A woman holds a cup of coffee as she looks out a window and thinks about 5 ways to become more emotionally intelligent in recovery

5 Ways to Become More Emotionally Intelligent in Recovery

There’s a saying in AA that goes, “Your best thinking is what got you here.” Studies have shown that intelligence is no protection against substance use disorders. In fact, the opposite may be true. People with above average IQs are more prone to substance use and addiction. Clearly, intelligence can’t do much for you when… Continue Reading 5 Ways to Become More Emotionally Intelligent in Recovery

A woman curves her arm protectively around her belly and wonders can you do medication assisted therapy while pregnant

Can You Do Medication Assisted Therapy While Pregnant?

Women with substance use issues may find themselves in a difficult position if they become pregnant. Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can have many negative effects on both the mother and the child. Women who use stimulants during pregnancy are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Many drugs can harm a… Continue Reading Can You Do Medication Assisted Therapy While Pregnant?

A man talks to his doctor about the difference between medication assisted treatment and drug replacement therapy

What’s the Difference Between Medication Assisted Treatment and Drug Replacement Therapy?

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, means using FDA-approved medications as part of a treatment plan that includes counseling and therapy. Currently, MAT is primarily used to treat alcohol addiction or opioid addiction. There aren’t yet any medications for treating addiction to stimulants or benzodiazepines, although medications such as antidepressants may be used to treat co-occurring… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Medication Assisted Treatment and Drug Replacement Therapy?

A doctor talks to a man in a hospital bed about 3 risks of medication assisted treatment

3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is the practice of using FDA-approved medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. MAT has been shown to be most effective for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Typical medications include Antabuse, naltrexone, and Campral for alcohol addiction, and methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, often in the monthly, injectable form,… Continue Reading 3 Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

A man takes off his glasses and hangs his head as he wonders what the difference is between depression and dysthymia

What’s the Difference Between Depression and Dysthymia?

Depression affects about 16 million Americans every year. The World Health Organization calls depression the number one cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms typically include prolonged feelings of sadness, fatigue, irritability, aggression, lack of motivation, disturbed sleep, poor memory and concentration, feelings of hopelessness, physical aches, and thoughts of suicide or death. The symptoms of depression… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Depression and Dysthymia?

A man smiles as he listens to music and wonders if there is anything good about addiction

Is There Anything Good About Addiction?

The many downsides to addiction are well known. Addiction can damage your health, stall your career, undermine your relationships, ruin your finances, lead to mental health issues, and even cause death. No one with even a vague awareness of the problems addiction typically causes would choose addiction. Millions of Americans struggle with addiction every year… Continue Reading Is There Anything Good About Addiction?

A doctor tells a woman 3 reasons why MAT isn't just replacing one addiction with another

3 Reasons Why MAT Isn’t Just Replacing One Addiction with Another

Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, means using FDA-approved medications as part of an integrated treatment plan. For people with opioid addictions, this typically means taking methadone or buprenorphine, a strategy called opioid replacement therapy. Among people who study opioid addiction, MAT, along with therapy or counselling is considered the gold standard of opioid addiction treatment.… Continue Reading 3 Reasons Why MAT Isn’t Just Replacing One Addiction with Another