to the way that you see yourself—whether you believe that you are accomplished and successful, or a failure. It refers to whether you think you are attractive or ugly. We often talk about the different types of Cognitive
- [Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder and Behavioral and Learning Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-behavioral-learning-problems/) - Yesterday, we talked about how fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has been linked to a number of serious physical side effects. Today, we’ll be discussing how FASD can also cause behavioral and learning problems. Fetal alcohol syndrome spectrum disorder can occur if a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. The alcohol she consumes not only affects her,
- [Oh, Canada! The Great White North Wants to Legalize Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/oh-canada-great-white-north-legalize-marijuana/) - If pro-marijuana forces get their way, they’ll change the giant red maple leaf on the Canadian flag to a giant marijuana leaf. That seems to be the fear of some anti-marijuana people. During the 2015 election campaign, Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Liberal Party vowed to make marijuana legal in Canada. Two years later, it
- [Canada: It’s Just Like Us (When It Comes to Opiate Addiction)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/canada-like-us-opiate-addiction/) - Yesterday, we discussed that Canada was proposing to make marijuana legal on the federal level. Marijuana is not federally legal in the United States, although a handful of states have deemed it legal to use for recreational purposes and about half of U.S. states allow their residents to use medical forms of the drug. (Medical
- [Are Technology Addictions as Real as Substance Use Disorder?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/technology-addictions-real-substance-abuse/) - Can you be addicted to technology? Some people think so. Although the idea of addictions to technology might sound far-fetched at first, in reality, this disorder resembles other compulsive behaviors that are sometimes considered addictions. People might be addicted to using their phones and computers, to using social media sites and the Internet in general,
- [Ecstasy, LSD, Meth, and Other Club and Party Drugs Aren’t Fun](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/ecstasy-lsd-club-party-drugs-arent-fun/) - People at raves or techno parties, using drugs and dancing. That’s a stereotype, right? Well, while not everyone in that scene (or any scene) uses drugs, enough people do indulge, creating a connection between the parties and drugs that seems hard to shake. The connection between drugs and parties isn’t new. People have hosted parties
- [Cheap Detox Products Can Be Costly](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/cheap-detox-products-can-costly/) - The Internet can be a wonderful source of information, a great tool for allowing people to keep in contact with each other, and even a way for people to meet new people. Of course, we all know that the Internet has its downsides. It can be a source for misinformation. People can also use it
- [Marijuana: Gateway Drug or Useful Medicine—or Both?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/marijuana-gateway-drug-useful-medicine/) - Is marijuana a gateway drug? It’s 2017, and that’s the question many people are still asking. Many people have long believed that marijuana use will lead to the use of other, stronger drugs. According to this theory, using marijuana creates a gateway to using drugs like heroin or cocaine. Participants in 2017 Connecticut forum about
- [Why We Need to Research Marijuana and Other Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/why-we-need-research-marijuana-other-drugs/) - Yesterday, we discussed the implications of using marijuana as medicine. Many people have provided stories about how using marijuana eased their chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, and other conditions. These developments are fascinating, especially since marijuana might be a safer way to treat these conditions. They could potentially replace other substances such as opioids, a class
- [Staying in the Game with Recovery and Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/staying-in-the-game-with-recovery-and-treatment/) - You want to quit. It's too hard, you think. There's no way that I am going to recover. I've failed so many times that it's time to give up. I'll just keep failing. Well, recovery is possible for anyone and everyone, no matter the degree of your addiction. Everyone slips up at some point. It
- [Getting Away from Addiction Enablers](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/getting-away-addiction-enablers/) - You usually don't realize when someone is enabling your addiction. They've got your best interests at heart, after all. Right? But when you see someone who is giving an addict money with a blind eye, you might think that they don't really understand what they are doing, or how they have become an enabler, even
- [You Shouldn't Wait Until It's Too Late for Drug Withdrawal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/heres-shouldnt-wait-late/) - Withdrawal symptoms can be impossible to deal with. With many rehab centers, it might feel like you're not warmly welcomed or accepted—or it may seem like their policies and methods don't match your needs. Because of these reasons, many addicts don't get into a rehabilitation program for years and years because of their assumptions about
- [Turning Substance Use Disorder into a Sugar Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/sugar-addiction/) - Yup, that's right. Many people can become addicted to sugar, and it can happen AFTER you've stopped drinking or using drugs. Yes, sugar can be addictive, and if you already have a predilection to using drugs or alcohol, it can turn into a substitute for what you really want to use. Since sugar spikes the
- [Drugs and Alcohol Can Play Tricks on People](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drugs-alcohol-play-tricks-people/) - Recently, on April 1st, many people celebrated April Fools’ Day. They celebrated by playing jokes, pranks, and hoaxes on other people. They may have put sugar into salt shakers, or published fake news stories in newspapers or on the Internet, or played other jokes to fool others. If you think about it, alcohol abuse or
- [How Do You Recover Your Finances After Alcohol Addiction?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/recover-finances-after-alcohol-addiction/) - For many who have lived in addiction, it's quite common to behave recklessly, to overspend, to do things you normally wouldn't do sober. Some may find at the opposite end of addiction that their bank account has been drained. They might feel as if another person has been in charge of their finances and life.
- [President Trump and Alcohol—Why He Believes that Drinking Kills](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/president-trump-and-alcohol/) - Donald Trump is fairly well-known for his relationship with alcohol—he doesn't touch a drop these days, or ever, he's stated. His brother, Freddy Trump, was an alcoholic, and died at 42 because of his heavy drinking. As a result, President Trump chooses to not imbibe: “He has said that his older brother Fred’s struggles with
- [Essential Oils and Substance Use Disorder—How Can Aromatherapy Help You?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/essential-oils-and-substance-abuse-how-can-aromatherapy-help-you/) - Aromatherapy has taken the world by storm over the past few years. It seems like everyone knows what essential oils are and what they can do—but they're not quite sure which kinds to try first! Luckily, essential oils are very versatile and can work for many different kinds of needs. Addiction is no exception—there's oils
- [Getting Your Motivation Back and Recovering from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/getting-motivation-back-recovering-substance-abuse/) - Some days, it feels like you're dragging. You can't get it together. You're tired, you feel like you can't be productive, you feel as though it takes all of your effort just to go about your day. It seems like you've lost your motivation to recover and be better. How did you ever stay sober
- [4 Addictions That Don't Involve Substance Use Disorder—How Does That Work?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/4-addictions-that-dont-involve-substance-abuse-how-does-that-work/) - Did you know that there are addictions that don't involve using substances? You can become addicted to a hobby or activity that most people do on a modest, regular basis. When your habits seem to border on the extreme and are out of your control, this is a signal that those habits aren't positive and
- [How to Find Support for Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/find-support-substance-abuse/) - It can be a lonely time, first entering recovery. You're not quite sure who to turn to, or who can help you. Maybe your family and friends have turned away—they don't know how to help you out with your addiction. They might not be entirely to blame. It's difficult to understand the irrational behavior that
- [Think Positive Thoughts and Combat Drug and Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/think-positive-thoughts-and-combat-drug-alcohol-abuse/) - We all have negative thought patterns, and often, we don't know it. We attempt to cover them up by distracting ourselves: we eat bad food, we watch TV every day, we sit on our smartphones, we don't get outside. More and more, we protect our negative thoughts by refusing to address them for what they
- [Wary about Diet Pills](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/wary-about-diet-pills/) - I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear about diet pills, it always reminds of the 1960s and 1970s, of Valley of the Dolls and big hair and loud clothes. But despite my dated references, the diet pill industry and related substances are still very much a thing. Like any type of drug, they
- [The Complexity of a Sleeping Pill Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/complexity-sleeping-pill-addiction/) - Do you suffer from insomnia? I do sometimes. Sometimes, it involves trouble falling asleep. More often, it involves staying asleep. For a lot of us, when we wake up in the middle of the night, we begin to worry about a lot of things. Some of those things include falling back asleep and getting enough
- [What Really Happens During Detox?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/what-really-happens-during-detox/) - There are different side effects for different drugs. While some symptoms are easier to handle while improving the body and healing long-term drug use, other symptoms can be deadly. When you go to rehab, you'll likely be eased off your drug of choice with medication—the reason for this is to ease dangerous symptoms and make
- [Regulating and Taxing Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/regulating-taxing-marijuana/) - There are a lot of interesting stories related to the legalization of marijuana. Some of the interesting stories relate to the legislative and financial aspects of such legalization. Several U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Residents in a smaller number of states have voted to make marijuana legal to use recreationally. The U.S.
- [Substance Use Disorder: A Complex Topic in Many Ways](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-complex-topic-many-ways/) - Drugs and alcohol are complicated substances. How we think about them is also complicated. How complicated? Many of us have different, seemingly contradictory opinions about drugs and alcohol or opinions that change over time. Prominent people often hold these contradictory views. Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, is affiliated with
- [Prince, Fentanyl, and Opioids: One Year Later](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/prince-fentanyl-opioids-one-year-later/) - Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the death of singer, songwriter, and musician Prince. In some ways, it seems like only yesterday, yet in others, it seems like so long ago. Prince died from an accidental overdose of the prescription painkilling drug fentanyl, a drug known as an opioid or opiate. Prince might the famous
- [Addicted to Energy Drinks—A Different Kind of Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/addicted-to-energy-drinks-a-different-kind-of-substance-abuse/) - A young man named Josh McKee was recently forced to remove half of his teeth. The problem? Not disease or infection, but an addiction to energy drinks. The high level of sugar managed to cause decay in about half of his teeth. He's a young man in his 20's, yet his energy drink addiction has
- [What's the Deal with Dual Diagnosis?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/whats-deal-dual-diagnosis/) - As late as the 1990's, an addict would enter a treatment facility and not receive the help they really need. Let's say they had depression as well as issues with alcohol abuse. They'd be sent away, and told to take care of the mental health problem. Luckily, since then, rehabilitation centers started to address the
- [Opiate/Opioid Abuse and Memory Loss](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opiate-opioid-abuse-memory-loss/) - You probably know that the United States and other areas of the world are in the midst of a huge opiate epidemic. You might be surprised that the abuse of such drugs can have other effects. An opiate/opioid is a type of drug that can produce strong effects on the body and the mind. Doctors prescribe
- [Henrietta Lacks and 12-Step Programs: Unsung but Effective](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/henrietta-lacks-and-12-step-treatment-unsung-but-effective/) - Recently, Oprah Winfrey lent her star power to a made-for-cable-television adaptation of the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Winfrey plays Deborah Lacks Pullum, the daughter of Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta was an African American woman who died of cancer in 1951 but lives on today. Henrietta Lacks lives on through her genes, known as
- [Alcohol and Your Social Life: What Happens When You Stop Drinking?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-and-your-social-life-what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking/) - Why don't you drink? Can't you just have one? Do you have a drinking problem? If you've ever been in a social situation and were asked these questions, you might be fed up with hearing them. You're sick of giving answers. You may start avoiding going out and putting yourself in a situation where alcohol
- [Writing Your Way through Substance Use Disorder and How It Helps](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/writing-way-substance-abuse-helps/) - There are many recovery memoirs out there. Many addicts find that they latch onto the story of someone else; that they find similar voices in the stories they read. For some, the first inklings of desired sobriety might start with reading about an inspiring journey to recovery. For others, it's not until they gain some
- [Talking about Substance Use Disorder to Remove the Stigma](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/talking-about-substance-abuse-remove-stigma/) - We’ve been talking a lot lately about hiding addiction and uncovering it, of acknowledging people and things as well as the unsung heroes of life. In just my lifetime, I’ve seen things change for the better when it comes to drug treatment and mental health. A lot of these positive changes relate to the increasing
- [Drug Decriminalization in Portugal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-decriminalization-portugal/) - Thousands of miles away, a new approach to drugs might be what’s needed to fight drug addiction in the United States. Portugal decriminalized many drugs in 2001. If Portuguese police find small, specific amounts of drugs on people, such as marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy, the police will not arrest these people for drug possession. Instead,
- [Process Addiction vs. Substance Use Disorder – How Are They Different?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/process-addiction-vs-substance-abuse-different/) - We're familiar with substance use disorder—using means that you're fixated upon a specific substance, like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, painkillers, and so on. A substance addiction means that you can't stop using your specific drug of choice. But a process addiction is a little bit different. When you can't quit a specific behavior that's otherwise a
- [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd-and-substance-abuse/) - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder bear very similar symptoms—repetitive actions and unwanted thoughts. While an addict might compulsively use drugs or alcohol regardless of the consequences, someone with OCD might engage in repetitive actions and have unwanted thoughts—not unlike the constant desire to use characteristic of someone with OCD. OCD is characterized
- [How Do You Socialize When Recovering from Substance Use Disorder?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/socialize-recovering-substance-abuse/) - In the early days of sobriety, some recovering addicts choose to avoid situations or events that may include alcohol. It can be easier to resist temptation when you aren't tempted in the first place. But after a while, it can be a bit isolating to feel left out. You want to get back out there
- [Decriminalizing Marijuana Deep in the Heart of Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/decriminalizing-marijuana-deep-heart-texas/) - There are some interesting drug-related occurrences happening deep in the heart of Texas. One wonders if these occurrences will happen other places in the United States. In 2016 voters in Harris County, Texas (a county that includes Houston) elected a new district attorney, Democrat Kim Ogg. In 2017 Ogg and her office spearheaded a major
- [The Opiate Crisis: Symptoms and Solutions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-opiate-crisis-symptoms-and-solutions/) - What do a Michigan doctor and more than 20,000 prescriptions have in common? The opioid crisis. In April, 2016 the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) released an administrative complaint that alleges that Dr. Kenneth Chun issued more than 26,000 prescriptions. This is admittedly a large number, but what makes it even more
- [May is Mental Health Awareness Month - How Does Substance Use Disorder Relate?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-how-does-substance-abuse-relate/) - In any one year, 54 million Americans are dealing with the symptoms of a mental disorder. While some seem to believe that mental illness isn't common and more of a hidden ailment, it's far more widespread than you'd imagine. At some point or another, we might choose to focus in on our mental health. Whether
- [Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/eating-disorders-substance-abuse/) - For the thousands of men and women with disordered eating habits, they might not realize how much their disorder has in common with addiction. But as we learn more about the addiction model, the more apparent the similarities between eating disorders and addiction are. Viewing eating disorders through the lens of addiction allows for more
- [Michigan Fights the Opioid Drug Crisis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/michigan-fights-the-opioid-crisis/) - The nations's grave opioid epidemic has demanded a closer look into what's really causing the problem, and the state of Michigan has been no exception. Over 15 years, from 1999 to 2014, Michigan's number of overdoses from opioid use has increased from 99 to 1,001—which is a 911 percent increase. Many blame the popularity of
- [Using Naloxone for Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-naloxone-treatment/) - Municipalities across the United States are taking new approaches to battling drugs and addiction. Some are decriminalizing drugs and sending people to drug education courses instead of sentencing them to jail. Others help addicts find immediate rehab treatment instead of placing them in the criminal justice system. Others are taking immediate physical approaches. Some police
- [4 Ways Aromatherapy Helps With Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/4-ways-aromatherapy-helps-substance-abuse/) - In the age of alternative therapies, there are many methods we can use to deal with our recovery, in mental health and substance use disorder. Aromatherapy is one method that can ease some of the discomfort when transitioning to a sober life. It's the use of pleasant, helpful scents that can benefit both mental and
- [4 Ways to Calm Anxiety that Influences Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/4-ways-calm-anxiety-influences-substance-abuse/) - Anxiety is sneaky. It can come up in situations where you might expect it, like an important test or a job interview. But when the “fight or flight” response comes up in situations where it isn't necessary, then it's time to think about what's really causing your anxiety and what you can do to help
- [5 Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem When Fighting Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/5-ways-to-improve-your-self-esteem-when-fighting-substance-abuse/) - Self-esteem is everything. It helps you get that job, make new friends, and feel good about yourself. Self-esteem can be the driving force in having a good or crappy day. It can contribute to anxiety or depression, or help to ease it. Self-esteem is a pillar upon which we can view our self-worth, our goals
- [Analyzing Drug, Alcohol, and Text Addictions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/analyzing-drug-alcohol-and-text-addictions/) - Technology is all around us. It can make life easier or more frustrating. It can help us work, entertain us, or help us learn. It can even save lives or end them. Does this sound dramatic? It’s true, to some degree. People can attached to technology. Very attached. We all know people who are always
- [Shifting Policies about Medical Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/shifting-policies-about-medical-marijuana/) - Another day, another story about medical marijuana, right? While it seems like we discuss medical marijuana a lot in this blog, it’s fascinating how these stories relate to the medical, legal, and political aspects of this controversial form of treatment. As is often the case, these recent developments relate to federal laws. As you probably
- [How Are Depression and Alcohol Abuse Linked?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-are-depression-and-alcohol-abuse-linked/) - Depression is depression, and alcohol is a depressant. So why would anyone want to increase their depression by using something that causes depression? The answer's very simple—because for some, alcohol actually sort of works to combat a bad mood or negative emotions, if only very briefly. So if an element works to combat depression in some
- [Veterans and Dual Diagnosis—How Can We Help?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/veterans-dual-diagnosis-can-help/) - Memorial Day is coming up, a day where we take the time to remember our nation's veterans. But aside from Memorial Day, there's a great deal that needs to be done throughout the rest of the year, to assist with our nation's crisis of veteran addiction. The connection between veterans and addiction is strong; in
- [Dual Diagnosis Treatment Can Help People with PTSD](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dual-diagnosis-treatment-can-help-people-ptsd/) - Yesterday, we talked about veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the result of their military service. This disorder is understandable, given the complex, sometimes horrible things that many veterans witness, feel, and do during their time in the military. In fact, I’m always surprised that more veterans don’t have PTSD or other
- [How Veterans Use Therapy to Deal with Alcohol and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-veterans-use-therapy-deal-alcohol-drug-abuse/) - Recently, a Canadian political cartoonist wrote and illustrated a book about what it means to be a Canadian and discussed this book in a radio interview. In the course of this conversation, he told the interviewer about his Uncle Bunny. Uncle Bunny received his name from his prowess hunting small animals as a child. As
- [What Happens When Teens Use Drugs and Alcohol to Celebrate Graduations?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-happens-when-teens-use-drugs-alcohol-celebrate-graduations/) - Today marks the first day of June. During this month, many people graduate from school and celebrate the next stage in their lives. Many others also get married in this month, so many that the phrase June bride is a fairly common term. June, then, is a time of life transitions, of change and happiness
- [Making Friends Without Alcohol: How Do You Do It?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/making-friends-without-alcohol-how-do-you-do-it/) - We see alcohol everywhere: in advertisements, many restaurants, sometimes even at work. Alcohol is often considered a social lubricant; for some, it makes socializing easier. Words flow, conversations are funnier and livelier, it might be easier to approach another person. Others might have a co-morbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression, and alcohol helps to
- [5 Basic Methods to Keep You Away from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/5-basic-methods-keep-away-substance-abuse/) - You've completed recovery, and you're back to living your daily life. Or perhaps you are living in a sober house, or you've changed locations to help you stay on track. Either way, there's always temptation out there, especially when you least expect it. Many addicts find their own path to sobriety, but there are still
- [Self-Esteem and Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/self-esteem-substance-abuse/) - Self-esteem seems to be one of the most helpful qualities people can possesses, yet it sometimes is one of the hardest ones to acquire. But once people have it, it can do so much. Self-esteem—or, more accurately, a lack of self-esteem—seems intertwined with so many conditions. Substance use disorder is one of those conditions. The
- [Dual Diagnosis Treatment Will Be Hindered by Substance Use Disorder, Mental Illness Budget Cuts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/dual-diagnosis-treatment-will-hindered-substance-abuse-mental-illness-budget-cuts/) - A lithograph by Armand Gautier (1857) from Madness: A Brief History (Wikimedia Commons) Holistic medicine teaches that everything is connected: mind, body, spirit. Good health requires that all be in balance. That includes substance use disorder and addiction. Probably the least understood aspect of addiction is that it is often accompanied by a co-occurring disorder,
- [Treating Chronic Pain without Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/treating-chronic-pain-without-drugs/) - Yesterday, we discussed that some people who suffer from chronic pain also suffer from addictions to the medications they use to treat such pain. This is not condemning such sufferers, however, because chronic pain can be a debilitating condition and looking to relieve chronic pain is entirely understandable. But sometimes, prescription medications such as opioids
- [Using Electricity, Not a Drug](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-electricity-not-drug/) - Recently, we discussed the use of the pain relief treatment TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). TENS involves using electrodes to zap electricity to the skin. Proponents of the treatment claim that the electric current in TENS stimulates nerves and affects the spinal cord, which could end painful sensations. While still being researched, if successful, this
- [Government-Mandated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Not Trusted by Congress](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/government-mandated-substance-abuse-treatment-not-trusted-congress/) - California is trying to be an incubator for ideas again. State senators have approved a proposal for a single-payer universal health care plan. It’s a tentative plan, with no funding mechanism as of yet. Supporters, including Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), argue that “With President Trump’s promise to abandon the Affordable Care Act as we
- [From Pain to Opiate Use to Heroin Abuse in a Few Short Steps](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/pain-opiate-use-heroin-abuse-short-steps/) - Despite increased precautions and growing amounts of information, thousands of people continue to die from this condition, more than 52,000 in the United States in 2015 alone. Is the condition, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease? No. Thousands of people die from those conditions, but we’re talking here about other, more preventable deaths. We’re talking about
- [Presidential Commission on Prescription Drug Abuse Lacks Credibility](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/presidential-commission-prescription-drug-abuse-lacks-credibility/) - (Photo source: Pixabay) When Donald J. Trump was campaigning for office, he promised to fight the U.S. epidemic of opioid addiction, overdoses and deaths – from heroin, prescription medicines such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and even deadlier super opioids fentanyl and carfentanil – and improve substance use disorder treatment and availability. As Salon.com reported, “To
- [Mental Health Czarina Reveals Substance Use Disorder Treatment’s Dual Diagnosis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/mental-health-czarina-reveals-substance-abuse-treatments-dual-diagnosis/) - There is a divide in opinion about multiple personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder – when one person has different personalities that assert themselves at different times. That divide is whether MPD or DID really exists. Prominent real world cases such as described in Flora Rheta Schreiber’s 1973 book Sybil have been alleged to be
- [Treatment and Recovery Keep Giving](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/treatment-recovery-keep-giving/) - It’s about six months until (or after) Christmas, depending on the way you look at it. Maybe now’s a good time to talk about the gifts that keep giving. These gifts aren't something material, yet they can be much harder to attain and keep. They can also be more satisfying than other tangible presents. These
- [People Helping People and Avoiding Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/people-helping-people-avoiding-substance-abuse/) - The streaming service Netflix offers an intriguing and popular series, Grace and Frankie. The show follows the exploits of two California women, Grace (played by Jane Fonda) and Frankie (portrayed by Lily Tomlin) after their husbands leave to marry each other. Although they are superficially very different and haven’t not been close in the past,
- [Substance Use Disorder Treatment Isn't Better under Senate's Health Care Proposal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/senates-health-care-proposal-isnt-better/) - (Pixabay) Both the House's American Health Care Act and the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act would reduce taxation on the wealthy, but do they need or want it? Whether it is the intent or not, the benefits of the AHCA and BCRA mostly go to the wealthy and the burdens go to the middle class.
- [Substance Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis Patients Don't Benefit Much from Health Savings Accounts](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/substance-abuse-mental-health-patients-dont-benefit-much-health-savings-accounts/) - One insanely important feature of the various Republican-based health care reform packages is Health Savings Accounts. Why? The idea behind HSAs is sort of like 401(k)s. You get a tax free account in which employers/and or employees can put money, only in the case of HSA, you don’t necessarily save it for retirement, but to
- [Drug and Alcohol Abuse Isn’t Always Visible](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-alcohol-abuse-isnt-always-visible/) - Tomorrow, readers in the United States will be celebrating Independence Day (the Fourth of July), a day commemorating the independence of the United States from Great Britain in 1776. Many people ignite fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Seeing the lights and hearing the sounds in the sky are good indicators that the holiday is occurring
- [Substance Use Disorder Treatment Needs to be More Available, Cheaper than Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/substance-abuse-treatment-need-available-cheaper-drugs/) - In 1954 Darrell Huff published How to Lie with Statistics. The cover blurb added, “Now you, too, can out-double-talk your accountant; confuse your political opponent; prove that your product has secret built-in goodness!” The introduction spelled out that “This book is a sort of primer in ways to use statistics to deceive,” but also so
- [Using Technology to Fight Opiate Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-technology-fight-opiate-abuse/) - In the fight against opiate/opioid addiction, a somewhat unlikely tool has emerged—computer databases. But maybe computer databases aren’t such unlikely tools after all. After all, we use technology to learn, to work, to find dates, to stay connected, and to spend our leisure time. Why shouldn’t we use it for medical reasons? Statewide drug databases
- [What Makes a Drug Bad?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-makes-drug-bad/) - “Drugs are bad.” This is the repeated comment of the Mr. Mackey character on the television series South Park. But does Mr. Mackey ever explain in great detail why he believes that drugs are bad? Do any of our authority figures? I’m showing my age here, but I was in elementary school when U.S. first
- [Alcohol Detox Can Be Even More Dangerous Than Alcohol](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/alcohol-detox-can-even-dangerous-alcohol/) - Nelsan Ellis (Wikimedia commons) Last week actor Nelsan Ellis, better known as Lafayette on the HBO series True Blood, died at age 39 from heart failure. Earlier this week, his family elaborated in the hope of helping others: he died of heart failure while trying to go through alcohol withdrawal on his own. His family’s
- [Voters Want Substance Use Disorder Treatment Included in Health Insurance Reform – But So What?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/voters-want-substance-abuse-treatment-included-health-insurance-reform/) - Maybe it’s not surprising that politicians don’t pay attention to most voters. Most voters don’t seem to pay attention to what the candidate they vote for actually says. Policy doesn’t matter, campaign promises don’t matter. For years most voters polled seemed to disapprove of health insurance reform as delineated in the Patient Protection and Affordable
- [Advocating Treatment, Not Punishment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/advocating-treatment-not-punishment/) - In the war against drug addiction, a growing number of people are advocating treatment instead of punishment. One of the latest is Michigan attorney general Bill Schuette. According to Schuette, drug overdoses killed 1,981 Michigan residents in 2015, more than twice the number of people who died in car accidents (963). In a 2017 editorial
- [Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Jeopardy with Healthcare Bill in Limbo](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/prescription-drug-addiction-treatment-jeopardy-healthcare-bill-limbo/) - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often rendered as ACA or “Obamacare” (like the term “muckraker” for investigative journalist,” it was originally intended as an insult, but was embraced by the subject) was much disliked by many people under that name. Oddly enough, when asked about specific elements of Obamacare, many of those same
- [Marijuana May Be More Likely to Treat than Cause Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/marijuana-may-likely-treat-cause-substance-abuse/) - Ever since President Donald Trump was elected, cannabis advocates, law enforcement, state legislatures and governor’s mansions have all been wondering what he would do about state laws legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. On the one hand, as a Republican, he is a law-and-order candidate. Marijuana is illegal under federal law and is in the
- [Inhalant Use Can Be Deadly](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/inhalant-use-can-be-deadly/) - As bad as drug and alcohol abuse are, we don’t have to talk with students about it until they’re in high school or maybe late middle school, right? Sadly, this statement isn’t true. In fact, large numbers of young children abuse drugs and alcohol and pay the consequences, sometimes even fatal ones. Some young people
- [Fighting (Sweet) Fire with Fire](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fighting-sweet-fire-fire/) - "Sweet fire calling " 'You can't deny me ...' ” – Joni Mitchell, Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire What’s the best treatment for drug addiction? The one that works. Unfortunately there is still a belief among too much of the population that the way to stop abusing drugs or alcohol is to just stop:
- [Watch Out for Opioid Substance Use Disorder Treatment Scams](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/watch-opioid-substance-abuse-treatment-scams/) - The opioid prescription pill epidemic may not have reached its peak yet, but concern about scams by unscrupulous rehab operators could hurt efforts to expand the number of addicts in treatment. Most notoriously Kenneth Chatman, a two-bit swindler already convicted on federal charges for credit card fraud, took advantage of Florida substance use disorder treatment
- [The Dangers of Illegal Fentanyl](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dangers-illegal-fentanyl/) - Yesterday, we talked about the dangers of unregulated, illegally produced alcohol. That’s not the only dangerous substance out there. Did you know that illegal substances might be even more dangerous than you think? For example, fentanyl is a drug that seems to be popping up in a lot of places it shouldn’t be. Fentanyl is
- [New War on Drugs Won’t Solve Substance Use Disorder Treatment Crisis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/new-war-drugs-wont-solve-substance-abuse-treatment-crisis/) - Anti-drug poster from the Office of National Drug Control Policy circa 2000. (Wikimedia commons) The War on Drugs may be about to heat up again. Despite last year’s US Surgeon General’s report and the predominant finding by doctors and addiction specialists in general that addiction is not a moral failing, some in Washington DC still
- [What If Opioid Drug Addiction Isn't Due to Chronic Pain Prescriptions?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opioid-drug-addiction-isnt-due-chronic-pain-prescription/) - Pain (Pixabay) Opioid abuse is epidemic, but what is the cause? Is it that the pharmaceutical companies oversold how nonaddictive they were, and people legitimately seeking pain relief accidentally became addicted? Or were they abused by recreational users trying to get high? Or are there more possibilities? Maia Szalavitz, author Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New
- [Drug Company Controversies](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-company-controversies/) - On Friday, August 4, 2017, another interesting development relating to drugs occurred. On that day, a federal court in New York found fund manager Martin Shkreli guilty of three counts of fraud. He could spend up to twenty years for this conviction. According to the court, Shkreli mislead investors about the value and the performance
- [Alcohol Use Disorder Also Needs Substance Use Disorder Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/alcohol-use-disorder-also-needs-substance-abuse-treatment/) - (Pixabay) Prescription pill addiction – primarily the opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl – is not the only substance use disorder that’s on the rise. So is alcohol, the often forgotten “drug” that tops all other categories when it is counted. Opioids were recently declared a national emergency, but researchers believe that heavy drinking may
- [One Reason Why Prescription Drugs Cost So Much](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/one-reason-prescription-drugs-cost-much/) - (Pixabay) There’s a new obstacle to lowering drug prices: the pharmaceutical companies have shot each other in the foot in a circular firing squad. Specifically it’s about biotechnology drugs, called biopharmaceuticals or biologics, such as vaccines and cancer drugs, which are “large molecule” drugs made partly from biological materials. Because they are large, they can’t
- [Even if Cannabis Use is Addiction, It's Unlikely to Cause Cardiac Arrest](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/even-cannabis-use-addiction-unlikely-cause-cardiac-arrest/) - If you do anything specifically to get intoxicated, that’s not ideal. Intoxication can be the necessary or accidental side effect of something, from pain medication to a runner’s elevated endorphins, but if you want and try to get buzzed, high, wasted or drunk, that suggests a problem. If you feel you have to, that suggests
- [Diet Pill Warnings](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/diet-pill-warnings/) - Yes, this is another blog post post about a specific drug or category of drugs, but there’s just so much to learn about drugs and drug addiction. We’re also learning more and more about both every day, so I’m not sure the learning will ever stop. Today’s drug is the diet pill. Diet pills and
- [Black Market Drug Problems](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/black-market-drug-problems/) - Black market drugs. Even the words sound mysterious. But this mystery can contain a substantial amount of danger, a danger that can kill. Although their name sounds exotic, black market drugs are anything but. The name just means normal distribution channels don’t distribute the drugs but illegal vendors do. This could be a way for
- [How to Prevent Deadly Drug Interactions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/prevent-deadly-drug-interactions/) - Dangerous drugs are not just drugs you might buy in the street or at a club, like heroin or MDMA (ecstasy). Today, far more people could face drug problems because of drugs they can find in their medicine cabinets. These drugs are prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (drugs that don’t require a doctor’s prescription
- [Worse Substance Use Disorder Problems than Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/worse-substance-abuse-than-marijuana/) - We’re in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with insufficient funds and treatment facilities for the addicted to seek help. The president has declared it a national emergency. So naturally it’s time to crackdown on marijuana. At least that seems to be the intent of Attorney General Jeff Sessions who has sent out letters to
- [Psychoactive Drugs Show Promise for Dual Diagnosis, PTSD Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/psychoactive-drugs-show-promise-dual-diagnosis-ptsd-treatment/) - One of the most common and least known forms of addiction (to the general public; don’t trust an addiction specialist who hasn’t heard of it) is dual diagnosis, also known as co-morbid and co-occurring disorders, where a patient has both an addiction and a complicating or co-occurring mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- [Trump Proclaims National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/trump-proclaims-national-alcohol-drug-addiction-recovery-month/) - On Aug. 31, President Trump proclaimed that September 2017 is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. To that end, he wants: To “emphasize to all those suffering that recovery is possible.” To “remember those who have bravely conquered their addiction.” To “pray for those currently suffering so they may, through effective treatment and the
- [Forcing Pregnant Women into Substance Use Disorder Treatment Can Have Unintended Consequences](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/forcing-pregnant-women-substance-abuse-treatment-can-unintended-consequences/) - (Photo Wikimedia commons) Civil rights and public order – the right of the people as a whole to be safe from harm and the right of the individual to be free from intrusive government – are often in conflict. Take the homeless. Some proportion of them are mentally ill, in need of anti-psychotic medications, but
- [Report: Heroin, Opioid Substance Use Disorder is Still a Problem](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/report-heroin-opioid-substance-abuse-still-problem/) - Far right: Addict shooting up. (Pixabay) Every year the Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) releases its National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This year’s results suggests the opioid epidemic isn’t going away soon. In regards to opioids, the number of people abusing them may be going down, but the
- [Legislators Undermine Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Will of the People with Medical Marijuana Restrictions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/legislators-undermine-substance-abuse-treatment-will-people-medical-marijuana-restrictions/) - We are not a democracy, as we were often inaccurately taught in grade school civics classes, but a democratic republic. One consequence of that is that legislators can and do ignore the will of the voters and (as one blogger put it) “don’t even have to act like they care.” That’s the case with medical marijuana
- [The FDA vs. the Opioid/Opiate Epidemic](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fda-vs-opioid-opiate-epidemic/) - At least once a week, and that’s a conservative estimate, we hear stories about opioid/opiate abuse in the United States and around the world. In 2014, the World Health Organization reported that opioid overdoses kill about 69,000 people globally every year. Sadly, that’s not surprising. Drugs in the opiate/opioid category can be highly addictive. Many
- [Cutting Substance Use Disorder Treatment May be (Unintended?) Result of Latest Health Care Proposal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/cutting-substance-abuse-treatment-may-unintended-result-latest-health-care-proposal/) - There is a myth that one of the Sibyls (oracles) approached the last Roman king (before the creation of the Roman Republic), Lucius Tarquinnius Superbus, with several books of prophecies, asking an exorbitant price. He refused, so she burned some of the books, and again tried tried to sell Lucius the remaining books for the
- [Misconceptions about Drugs and Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/misconceptions-drugs-drug-abuse/) - Different place, same sad story. The USA Today-affiliated Tennessean. site recently posted a number of stories about opioid abuse in the state of Tennessee. One story reports that Tennessee has more opioid prescriptions per person than any other state in the United States. Such large numbers of prescriptions have driven the rates of opiate/opioid addiction
- [Fixing Substance Use Disorder Priorities](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/fixing-substance-abuse-priorities/) - You can find “facts” to fit your desired outcomes, and choose to disregard other information that, in Al Gore’s parlance, are “inconvenient truths.” We’re all guilty of this to one extent or another. It’s called the backfire effect, conformation bias and a few other labels. Basically it means the more you care about something, the more
- [The Problem of Pain Fuels Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/problem-pain-fuels-substance-abuse/) - If you had a magic wand that take away pain, but didn’t use it when someone was in pain, wouldn’t you use it? That may be how the current opioid epidemic started. Physicians were told by pharmaceutical companies that their new opioids were magic: they took away pain better and weren’t addictive. They seem to
- [Methamphetamine (Meth) and Breaking Bad: The Ongoing Conversation (Spoilers Ahead)](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/methamphetamine-meth-breaking-bad-ongoing-conversation-spoilers-ahead/) - Breaking Bad was a popular and critically acclaimed television series that aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013. You can still find old episodes on the Netflix streaming service and people are still talking about the program. The series featured Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a chemistry teacher who manufactures methamphetamine (meth). Breaking Bad depicted
- [Better Pain Management, Expectations Needed Post-Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/better-pain-management-expectations-needed-post-substance-abuse/) - In 2016 a recovering opioid addict underwent hip surgery in Michigan and was given 50 oxycodone pills to deal with the pain. Instead she died of an overdose. The hospital where she received her surgery didn’t know of her addiction or recent stay at a substance use disorder treatment clinic because of privacy laws designed
- [Opioid Epidemic Still Not Declared an Emergency](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opioid-epidemic-still-not-declared-emergency/) - It’s a wise man who thinks things over, but it’s a fool who hesitates. – Proverb On Oct. 15, 2016, President Donald J. Trump released a campaign press release on the opioid epidemic, particularly the prescription pills such as Oxycodone and hydrocodone plaguing New Hampshire and other rural areas. He promised that: “we will not
- [The Great and Dangerous Unknowns of Heroin and Other Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/great-dangerous-unknowns-heroin-drugs/) - What you don’t know about drugs and alcohol can hurt you. Sad to say, the manufacturers and dealers often look for ways to make their products more attractive to buyers. After all, they’re not in business out of the goodness of their hearts. They’re in it to make money. And make money off of illegal,
- [Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/timeline-alcohol-withdrawal/) - Withdrawal from alcohol is a challenge for anyone who is trying to detox. The severity of the process all depends on a plethora of factors such as how long the individual has been dependent for and how much liquor they consume on a daily basis. Alcohol detox itself typically lasts about a week with the
- [Kratom, what is it?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/kratom-what-is-it/) - Kratom is becoming more popular with each passing day. Advocates of kratom say that it is a cure-all for those who suffer from anxiety and depression, some scientists say it can be used to help those who are addicted to opioids, and others believe that the drug is simply dangerous. Kratom itself is a tropical
- [Modafinil, the New Adderall](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/modafinil-new-adderall/) - Nootropics are becoming a favorite amoungst people. They are believed to be safe-to-use smart drugs with no side-effects. The idea behind them is that they act like vitamins and only help the brain enhance its cognitive abilities. Yes, this sounds amazing; however, drugs like Adderall and nicotine are also considered nootropics. Both of which, are
- [PTSD in Television](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/ptsd-in-television/) - PTSD is becoming commonly known throughout the nation. The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, added PTSD to the third edition of its diagnosis and statistics manual. The complex phenomenon affects those who experience a traumatic event and any memory that correlates with the event can trigger one’s PTSD. For those without PTSD, it can be
- [Pot-Infused Candy Hoax](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/pot-infused-candy-hoax/) - Halloween is a time meant for simple fun as people dress up as their favorite spooky character while collecting candy door-to-door. The holiday is geared toward having an innocent fun day for people to enjoy their fandom while enjoying little nuggets of sugar that bring a smile to one's face. However, there are always those
- [Heroin Problem Outside of the US](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/heroin-problem-outside-us/) - For those who look into international news, they know that the US is not the only country struggling with an opioid problem. More and more people in Britain are becoming addicted to the substance as about eight in every 1,000 Britain are high-risk opioid users. Furthermore, out of the 28 European Membered states, there was
- [New Psychoactive Substances](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/new-psychoactive-substances/) - Synthetic drugs, legal highs, party pills, and synthetic cannabis are all different names for New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). NPS is newly created drugs that replicate the effects of weed, cocaine ecstasy, and LSD. The chemicals that are used in these synthetic drugs are ever changing so those who manufacture them will always be one step
- [Stereotypes and Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/stereotypes-and-addiction/) - At a young age, many are unsure of how to act in social settings, and in the midst of finding how to act in those social settings, people will generally turn to a stereotype for guidance. Those who want to be that “edgy cool kid” will get their hair buzzed at the sides and keep
- [Power in Groups](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/power-in-groups/) - Times can be stressful, and it can leave feeling alone and afraid. As social creatures, it is innate for people to converse with one another whether the focus is centered around sports, politics, addiction, or other commonalities that affect people on a regular basis. When is faced with a stressful situation it can be daunting
- [Holidays and Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/holidays-and-addiction/) - The holidays are around the bend and while fun, cheerful, and positive, it also brings added stress with money, travel, and scheduling suddenly taking a priority in one’s life. For those who have an active addiction, their stress is amplified for the reasons mentioned above as well as a couple others. There are one of
- [Bitcoins and Drug Deals](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/bitcoins-drug-deals/) - has been skyrocketing in popularity since it’s arrival. The new form of currency aka cryptocurrency allows people to purchase items online opening up different channels of purchasing. Digital currency was created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, well that’s their alibis at least, and since cryptocurrency has entered the market the value of it has only
- [Therapy Dogs Sniff Out Underlying Issues](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/therapy-dogs-sniff-underlying-issues/) - Animal-assisted therapy is used in a myriad of different fields and industries to help people cope with different issues either physical or mental due to reported benefits: Reduced anxiety Self-empowerment Releases calming endorphins It is common to see therapy dogs with children, at retirement homes, and mental health units. A study was conducted to examine
- [Meditation Helps Control Withdrawal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/meditation-helps-control-withdrawal/) - “Breath in… and breath out… and breath in… and breath out” A common chant for practitioners of mindfulness meditation. An art that has been practiced since 5,000 BC and with good reason. Almost every culture has taken this practice and incorporated it into society. After all, mindfulness meditation practice is notorious for its numerous health benefits: Reduced
- [6 Tips to Help Combat Insomnia from Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/6-tips-help-combat-insomnia-substance-abuse/) - Insomnia. It keeps people awake into the late hours of the night without question. Anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stimulants and others are to blame for causing one’s lack of sleep and substance use disorder can further antagonize this problem. People using drugs or alcohol to put themselves to sleep will find that it only further
- [Kava to Combat Alcohol Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/kava-combat-alcohol-addiction/) - Kava is a tea prepared from the Piper methysticum, a plant native to the western Pacific islands. The drink is notorious for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, muscle soreness, and it can relieve pain. However, that is just one strain. The plant itself contains a myriad of different strains that come with effects that
- [4 Reasons to Exercise During Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/4-reasons-exercise-recovery/) - Pushups, running, burpees, and other exercises all help the human brain pump out endorphins like a factory pumping out car parts. One who commits to a workout routine will create discipline and notice the benefits of working out on a regular basis. Getting into this habit is the body innate way of repairing one’s self
- [Music Therapy for Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/music-therapy-substance-abuse/) - Music. It’s meditative, relaxing, therapeutic, stimulating, cultural, and acts as a communication channel. The sound itself vibrates with each one of us internally. When the metronome of the tune syncs with the acting stimuli in the brain it enhances, alters or mediates our thoughts, feelings, and reactions towards different situations. When we hear the music
- [Addiction, Habits, and the New Year](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/addiction-habits-new-year/) - The new year. It’s a time for a change as 2017 comes to an end and 2018 begins. People promise themselves with new year’s resolutions of going to the gym, reading more, and starting other healthy habits. However, when the new year comes in it's time to party. Many will drink until they can't anymore.
- [The Dangers of Drug Cocktails](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dangers-drug-cocktails/) - Adderall and marijuana, cocaine and Xanax, heroin and alcohol. Often times, people will abuse more than one substance at once to obtain a certain type of high they cannot get without combining substances. Known as a “drug cocktail”, it is when two or more drugs are taken together to achieve a certain type of euphoric
- [Travel Away from Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/travel-away-addiction/) - Many are told that traveling away for addiction recovery can be beneficial and it is. In general, traveling provides happiness and helps with moral for many people. When vacation time comes around people will go far out of the way to explore the different regions here on Earth. “What makes traveling so beneficial though?” There
- [Dual Diagnosis - A Dangerous Combination](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/dual-diagnosis-dangerous-combination/) - Dual Diagnosis is becoming more prevalent as time progresses. The combination of drug addiction and mental illness has affected more people now than ever before. More than 7.9 million people have been reported to have Dual Diagnosis in a 2014 national drug survey. Dual Diagnosis is when one is suffering from both a mental illness
- [Ibogaine Potential Treatment for Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/ibogaine-potential-treatment-addiction/) - Addiction is not easy to overcome and it's not meant to be easy. People have been raving about ibogaine and how it acts as “cure” for addiction. Regardless, ibogaine is a psychedelic that places people in a dream-like state. While one is busy on their introspective journey, the chemicals in ibogaine start to repair the
- [Micro-Dosing through Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/micro-dosing-addiction/) - Substances work by assaulting the brain and body with a variety of chemicals. The psilocybin attaches to the brain and anxiety settles, depression fades, addiction stops nagging, and motivation rises. A limitless feeling takes over the individual and they enter a form of relaxed concentration. As of late, micro-dosing has been perceived as a solution
- [Sober Living Homes a Transitional Step](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/sober-living-houses-transitional-step/) - Sober living houses are exactly what they sound like. Houses without substance. People living in sober living houses are a part of a community. People who have experience addiction fill the house. They all have dealt with addiction and it has affected them. Benefits of choosing to live in a sober living house are abundant:
- [Brazilian Ju-Jitsu to Combat Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/bjj-combat-addiction/) - Addiction can be hard to combat but that’s not to say that there are ways to fight against it. The art of combat releases several chemicals in the brain that help combat addiction. This is usually seen in any type of workout, however, combat sports such as Brazilian Ju-Jitsu better known as BJJ, judo, Muay
- [Oh, Canada: Opiate/Opioid Addiction in Canada](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/oh-canada-opiate-opioid-addiction-canada/) - Many people know about the opioid/opiate epidemic in the United States. They might not know about a similar epidemic in Canada, an epidemic that is just as deadly. How deadly? In 2017, Canada reported at least 2,816 deaths due to opiate/opioid abuse. This number is especially startling when you consider that the population of the
- [Romance in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/romance-in-recovery/) - Today is Valentine’s Day. For many people, the holiday triggers thoughts of hearts, candy, and romance. For all we talk about love, romance, and sex, though, maybe we should explore what those topics mean, because it sure isn’t all hearts, flowers, and swooning emotion. If people are attending drug and alcohol rehab or in recovery, maybe
- [The End of an OxyContin/Oxycodone Era?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/end-of-oxycodone-era/) - Recently, the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma announced that it would stop marketing its drug OxyContin (oxycodone) to doctors. Could this move be a welcome step in fighting the opioid/opiate epidemic? Or, more cynically, could it be a move that appears to fight the epidemic in word but not in deed? As you may have heard,
- [Heroin vs. Fentanyl and the Danger of Unknown Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/heroin-vs-fentanyl/) - When we think of the dangers of drug addiction, we don’t have to look too far to find real-life examples. Some of these examples are famous. Sadly, they seem to serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs. For example, in November, 2017, the music artist Lil Peep died of
- [How to Get Someone to Stop Drinking](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-to-get-someone-to-stop-drinking/) - Figuring out how to get someone to stop drinking is not as easy as some make it out to be. If you’ve got a friend or family member that you’re concerned about when it comes to drinking, chances are you want them to stop, but you’re just not sure how to approach the situation. Or
- [How Does Alcoholism Affect The Family?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-does-alcoholism-affect-family/) - If you think alcoholism only affects the person abusing alcohol - think again. Alcoholism affects the entire family in more ways than most think. In addition, alcoholism can affect the alcoholic's colleagues, employer, and friends. Alcoholism slips into every aspect of an individual's life, whether they intend it to or not. So how does alcoholism
- [Does Alcoholism Run in Families?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/does-alcoholism-run-in-families/) - Does Alcoholism Run in Families? Chances are you’ve wondered, “Does alcoholism run in families?” at some point in your life. If you or a loved one is dealing with alcoholism, you may wonder if it’s because a family member struggled before. Or, you may have a parent who struggles with alcoholism and wonder if you’re
- [The 4 Stages of Alcoholism](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/the-4-stages-of-alcoholism/) - We've all heard the stereotype of the alcoholic living in a run-down trailer with only a case of beer in their fridge. But what about the functioning alcoholics who live in a decent home, get up and go to work every day, raise a family, and maybe even have money in the bank? Is their alcoholism any
- [How To Help An Addict Who Doesn't Want Help](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/how-to-help-an-addict-who-doesnt-want-help/) - How to help an addict who doesn’t want help is one of the most frustrating struggles you can ever have. Addiction firmly entrenches itself in a person’s life, affecting thoughts, feelings, beliefs, behavior, and perceptions. It can be overwhelming, if not maddening, to come up against it. Addiction is a pervasive illness with pervasive effects, and
- [The Top 8 Signs Someone Has A Drinking Problem](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/the-top-8-signs-someone-has-a-drinking-problem/) - With alcohol abuse and alcoholism being so prevalent in the world today, chances are you know someone who's struggling with an alcohol problem. However, it's not always easy to know the signs someone has a drinking problem. Maybe you have a family member, friend, or co-worker who seems to have their life together, but they
- [Stress and EMS Responders](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/stress-ems-responders/) - Stress, Addiction, and EMS Responders First responders such as EMS (emergency medical services) responders, police officers, and firefighters swear oaths to protect the public from danger. But what happens when they need help themselves? What happens when they might be dangerous themselves? First responders have extremely stressful jobs. During the course of their work, they
- [What Are Opioids?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-are-opioids/) - Opiates are derived from the opium plant and come in natural and synthetic forms. Many prescription painkillers are opiates, as well as heroin. Oftentimes those who are prescribed pain pills to help manage pain become addicted to the pills, finding it very difficult to stop using them. Common types of opiates include: Hydrocodone - This
- [How Does Cocaine Affect the Body?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-does-cocaine-affect-the-body/) - Cocaine and the Body How does cocaine affect the body? In many, often serious and even life-threatening ways. And, cocaine’s deleterious effects can occur with a single episode of use or, of course, over the long-term in addiction. One of the most basic physical health risks involved in cocaine use is the development of a cocaine
- [What Is the Opioid Crisis? ](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-is-the-opioid-crisis/) - What Is the Opioid Crisis? You've undoubtedly heard of the opioid epidemic. There are more than 2 million Americans who are dependent upon or addicted to prescription pain medications or street drugs. Opioid drugs are used to help in the reduction of pain, and there are a variety of opioids including oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl,
- [Marijuana and Depression](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/marijuana-and-depression/) - Is There a Link? The connection between marijuana and depression isn’t as understood as many people think. There are some that believe marijuana does not make people depressed, and there are those that say that marijuana use increases the likelihood of depression in users. It’s an important correlation to study and understand, especially with marijuana
- [What is Wet Brain?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/what-is-wet-brain/) - What Is Wet Brain? There’s no doubt that moderate to heavy drinking over time makes a negative impact on physical and mental health. Medical experts state that plenty of patients that drink heavily year after year end up suffering from things like chronic depression or liver disease. But what you don’t hear too much about is
- [What Is Detox Like in Rehab?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/what-is-detox-like/) - This blog often discusses different tactics used to treat drug and alcohol abuse. One of the most common tactics is detoxification, or detox. Detox occurs at hospitals or rehab centers and involves removing toxins (alcohol and/or drugs) from people’s bodies. What is detox like? Well, detox often uses medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. MAT is treatment
- [Overcoming the Stigma of Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/stigma-of-addiction/) - It’s a sad reality. People treat other people differently – and discriminate against them – for a variety of reasons. People might view and treat other people as less than because their looks, their life partners, their educations and jobs, their political leanings, and a host of other reasons that might be different (and sometimes
- [How to Confront an Addicted Loved One](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-to-confront-an-addict/) - It’s the elephant in the room. You might know that your loved one is struggling with drug addiction or alcohol abuse and see that this substance use disorder is hurting him or her. But, as much as this person is struggling, you don’t know how to talk with the person. Luckily, you can learn how
- [12 Step Vs. Non 12 Step](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/12-step-vs-non-12-step/) - Why the Steps Work For Some and Not For Others If you're familiar with recovery, you've probably heard of 12 Step Programs, which are essentially programs that embrace the 12 Step philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). AA has been around for many years, founded in 1935 by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson.
- [Opium vs. Weed - What's the Difference?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opium-vs-weed-whats-the-difference-2/) - Opium and marijuana are two very different substances. Opium is derived from the opium poppy plant and has been cultivated and in use, since around 3,400 B.C. Marijuana, or weed, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and has been around for over 12,000 years. Opium and weed differ in their mechanisms of action, their effects on the
- [8 Physical Benefits of Sobriety](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/8-physical-benefits-of-sobriety/) - 8 Physical Benefits of Sobriety Getting sober can help you in many ways. It’s well known that drinking alcohol over time can take a toll on anyone. It can affect mental and physical health, causing things like cirrhosis of the liver, accidents, cardiovascular issues, and other health issues. While many people associate drinking with positive experiences, the reality
- [Trump and the Opioid Crisis](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/trump-opioid-crisis/) - Countless news stories discuss Donald Trump, the president of the United States. Many other stories discuss opioid abuse and addiction in the United States. Still other stories discuss both Trump and the opioid crisis. In short, we have a lot of information about Trump and the opioid crisis. While both are certainly complex topics, discussing
- [Recovery Jokes? A Sense of Humor and Laughter are Very Healing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/recovery-jokes-a-sense-of-humor-and-laughter-are-very-healing/) - A sense of humor has long been lauded as a positive approach to life, and we have all heard that laughter is the best medicine. But, are humor and laughter really good for us? And, can we rely on them to help us when we really need some help? The research says yes to both
- [Klonopin Vs Xanax](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/klonopin-vs-xanax/) - She is, arguably, one of the most famous female singer-songwriters of the 20th century. With an unmistakable voice and a highly successful career, she also had an addiction to Klonopin. Placed on the drug by a therapist to help her battle her addiction to cocaine, Stevie Nicks describes the years she was on Klonopin as "terrible."
- [Alcoholic Mood Swings and Other Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/alcoholic-mood-swings-alcohol-abuse/) - We all know people who drink alcohol to change their moods. We might have done this ourselves. People might drink because they’re depressed and feel that alcohol can boost their spirits (no pun intended), or they might be anxious and think that drinking can help calm their nerves. But, alcohol is not a solution to
- [What is Cotton Fever](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/what-is-cotton-fever/) - She came into the emergency department with a fever and pain in her head and abdomen. Track marks lined her arms from injecting heroin. Following a series of tests, doctors diagnosed her as having a collection of pus within her spine. She was given antibiotics and transferred to another hospital for possible surgical intervention. But
- [Graduations Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/graduations-under-the-influence-of-drugs-and-alcohol/) - Spring and summer are times of great change. They mark bittersweet ends as well as equally bittersweet beginnings. Many people experience such changes in the form of graduations from school. Graduations are happy times where we celebrate the successful completion of school or other endeavors. They can also be exciting and scary, because the graduates
- [Avicii's Struggles With Substance Use Disorder](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/aviciis-struggles-with-substance-abuse/) - The world was shocked when EDM superstar Avicii was found dead in Muscat, Oman on April 20th, 2018. His music was immensely popular with the world and his work regularly charted on the Billboard 200. Yet, for all of his fame, his wealth and his popularity, he struggled deeply with alcoholism and that terrible addiction would
- [Depicting Life and Oxycodone Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/6962/) - Often, drug addiction and alcohol abuse are dirty little secrets. People are often ashamed to admit that they have a problem with substance use disorder. People are often afraid that other people might stigmatize them or even discriminate against them because of their problems with substances. That’s why Nan Goldin’s life and work is so
- [Unlikely Partners Fight Opioid/Opiate Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/unlikely-partners-fight-opioid-opiate-addiction/) - Addiction makes strange bedfellows. What does this mean? It means that some apparently unlikely people seem to agree with each other when it comes to drug addiction and recovery. Some of these partners are the artist Nan Goldin and the historian and feminist Elizabeth A. Sackler. Nan Goldin is a prominent photographer and artist. She
- [Facts About Whippets](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/facts-about-whippets/) - What are Whippets? Whippets refer to empty canisters of whipped cream that can be used to inhale nitrous oxide (i.e. laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a somewhat sweet odor that is used as a pain reliever, an anxiety-reducer, and an anesthetic. Nitrous oxide interacts with the body in various ways to have
- [Sober Coaches Aid in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/sober-coaches-aid-in-recovery/) - Just as there are different addictions and different people who struggle with them, there are also different ways to treat these addictions. Some people stay at inpatient rehab facilities to treat their drug or alcohol abuse, while others attend outpatient programs. Others attend in-person or online groups that promote recovery and many people receive individual
- [4th of July Cookout Ideas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/4th-of-july-cookout-ideas/) - For many, the Fourth of July brings fireworks, visits with friends and family, and outdoor activities. Sometimes, these outdoor activities include cookouts with food and drinks. Sometimes, these drinks include alcohol. This can make holiday-related cookouts a challenge for people in recovery. They might wonder how to spend time with their friends and family in
- [How Do We Talk About Drug and Alcohol Abuse?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/how-do-we-talk-about-drug-and-alcohol-abuse/) - “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Many of us have probably heard this quotation since childhood, but it doesn’t make it true. In fact, words can hurt quite a bit, and their impact can linger long after we hear them. Words can hurt us when we’re already feeling
- [Using Breathwork for Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/7097/) - Just take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Give yourself a chance to breathe. We even stress the importance of focusing on our breathing while practicing meditation and yoga. We use so many breath-related phrases to make ourselves feel better and calm ourselves down. So, it might not be surprising that people use breathing
- [Some Effects of Legalizing Marijuana](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/some-effects-of-legalizing-marijuana/) - In an increasing number of U.S. states, voters are approving (or will be voting on) the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. These decisions could have far-ranging impacts in various areas. Medicine Obviously, legalizing marijuana could change medicine. Studies have found that marijuana can help reduce pain. People with access to marijuana might
- [Defining Sobriety and Living a Sober Life](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/defining-sobriety-and-living-a-sober-life/) - Sobriety is abstaining from drinking all alcohol or using all drugs, right? Yes. And no. That’s because sobriety can mean different things to different people. As with other issues relating to addiction and recovery, there is no definitive meaning of sobriety. One big question is whether people in recovery can drink nonalcoholic beer, wine, or
- [Ben Affleck Enters Rehab: Help and Hope](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/ben-affleck-enters-rehab-help-and-hope/) - It can be difficult to stay sober. Even if you’re rich, famous, and have a wealth of resources at your disposal, you can still struggle with becoming sober and staying that way. Ben Affleck is a case in point. On August 23, 2018, different sources reported that the actor and director was struggling with alcohol
- [Using Meth During Pregnancy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/using-meth-during-pregnancy/) - You know that using methamphetamine (meth) or any illegal drug during pregnancy can be dangerous. But why, exactly? Methamphetamine (meth) is a stimulant. That means that it stimulates systems and processes in the body. In the short term, using it can cause: • Irregular heart rate (including the heart beating more or less than usual)
- [How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-long-does-cocaine-stay-in-your-system/) - Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. When abused, cocaine can have serious adverse effects on your health and overall quality of life. Cocaine is a stimulant that alters the brain chemistry in users by increasing the natural chemical levels of dopamine in the
- [Reversing the Effects of Drug Addiction and Overdoses](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/reversing-the-effects-of-drug-addiction-and-overdoses/) - As dangerous and serious as drug overdoses are, they don’t have to be deadly. People in California are trying to make drug use safer. The state of California and California cities such as San Francisco are making efforts to do just that. In 2016, the California State Senate and the California Department of Public Health
- [Is Mac Miller’s Death Part of a Larger Drug Problem?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/is-mac-millers-death-part-of-a-larger-drug-problem/) - On September 7, 2018, rapper Mac Miller died at his Los Angeles home of an apparent accidental drug overdose. He was twenty-six years old. He was open about his struggles with drug addiction and his mental health. He admitted that he used a substance called lean but stopped using it in 2012. Also known as
- [The Heroin Detox Process](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-heroin-detox-process/) - The heroin epidemic that has been sweeping the world is traumatizing to friends and family. In 2014 alone, about 435,000 people used heroin, in one form or another. Many people believe that an addict is an addict purely out of choice. While this may be how the addiction started, many addicts who have a long-standing addiction
- [The Twisted Tale of Marijuana in Michigan](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/marijuana/) - In August, 2018, board members in the state of Michigan approved sixteen licenses for medical marijuana. Ongoing developments about medical and recreational marijuana in Michigan reflect other marijuana-related developments in other places of the United States and the rest of the world. Michigan’s dealings with marijuana have been convoluted, to say the least. In 2008,
- [Drug Use Is Increasing ... And Decreasing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-use-is-increasing-and-decreasing/) - There is good news and bad news relating to drugs today. The bad news: drugs are killing more people than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 72,000 U.S. residents died due to drug overdoses in 2017. This is about 10 percent higher than the number of drug-related deaths in
- [Does Chu-Hi Represent the Future of Alcohol?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/does-chu-hi-represent-the-future-of-alcohol/) - Do you know what chu-hi or chuhai is? While it might not be well-known in the United States, chu-hi is a significant beverage in Japan and in the food world. Chu-hi is a Japanese liquor known as shochu. It is often mixed with soda water and various flavorings. Its name comes from the an
- [Drug Abuse: Statistics and Reasons](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/drug-abuse-statistics-and-reasons/) - It seems these kinds of blog posts often include a lot of statistics about drugs and drug abuse. But, given the enormity of these statistics, it’s important to discuss them. For example, from 1999 to 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that drug overdoses killed more than 630,000 people in the
- [Pharmaceutical Companies, Drugs, and Ethics](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/pharmaceutical-companies-drugs-and-ethics/) - “First, do no harm.” That’s one of the tenets of the Hippocratic oath, an oath that some doctors follow in their professional lives. Do all people working in health-related professions follow this tenet? Based on the actions of pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it appears that some people might not. We
- [Legal Marijuana in Canada Raises Questions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/legal-marijuana-in-canada-raises-questions/) - On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country to legalize the drug marijuana for recreational use on a national level (Uruguay was the first). Many people are watching Canada to see whether this will affect the use and legislation of marijuana in the United States and other countries. Marijuana legalization creates a host
- [Meth, Jail, and Hope](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/meth-jail-and-hope/) - Many people are arrested and go to jail because of drugs. But, why do they go to jail? What happens after they leave prison? The state of Michigan’s Kalamazoo County has experienced a surge in arrests relating to meth (methamphetamine). In October, 2018, Kalamazoo County sheriff Richard Fuller said that his county’s jail had 100
- [The Average Cost of Illicit Drugs on the Street](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/the-average-cost-of-illicit-drugs-on-the-street/) - From cocaine to OxyContin, drugs have been easy to find on just about any street corner in any country around the world. As long as there is a demand for these substances, drug suppliers will find a way to get people the drugs they crave. Why? It is because of a concept that goes all
- [Are Smart Drugs a Smart Idea?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/are-smart-drugs-a-smart-idea/) - Is there a drug that can help you concentrate, work harder and longer, and perform better? Is there such a thing as a smart pill? Is there a way to accomplish the seemingly superhuman mental tasks performed by the pill-popping character played by Bradley Cooper in the movie Limitless? It depends on who you ask.
- [Do Cannabis Products Mean That Marijuana Is Mainstream?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/do-cannabis-products-mean-that-marijuana-is-mainstream/) - Has marijuana gone mainstream? Marijuana has always seemed to be part of culture, but it was forbidden, sometimes kind of goofy, which made it more attractive to some people and less attractive to others. But, with several U.S. states and a number of countries legalizing marijuana for medical purposes and some states and countries
- [Providing Substance Use Disorder Assistance](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/providing-substance-abuse-assistance/) - Help for mental health and substance use disorder disorders is vital for a healthy community. That’s the view of Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, New York. In January, de Blasio’s administration announced plans to offer health insurance to all New Yorkers. This proposal, known as NYC Care, would allow city residents to
- [5 Healing Natural Oils for Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/5-healing-natural-oils-for-recovery/) - Many drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities have adopted a holistic approach toward treating patients. A healthy lifestyle an important component in recovery. One practice in healthy living can be aromatherapy with healing natural oils. Take a look at the following list of the top 5 oils that we recommend for your aromatherapy: Lavender This
- [Convicting El Chapo and Fighting Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/convicting-el-chapo-fighting-drugs/) - On February 12, 2019, jurors convicted Joaquin Guzmán Loera on multiple federal drug-related counts. Guzmán is popularly known as El Chapo, a nickname that means Shorty. Guzmán’s trial was well-publicized and dramatic, much like the man himself. He has spent time in and out of prison and has escaped from prison a number of times.
- [Using Nutrition Education to Fight Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/nutrition-education-fighting-drug-abuse/) - Substance use disorder is a major crisis in the world right now. Many people are struggling with addiction to various drugs. Long periods of drug and substance use disorder take a toll on the victim’s body at some point. They start getting weak and looking frail and emaciated. Drugs will gradually eat away strength and
- [Recovery and Treatment Are Personal](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/recovery-and-treatment-are-personal/) - It may be a cliché, but it’s true: fame and fortune do not necessarily buy happiness. Money and recognition don’t provide immunity against drug addition, alcohol abuse, and mental illness. Just ask the singer Justin Bieber. In a 2019 interview with Vogue magazine, he revealed that he struggled with drugs and alcohol in the past.
- [Understanding Sobriety Tokens](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/understanding-sobriety-tokens/) - Sobriety Tokens, also known as AA Chips are round, small shaped tokens given out to the members of a 12 step program. This includes Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other types of sobriety groups. Sobriety tokens are commonly used to mark the great achievements of people who are in sobriety and recovery. Getting a sobriety token
- [Black Balloon Day: Raising Addiction Awareness](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/black-balloon-day-raising-addiction-awareness/) - Balloons are usually a symbol of parties, fun, and joy. But, people also use balloons to symbolize very different things. March 6 is Black Balloon Day. Every year, people use black balloons to raise awareness about opioid addiction and overdoses. There are many people to remember. Opioid overdoses killed more than 47,000 U.S. residents in
- [10 Successful Alcoholics in Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/10-successful-alcoholics-in-recovery/) - Overcoming any addiction is an uphill battle that can be discouraging in some moments. As a person in recovery, it can be helpful to draw inspiration from those who have walked a similar journey. Here are some inspiring stories of successful alcoholics in recovery. 1. Martin Sheen Ramon Gerard Antonio Estevez, known as Martin Sheen, is
- [What Are My Options for Rehab?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/what-are-my-options-for-rehab/) - There are a few steps that need to be taken when it comes to recovery from addiction. First, the individual needs to acknowledge the struggles and dependencies that came with the abused substance. The next step is seeking help and finding addiction rehab centers for the individual and his or her particular situation. If you are suffering from addiction, it is important
- [Types of Counseling for Drug Abuse](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/types-of-counseling-for-drug-abuse/) - There are many types of counseling for drug abuse. All these changes aim to improve the odds of kicking drug abuse, help to lower the risk of relapse and enable individuals with the addiction to finding ways to rebuild their lives. A few of the most effective types of drug abuse counseling treatments are behavioral therapy, drug
- [How to Stay Sober on St. Patrick's Day](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/how-to-stay-sober-on-st-patricks-day/) - St. Patrick's Day may be known for its iconic four-leaf clover, parades, shamrock, and Irish beer. However, when we look into its history, it is an event linked to a religious figure. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, which commemorates the death of the said saint. Saint Patrick traveled to Ireland from England (or
- [Stopping Dry Drunk Syndrome](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/stopping-dry-drunk-syndrome/) - Some people who are sober are still lonely, anxious, or depressed. They are struggling to bring more happiness to their lives. Quitting drinking does not automatically change people's lives. Sober people may still feel as if life has no meaning and cannot figure out what is wrong. If you are feeling this way, you could
- [The Dangers of Paregoric Liquid](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/the-dangers-of-paregoric-liquid/) - Paregoric liquid, also known as anhydrous morphine or camphorated tincture of opium, is a Class III narcotic often prescribed for the treatment of severe diarrhea. It is prescribed for both children and adults to be taken by mouth following loose bowels. A Class III narcotic means that paregoric liquid has the potential for substance use disorder.
- [Can you Sweat Out Alcohol?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/can-you-sweat-out-alcohol/) - Can you sweat out alcohol is not a clear yes or no question. The answer is both yes and no. The body works in mysterious ways. One of those ways is ridding it of the toxins that come into contact with it. Alcohol is one of these poisons. However, the body can work out alcohol
- [The 10 Strangest Drug Slang Terms](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/the-10-strangest-drug-slang-terms/) - Many drugs are known by names other than their official names. This is true for prescription drugs and those used illegally. The names frequently change, partly because drug dealers and users are always trying to stay ahead of the police, public, and parents. Police departments and authorities spend a significant amount of time and resources
- [How Drugs Cause Formication](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/how-drugs-cause-formication/) - Formication is the sensation of feeling insects crawling under and over the skin. It is a form of tactile hallucination. A tactile hallucination is a false sensory sensation and is a form of paresthesia. The individual feels the touch of an imaginary object. This sensory hallucination is an unpleasant, disturbing sensation. It feels as if bugs are
- [Light Therapy & Fighting Depression](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/mental-health/light-therapy-fighting-depression/) - To understand the healing effects of light therapy, it’s helpful to understand how light affects the body. The body uses light to fuel its processes. It enters the body through the retinas of the eyes. The retinas convert light and send it via electric pulses to the brain’s visual cortex. When light enters the brain, it provides
- [Why Does Drug Detox Feel Terrible?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/why-does-drug-detox-feel-terrible/) - Drug detox can almost feel worse than withdrawal symptoms, and that is why some people are hesitant to undergo treatment. However, the benefits of drug detox outweigh the cons. Here is an explanation of why detoxing the body of substances can often feel terrible. The course of addiction is a slow process, but it is
- [How to Stay Sober Without AA](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/how-to-stay-sober-without-aa/) - Do you abuse alcohol? If you are in recovery or are going to be in recovery, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is one of the options you can use. There are some people who do not believe or do not agree with the 12-step strategy. Some people cannot make it to AA meetings due to transportation issues, work
- [Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/is-marijuana-a-hallucinogen/) - Drugs fall into a variety of categories depending on their properties, effects, or condition they treat. Typically, every drug will fall into one of the following categories: Stimulants - These types of drugs increase your mood, elevate your energy, and enhance your alertness. A person can become highly addicted to stimulants and may experience paranoia over
- [Substance Use Disorder and the Bystander Effect](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-and-the-bystander-effect/) - People are social creatures. The things they do and don’t do affect more than themselves. They affect others. This is especially true in cases of substance use disorder. Our social natures lead to a number of fascinating discussions. One is whether the bystander effect contributes to drug and alcohol abuse. Psychologists define the bystander effect
- [Types of Detoxification in Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/types-of-detoxification-in-rehab/) - There are several steps involved in the drug addiction recovery process. One of the major ones is the formal detox. The NIDA or National Institute on Drug Abuse states that detox is the process of getting rid of foreign matter and substances and being able to manage withdrawal symptoms on an as needed basis. As
- [Vaping Is Popular and May Be Dangerous](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/vaping-is-popular-and-may-be-dangerous/) - Vaping is popular with young people. Very popular. When people vape, they inhale the vapor produced by burning nicotine, marijuana, or other substances. Although some people see vaping as a safer alternative to using traditional tobacco products, vaping still can lead to dependence and addiction, an especially troubling prospect for young users still developing physically
- [How Texas Culture Can Aid Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/how-texas-culture-can-aid-recovery/) - Texas is a gigantic state both in size and population. It is second in geographic size to Alaska, and second to California in population size. As in other states, health care in Texas has experienced its share of problems. Despite having a gross domestic product (GDP) comparable to entire countries such as Australia, Texas has
- [What is Wernicke Encephalopathy?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/what-is-wernicke-encephalopathy/) - Our brains rely on various minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids to function normally. Deficits of one or more of these substances prevent the brain from functioning as it should. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a degenerative disorder affecting the brain. It usually arises from a deficiency in thiamine,
- [Dope Sickness and MAT Strategies](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/dope-sickness-and-mat-strategies/) - "If you've ever had the flu it's like that, but times 100,” said Arizona writer Diane Woodruff. She’s explaining what it feels like to be dope sick, a term referring to the sickness people feel when they’re withdrawing from opioid drugs such as codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine, fentanyl, or heroin. Also known as dopesickness, dope
- [How Addiction is a Disease](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/how-addiction-is-a-disease/) - Addiction has a lot of negative stigmas attached to it. Instead of seeing the internal and external problems associated with addiction, often people shift the blame to the user. There are many reasons why people get into an addiction problem, and not all of them are within the confines of self-will and control. Blaming the
- [40 Quotes to Inspire Addiction Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/40-quotes-to-inspire-addiction-recovery/) - Struggling through addiction recovery is a process you do not have to go through alone. Creating a healthy lifestyle you can be proud of requires plenty of self-awareness and inspiration as well as the willingness to ask for help. If you need a push in a positive direction to continue with your journey, use these recovery
- [How Does Outpatient Rehab Work?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/how-does-outpatient-rehab-work/) - When it comes to addiction treatment there are many options. It can be stressful for someone seeking recovery to decide what option is best for him or her. Drug and Alcohol rehab treatment programs usually fall into one of two categories; these are inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. Both programs have huge success rates, but each
- [10 Unusual Addictions](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/addiction/10-unusual-addictions/) - 10 Unusual Addictions When you hear the word “addiction”, chances are that you also think of things like drugs, alcohol, food, or even smartphones. However, because addiction is a disease influenced by the reward center of the brain, nearly anything can trigger addictive behaviors. While not all addictions are harmful, each of them can significantly impact the
- [How to Be the Best AA Sponsor](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/how-to-be-the-best-aa-sponsor/) - How to Be the Best AA Sponsor Recovering alcoholics may receive many benefits by joining organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and serving as an AA sponsor. AA members obtain support, guidance, help throughout their recovery, and so much more. Sponsorship is more than just what new AA members receive. By sharing their experiences and knowledge with
- [Relapse Prevention Therapy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/relapse-prevention-therapy/) - Relapse Prevention Therapy One of the most common misconceptions about drug addiction and treatment is that drug rehabilitation is over once the person suffering from substance use disorder disorder has completed his treatment plan. It is important to realize that drug addiction is a chronic disorder. This means that the possibility of relapsing is very high. The National
- [Opium vs. Weed - What's the Difference?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug-addiction/opium-vs-weed-whats-the-difference/) - Opium and marijuana are two very different substances. Opium is derived from the opium poppy plant and has been cultivated and in use, since around 3,400 B.C. Marijuana, or weed, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and has been around for over 12,000 years. Opium and weed differ in their mechanisms of action, their effects on the
- [The Hidden Dangers of Sniffing Glue](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/substance-abuse/the-hidden-dangers-of-sniffing-glue/) - The Hidden Dangers of Sniffing Glue Sniffing glue is one of the cheapest ways that people get high. However, it is also very dangerous. People have been using glue to get high for hundreds of years. Of all the inhalants, solvent glue is one that is commonly used. Some others include the following: Cleaners Aerosol
- [Supplements vs Drugs](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/resources/supplements-vs-drugs/) - Supplements vs Drugs Both supplements and drugs may be used for health reasons. This is why many people just assume that the same safety precautions and regulations apply to both products. Actually, this is not true. Supplements tend to face regulations after they go out onto the market, while medications encounter regulations before they go
- [Workplace Culture for the Recovering Addict](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/workplace-culture-for-the-recovering-addict/) - Workplace Culture for the Recovering Addict Once you have made it through treatment for drug or alcohol addiction and are in recovery, often, attention turns to transitioning back to the workplace or securing new employment. Returning to work or finding a job are important steps in your recovery. However, not every career or workplace is ideal for
- [Access to Alcohol and Vaping Products](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/access-to-alcohol-and-vaping-products/) - Should people have access to products that may be harmful because they’re adults living in a capitalist society? Or, should they not have access to such items because the products may harm them? It appears that people in Alabama and other states are asking such questions. In 2019, Alabama state legislators sponsored a bill that
- [Helping Others Fight Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/helping-others-fight-addiction/) - Sometimes our experiences may help us help others and ourselves. That seems to be true for Brooke Feldman. She is a social worker, activist, writer, and manager of recovery programs. She is also in recovery herself and uses her professional and personal experiences to help others find help. “[S]he has has been able to stop
- [Responding to Increasing Alcohol Consumption  ](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol-abuse/responding-to-increasing-alcohol-consumption/) - Many people fall into addictive lifestyles and become hooked on alcohol, drugs, or certain behaviors. Some people ease into this lifestyle, while others go headfirst. There is no discrimination when it comes to alcohol addiction. People young and old and rich and poor become addicted to alcohol and drugs. In many ways, society is trying
- [Generic Drugs, Unusual Activities](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/health-and-wellness/generic-drugs-unusual-activities/) - Because they aren’t brand-name drugs, generic drugs are supposed to save money while they save lives. But some people claim that generic drug manufacturers aren’t allowing people to save money, which could take lives, not save them. That’s what Connecticut attorney general William Tong and others say. In May, 2019, Connecticut and over forty states
- [Using National Recovery Month to Connect](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/recovery/using-national-recovery-month-to-connect/) - Every September is National Recovery Month, a time when we celebrate healing from drug and alcohol addiction. Each National Recovery Month has a theme. The theme for September 2019, Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger, points to an extremely useful tool for healing and recovery: social support. How Can Others Help People

## Pages

- [Home](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/) - Willow Springs Recovery is one of Austin's leading drug and alcohol rehabs. Recover just outside of Austin with a highly-effective program.
- [About Us](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/about-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-28-1.png” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Noto Serif|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”0.15em” body_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” body_text_color=”#222222″ body_font_size=”43px” body_line_height=”1.2em” body_font_size_tablet=”43px” body_font_size_phone=”38px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]About Willow Springs Recovery[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px|0px|20px|false|true”
- [Terms of Use](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/terms-of-use/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-28-9.png” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Noto Serif|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”0.15em” body_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” body_text_color=”#222222″ body_font_size=”43px” body_line_height=”1.2em” body_font_size_tablet=”43px” body_font_size_phone=”38px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]TERMS OF USE FOR THIS WEBSITE[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row
- [Staff](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/staff/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-28-4.png” custom_padding=”0px|60px|0px|60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”35px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Noto Serif|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”0.15em” body_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” body_text_color=”#222222″ body_font_size=”43px” body_line_height=”1.2em” body_font_size_tablet=”43px” body_font_size_phone=”38px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Staff[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default”
- [Texas Rehab That Accepts Aetna Insurance](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/aetna-insurance/) - Finding addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand what your insurance may or may not cover. If you have Aetna insurance and are looking for rehab in Texas, there is a good chance your plan may help cover part of the cost of addiction treatment services, including detox, inpatient rehab,
- [Texas Rehab That Accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/blue-cross-blue-shield/) - Paying for addiction treatment is one of the most common concerns people have when considering rehab. Many individuals delay getting help because they are unsure whether their insurance will cover treatment or how much they may owe out of pocket. Fortunately, many Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance plans provide coverage for substance abuse and
- [Texas Holistic Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/holistic/) - At Willow Springs Recovery, we believe healing from addiction is about more than just stopping substance use. True recovery means restoring your mind, body, and spirit, and that is exactly what a holistic rehab approach is designed to do. If you are looking for a more balanced, whole-person path to recovery in Texas, holistic rehab
- [Texas Adderall Addiction Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/adderall/) - Adderall is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While the medication can be highly effective when used as prescribed, it also carries a significant risk of misuse and addiction. In recent years, Adderall abuse has increased across the United States, particularly among students, professionals, and individuals seeking increased focus
- [Fifth Step: PHP or IOP](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/php-iop/) - PHP Vs IOP: What Is The Difference Between The Two? Our staff is always striving to ensure that you get the best possible care during your stay with us. This includes ensuring that you get to stay as long as you need and that you aren’t being pushed to fast forward your treatment if you’re
- [Manuel Perez](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/staff/manuel-perez/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Manuel Perez” image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Manuel-Perez.png” content_max_width=”100%” title_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ body_font=”Poppins||||||||” body_text_color=”#555555″ body_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||2em||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|||0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Manuel-Perez” sticky_enabled=”0″] Vice President of Operationshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-perez-b28ba2b8/ [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″
- [Dr. Christian Small](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/staff/dr-christian-small/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Dr. Christian Small” image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Small-Headlands.jpg” content_max_width=”100%” title_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ body_font=”Poppins||||||||” body_text_color=”#555555″ body_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||2em||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”] Medical Director – Medical Team https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-small-md-73897b108/ [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″
- [Pamela Tumlinson](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/staff/pamela-tumlinson-2/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pamela Tumlinson” image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pamela-Tumlinson.jpg” content_max_width=”100%” title_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_class=”circleImage” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ body_font=”Poppins||||||||” body_text_color=”#555555″ body_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||2em||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”] Clinical Directorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-tumlinson-41525623/ [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”
- [CBT for Addiction](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-and-addiction-treatment/) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) For Addiction It’s not easy to admit that you have a substance use disorder problem because there’s so much stigma and conflicting information out there. Some people still think alcoholism and drug addiction are moral failings, although the vast majority of physicians, psychologists and empirical data disagree. What’s needed is not
- [Privacy Policy](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/privacy-policy/) - THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY. Your health record contains personal information about you and your health. State and federal law protects the confidentiality of this information. “Protected health information” is information about you,
- [Billing](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/billing/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] BILLING FAQS Who do I call with a question regarding an invoice or itemized statement?Clients will receive invoices by mail, text, and email. If you have questions regarding your bill,please contact the Patient Financial Services
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- [Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/marijuana/) - Marijuana Addiction Treatment Rehab In Texas Is Marijuana Addiction Controlling Your Life? You might have started smoking marijuana in high school when your friend handed you an apple bong or a joint. Perhaps it was given to you at a party or at a friend’s house. Maybe your parents introduced you to pot while you
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- [Sixth Step: Going Home](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/going-home/) - Addiction Aftercare Programs: Everything You Need To Know As a client begins to wrap up their treatment program, they will likely begin to wonder what comes next. What happens after you leave treatment? How do you stay strong in your recovery efforts? Are you just left alone to struggle through? Do you have to continue
- [Effective and Affordable Suboxone Addiction Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/opioid/suboxone/) - Suboxone Addiction Rehab Center In Texas Opiates such as heroin, OxyContin and Percocet have taken over the drug market. In 2014 alone, about 435,000 people used heroin, and another 4.3 million people were non-medical users of prescription pain narcotics. Many have became addicted to opiates because they are easily accessible and extremely addictive. When an opiate addict checks in to rehab,
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- [Morphine Rehab in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/opioid/morphine/) - Morphine Addiction Treatment Rehab In Texas Morphine is a medication that is often prescribed for intense or chronic pain. Many hospitals use it before and after major surgeries to help curb severe pain. However, it’s also an extremely addictive opioid, closely related to heroin. It has potentially life-threatening side effects, and can trigger a variety
- [Is Inpatient Alcohol Detox in Texas Right for Me?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol/detox/) - Top Alcohol Detox Program In Austin, TX Many who have tried to detox on their own found it much more difficult than they anticipated. Many tried to stop drinking and noticed the first 24 hours were a nightmare. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are not only uncomfortable, but can be potentially deadly if not properly treated. However, great care
- [Is a Diet Pill Addiction Controlling Your Life?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/diet-pill/) - Diet Pill Addiction Treatment: About, Symptoms & Warning Signs Do you feel overweight? Have you tried every diet imaginable in an attempt to kick those extra ten pounds? Your efforts have not worked or you’ve reached a plateau, so you picked up some diet pills. At first, it made sense. They gave you energy, and
- [Tired of Letting a Valium Addiction Control Your Life?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/benzos/valium/) - Valium Addiction Treatment Center In Texas Do you know how widespread Valium abuse is? In 2010, researchers found 2.6 million people use drugs such as Valium, for non-medical reasons. From 2005 to 2011, more than one million hospital visits resulted from abusing drugs such as Valium. If you were one of the many people abusing Valium,
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- [Dual Diagnosis Rehab: Treating Addiction and Mental Health](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/dual-diagnosis/) - Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center In Texas What is dual diagnosis treatment? Dual diagnosis treatment is a viable option for drug and alcohol addiction. An inpatient dual diagnosis treatment facility addresses both mental health disorders and addiction at the same time in the comfort of a facility away from external forces. People with mental health disorders
- [Do You Want a Non 12 Step Approach to Recovery?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/non-12-step-rehab/) - Texas Non-12-Step Addiction Rehab Some swear by the 12 step process that programs like Alcoholics Anonymous use. While these programs are helpful for some, what about those who want an alternative? If you want to try something new, you can attend a non 12 step rehab. A non 12 step drug and alcohol rehab focuses on physical health,
- [Librium Rehab in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/benzos/librium/) - Librium Addiction Treatment Center In Texas Is your equilibrium out of whack because of your Librium abuse? Are you dizzy and confused? This could be a sign that you or your loved one is addicted to Librium. If you are like many Librium abusers, this habit-forming psychotropic drug might have been prescribed by your doctor
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- [An Alternative to the 12 Step Program](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/smart-recovery/) - Smart Recovery Rehab Center In Texas A traditional 12 step recovery program isn’t for everyone. For some, 12 step programs and the rehab centers that follow them aren’t a good fit, and this can actually diminish the chances of a successful recovery. If this sounds familiar, you may need a non 12 step rehab program like SMART
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- [What Are 12 Step Recovery Programs?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/12-step-program/) - Award-Winning Texas 12-Step Recovery Program Recovering from addiction isn’t easy. Even though deciding to attend a drug rehab is difficult on its own, your recovery is only beginning. Once you’ve left rehab, the real journey to sobriety begins, and nothing is more helpful during this time than a 12 step recovery program. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program
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- [Blog](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#222222″ text_font_size=”38px” text_line_height=”1.4em” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”38px” text_font_size_phone=”34px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Texas Addiction Recovery Blog [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” show_thumbnail=”off” show_more=”on”
- [What Happens in Rehab? The Rehab Process](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/what-happens-in-rehab-the-rehab-process/) - What Happens In Rehab? Rehab Explained From Start To Finish Overcoming an addiction, finding sobriety, and living in recovery isn’t always an easy process – it’s a journey that continues for a lifetime. Even those who are years sober can find it tough to keep clean and sober. With that being said, there are many benefits
- [Do You Need Inpatient Drug Rehab?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/inpatient/) - Texas Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab Have you accepted the fact that you might have a substance use disorder problem? That’s a major accomplishment, but so is deciding what to do next. By leaving an environment full of triggers and chaos, you are giving yourself a better chance to recover. Residential inpatient drug rehab can be
- [Meth Rehab and Addiction Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/meth/) - Meth Addiction Treatment Center In Texas Methamphetamine is one of the most powerful, dangerous and now popular drugs in America. The United States government reported that 13 million Americans over the age of 12 have used meth. Not only is meth widely available but there are major concerns about how it is produced. It is often made
- [Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Texas with Willow Springs Recovery](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/cocaine/) - Effective Cocaine Addiction Treatment Program In Texas Can you imagine having a hole in your nose from snorting so much cocaine? What if you have a powerful desire or craving for cocaine? No matter how much you do, you can’t have enough. In fact, Steven Tyler, the frontman of Aerosmith, claims he spent $5 or
- [Darvocet Addiction Treatment in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/opioid/darvocet-darvon/) - Top Propoxyphene Addiction Treatment Center In Texas Addiction makes people go to extremes. Take Darvocet, for example. The substance was banned and people are still finding ways to abuse it. Especially if it was their drug of choice prior to being removed from the market. Perhaps they have a stash, or someone they know is
- [Finding a Methadone Rehab in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/opioid/methadone/) - Top Methadone Addiction Treatment Center In Texas Methadone is used as a pain reliever, but also as a treatment for opiate addiction. This can be problematic for many drug addicts who dislike the idea of substituting one drug addiction for another. We understand how confusing it can be, and also how painful the withdrawal symptoms
- [Third Step: Detox](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/detox/) - Medically Supervised Addiction Detox Program In Austin, TX Once a client has completed the intake process, they will head directly to detox. This is the time in which all of the substances will leave your body. It is also a pretty difficult time for many, which is one of the reasons that undergoing detox in
- [Texas Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/outpatient/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://willowspringsrecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image-28-5.png” custom_padding=”|60px||60px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1380px” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Noto Serif|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#222222″ header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”0.15em” body_font=”Noto Serif||||||||” body_text_color=”#222222″ body_font_size=”43px” body_line_height=”1.2em” hover_enabled=”0″ body_font_size_tablet=”43px” body_font_size_phone=”38px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Texas Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default”
- [Finding an Opioid Rehab in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/opioid/) - Leading Texas Opioid Addiction Treatment Center Opioid addiction is on the rise, and more people are attending rehab centers to help combat their addiction than ever. Since prescriptions are easy to obtain, opioids like hydrocodone and oxycontin are becoming a dangerous gateway to heavier drugs like heroin and fentanyl. What might start as a simple
- [Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/prescription/benzos/) - Leading Texas Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Center Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are some of the most debilitating and addictive prescription drugs on the market. We know them as Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, to name a few. In fact, many don’t realize the side effects of a benzo addiction. Especially when benzos are used for
- [Rehab Essentials: How To Prepare & What To Bring To Rehab](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/going-to-rehab/) - Rehab Essentials: How To Prepare & What To Bring To Rehab Sometimes, going to rehab can seem as hard as actually undergoing treatment at one. This is why, if you’re considering going to rehab, it’s important to learn just what’s involved in going to rehab. Learning the steps to getting into and through rehab is
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- [Recover at One of the Best Drug Rehab Centers in Texas](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/drug/rehab/) - There is no “right way” to treat drug addiction because everyone is different. We understand that pairing you or your loved one with one of the best drug rehab centers in Texas from the beginning is how true healing and recovery is made possible. Whether it is behavior modification, clinical treatment, or both, we are fully capable
- [How Do I Know I Need Alcohol Rehab?](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/alcohol/rehab/) - Nobody knows your drinking habits better than you. You know if you drink because you like it or you drink because it’s there. If you’re worried that you’re addicted to alcohol, you probably are. The fact that you’re worried means you want to change. If your loved ones think you are abusing alcohol ask yourself:
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- [First Step: Contacting our Team](https://willowspringsrecovery.com/treatment/first-step/) - Seeking treatment for an addiction is a process, but when you understand it, the admissions process can go much more smoothly. It all begins with a phone call. If you’ve submitted your insurance information, it will be our admissions coordinator contacting you. When your insurance has been verified, one of our addiction treatment experts will
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