The presence of fentanyl and other opioids at high schools and junior high schools across the United States is on the rise. Stories of overdoses and deaths from opioids make the news daily. Concerned parents are asking – what can I do to keep my child safe? While there is no guaranteed way to 100% protect your child, there are some key things a parent can do to help educate their child and themselves while also keeping lines of communication open. 1) Educate Yourself – take time to get the facts about opioid use disorder, fentanyl, and other types of substance abuse issues. Focus on having the ..read more

Whether you are suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or have a family member or friend who is suffering from OUD, learning about the history and impact of opioids can help you better understand yourself or your loved one. This month our blog focuses on a suggested read – Dope Sick by Beth Macy. Published in 2018 after an intensive six year study of the opioid epidemic in the United States, the book not only remains relevant but in fact may be more relevant in 2023 as fentanyl and opioid command headlines across the country. Inspired by Reporting on the Heroin Epidemic Ms. Macy began repor ..read more

“I just started on a medication assisted treatment program and I am worried how it will affect my employment?” This is a common question we receive from our clients who are concerned about how drug testing in the workplace will affect them while they are undergoing medication assisted treatment (MAT). It is important to understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and know how you are protected while undergoing MAT. Protection for Employees Undergoing MAT Under the ADA The ADA prohibits discrimination against a "qualified person with a disability" (a person who posse ..read more

Are you dreaming of chestnuts roasting on an open fire for the holidays or are you dreading what lies ahead? Holidays can be challenging for anyone and for the person in recovery the holidays can be especially difficult. Spending time with family and friends can bring up a wide range of emotions including sadness, anger, shame and more. Whether you are newly in recovery or have years behind you, there are many things you can do to protect your recovery. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the holiday season. 1) Hold on to Your Recovery Routine – Each person determines the recovery ..read more

“John” (not his real name) described his use of opioids and heroin as an attempt to fill an empty hole inside himself. As his misuse of opioids and other illicit substances increased, the hole never seemed to get any smaller and on some days it felt bigger. Today, after ten years in recovery, “John” no longer feels consumed by that empty hole in himself and instead has discovered how his personal goals, relationships and spiritual beliefs have allowed that hole to be filled. “John” believes that his ability to overcome opioid use disorder required two crucial elements – support with a Medicati ..read more

As they age, many people find themselves facing increasing health challenges. Bone and joint issues caused by osteoarthritis and years of wear and tear are common in older adults. With increased age, there is also a higher incidence of many types of cancer that result in significant pain. Numerous other conditions can also cause increased daily pain levels. To help these patients manage pain levels, there is increased use of opioid pain medications which can contribute to opioid use disorder in the elderly. According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, between 4 – 9% of adul ..read more

The opioid epidemic has and continues to be a source of alarming headlines and disturbing news reports. When the average person reads these reports, it can be all too easy to react with disgust towards the person with opioid use disorder. People often lack understanding of the impact of opioid drugs on the brain and the significant chemical changes caused by these drugs. Many opioid addicts did not become addicted through illicit street drugs, but instead from a prescription written to combat pain. What started as an effort to eliminate pain tragically transformed into addiction to these opioi ..read more

5 Tips for Supporting Children Living with a Recovering Addict As an individual works through the recovery journey, it is important that children and other family members also have access to support and resources to help them navigate the loved one’s recovery. Recovering from addiction can have a dramatic effect on the recovering person and those around them. Children are especially susceptible to being affected if they’re not properly supported during this time. Below are five tips to help support a child (or children) of a recovering individual. 1. Encourage Children to Share and Talk About ..read more

How Are Children Affected by Addiction and Addiction Recovery? “Doug has finally done it. He stopped using drugs, he is in recovery. Now everything will be ok for his children.” A close relative made this remark just after Doug finished six months of addiction recovery treatment and being drug-free. Doug was fortunate, too. During his treatment, he still had a job, and in fact, it was his employer that helped him find treatment and support. Doug’s wife, Brooke, stood by him for the past six years as his addiction escalated. But at times, it was hard to keep their children protected from Doug’s ..read more

Grief is part of recovering from an addiction. For addicts, grief often manifests as sadness, depression, a sense of loss, as well as feelings of shame or regret. These feelings arise in waves and throughout the recovery journey as addicts experience significant lifestyle and personal changes. Three key things can create grief for addicts during recovery. Cutting ties with people who contributed to their addiction lifestyle or were associated with it Relocating to a new environment free of the influences of drugs Letting go of unhealthy and dangerous behaviors and/or coping mechanisms In our ..read more