Whether you’re a firefighter, emergency paramedic, law enforcement officer, military member, or any other first responder, you’re not alone if you’re struggling with substance abuse. At Gratitude Lodge, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment for first responders, as well as mental health treatment to help you address any underlying issues from work or life that may be contributing to addiction. Drug & Alcohol Rehab for First Responders For the first responders who put their own lives on the line every day to serve others, there comes a time when you need help too. Being exposed to fre ..read more

Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy can be a wonderful source of comfort, love, and companionship for those dealing with mental health issues.  However, when it comes to seeking mental health treatment, pet owners may feel hesitant to leave their furry friends behind. Pet-friendly rehabs and mental health facilities provide a wonderful option for pet owners to receive the care they need without sacrificing the companionship and support of their furry friends. For many pet owners, their pets are like family members, and the thought of leaving them behind during a stay in a mental heal ..read more

Meloxicam is a generic NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that’s commonly marketed as Mobic. The medication is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it’s sometimes prescribed as an alternative to opioids to treat pain. So, is meloxicam addictive? Meloxicam Addictive Potential While meloxicam, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carries certain risks including serious side effects, it does not induce a euphoric high that might contribute to addiction or substance misuse. That said, there have been instances of meloxicam misuse because it is often mist ..read more

An SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is a type of antidepressant medication that’s approved by FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to treat a variety of conditions like depression, anxiety, and bulimia nervosa. SSRI medication works by maintaining the activity of neurotransmitters – chemical messengers – in the brain. What Are SSRI Medications? SSRIs are a first-line treatment option for depression due to their general effectiveness and relative lack of side effects compared to other treatments. This class of medication works by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin ..read more

Cirrhosis involves irreversible scarring that impairs the liver’s ability to function properly, potentially leading to liver failure. This condition emerges from continuous liver damage over an extended period. The primary contributors to cirrhosis include alcohol and drug use, viral infections, and metabolic issues. What Is Liver Cirrhosis from Alcohol? Cirrhosis represents extensive scarring of the liver, a severe outcome stemming from various liver diseases and conditions like hepatitis or sustained and excessive alcohol abuse.. Each instance of liver damage — whether from overindulgence in ..read more

Addiction (substance use disorder) is a chronic but treatable condition. As long as you are able to set yourself up for success and avoid common mistakes, you should be able to make serious progress toward the goal of long-term sobriety.  Common Mistakes Made in Rehab Everyone has a unique experience of addiction and recovery, although some common rehab mistakes can disrupt or derail the process. Let’s learn a bit more about these mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.  Here are 5 common client mistakes made in rehab:  1) Thinking You Can Detox at Home One of the most comm ..read more

ARLD (alcohol-related liver disease) is a condition that stems from excessive and chronic consumption of alcohol, triggering significant liver impairment over time. Read on to learn more about liver damage from alcoholism and find out how to engage with compassionate care.  How Does Alcohol Damage the Liver? Alcohol-related liver disease is a condition in which excessive drinking overwhelms the liver’s ability to break down alcohol, causing significant damage. Anyone who does not conform to moderate drinking guidelines can develop a fatty liver, described clinically as steatosis. More sev ..read more

Rehab for women provides specialized care tailored for women grappling with substance abuse, trauma, mental health issues, or challenges in relationships. Inpatient drug rehab for women is often advisable due to the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders in women and the immersive environment free of triggers and distractions provided by residential treatment. Benefits of Rehab Centers for Women Rehabilitation programs tailored specifically for women offer many benefits related to the unique challenges and circumstances they face in addiction and recovery. Safe and supportive environment ..read more

Drug addiction, clinically described as substance use disorder, can result from the sustained abuse of illicit drugs or prescription medications. Substance use disorder is a chronic but treatable condition that responds favorably to evidence-based interventions. Read on to discover where to get help for drug addiction. How to Get Help for Drug Addiction in 10 Steps While all substance use disorders are unique, there are some general steps to take if you’ve been wondering how can you get help for drug addiction: Acknowledge the need for help Reach out to someone you trust Learn as much as poss ..read more

Identifying the signs of early alcoholism enables timely intervention and appropriate treatment. Some potential indicators of alcohol abuse are easily noticed, while others can be subtle and more challenging to recognize. Alcoholism is clinically described as alcohol use disorder, a condition which presents on a spectrum from mild to severe. This means it is beneficial to act on early warning signs rather than minimizing or ignoring these potential red flags.  Common Early Signs of Alcoholism Alcohol use disorder is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that typically worsens unless t ..read more