There is a belief held by many in the recovery field that a person can only recover if they are willing. This may seem obvious on its surface, but there is more to this concept than that surface level. Willingness is more than simply showing up. Willingness lies in rigorous honesty, and it is only when this rigorous honesty is present that your guest’s recovery potential becomes most probable. This probable time also leaves you an opening to introduce the Twelve Steps. The comedian George Carlin once mused that a person becomes most receptive to new ideas when they are laughing. Well, for thos ..read more

What is Alcohol Use Disorder? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) condition characterized by an addiction to alcohol, a depressive substance used by much of the global population. Alcohol addiction – or AUD – is a powerful condition that is characterized by chronic, relapsing drinking despite its negative impact on a person’s life. The mental health disorder infiltrates the reward and decision-making centers of the brain, making physical and chemical changes to the circuits in these regions to drive compulsive behavior. Alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on the individual’s life experiencing it as well as t ..read more

Wellness in Recovery Some of you may have read that headline and thought, ‘wait, I’m in recovery, so of course I’m well.’ But recovery has many facets, just putting down the substance is not enough. Overall wellness addresses many areas not just the things that we do to maintain recovery such as meetings, 12-Steps and therapy. The fact that February is American Heart month and the month that we celebrate those we love, I thought a little self-love was in order. So, let’s consider the importance of wellness in recovery. What is wellness in Recovery? This article from the Faces and Voices websit ..read more

Understanding Ritalin Ritalin is the brand name commonly used for the medication methylphenidate. This stimulant drug impacts the central nervous system (CNS), increasing communication levels between nerve cells throughout the brain and body. Methylphenidate has similar effects to amphetamine and cocaine. There are a number of street names for Ritalin, including: Kiddie cocaine R-ball Skippy Rids Vitamin R What Is Ritalin Used For? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be described as a dopamine disorder. This is because too little of the neurotransmitter resides in the brains ..read more

What is Alcohol Use Disorder? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) condition characterized by an addiction to alcohol, a depressive substance used by much of the global population. Alcohol addiction – or AUD – is a powerful condition that is characterized by chronic, relapsing drinking despite its negative impact on a person’s life. The mental health disorder infiltrates the reward and decision-making centers of the brain, making physical and chemical changes to the circuits in these regions to drive compulsive behavior. Alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on the individual’s life experiencing it as well as t ..read more

About half of people living with a substance use disorder simultaneously struggle with another mental illness such as anxiety or depression. This is known as a dual diagnosis. Co-occurring mental health disorders can be driving factors behind addictive behavior, causing people to turn back to drugs or alcohol even after long periods of abstinence. Because of this, effective addiction treatment programs must treat co-occurring disorders alongside addiction, addressing the root causes of substance abuse to promote long-lasting recovery. What Are the Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders? According ..read more

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, it can be hard to know how best to support them. Sometimes, actions that may seem helpful can actually harm their well-being in the long run. This blog offers some tips on how to help a loved one with drug addiction and provides insight into the condition. What Is Drug Addiction? Drug or alcohol addiction is when someone compulsively seeks or uses a substance, despite any negative consequences. It’s a type of mental illness characterized by physical changes in the brain that produce strong urges to use a substance, making it very hard to quit wit ..read more

What is Ritalin? Methylphenidate – commonly known by its branded names Ritalin or Concerta – is a central nervous system stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in both children and adults. The substance’s overall purpose is to increase wakefulness and attention, acting in a similar way to Adderall. However, when Ritalin is misused, addiction and dependency on the drug can develop. How Does Ritalin Work? This central nervous system stimulant increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reabsorption ..read more

Substance abuse involves the use of substances, illegally obtained or otherwise, for purposes other than that which they are meant for. This can include socially acceptable drugs such as alcohol, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs. Drug and alcohol abuse has become a prevalent problem within the United States, and it can hugely impact the well-being of individuals who suffer from this problem. It can affect their social, psychological, and professional life to a significant degree. It can also have an extremely damaging impact on your physical health. In many c ..read more

Withdrawing from Adderall can be tough – but it’s worth it. Adderall Detox is the first stage in recovery from drug abuse, paving the way to a healthy and fulfilling life. With professional medical support, you can overcome Adderall withdrawal safely and as comfortably as possible. What Is Adderall? Adderall is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall contains the chemicals racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two central nervous system stimulants that improve communication in the brain. While Adderall can e ..read more