The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, [with] continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.” “The chronic nature of addiction means that relapsing to drug use is not only possible but also likely,” explains NIDA. “Relapse rates are similar…
Addiction is a complex bio-psycho-social-spiritual brain disease that requires comprehensive treatment that addresses all of the known needs of the patient, concurrently. Such high-quality treatment may be hard to find in your area, yet many patients and their loved ones hesitate to choose a treatment center considered too far away from home. Often the best…
Historically, people addicted to drugs and alcohol were looked at as having something wrong with them; they were considered a moral failure with a character flaw. For that reason, many people with a substance use disorder (SUD) still choose not to seek the help they need—often internalizing the stigma that they are somehow defective. Too…
These are very uncertain times. The stock market crashing is creating anxiety for many, fearing we are about to enter another Depression. The COVID-19 virus is spreading further each day, causing worry about both ourselves and our loved ones. As the virus spreads, we are being asked to isolate ourselves. Places are closing down and…
With its launch in 1994, SMART therapy found its way into the therapy world. With its positive focus and evidence-based structure, the program has brought much success for people who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. This international program is often used as an alternative to the 12 step program as it does have…
Dealing with a drug addiction can take time and perseverance to find healing. However, with the proper therapy and detox, you can find the way to peace of mind again. One such therapy that is quite successful in helping people heal is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Therapists teach DBT techniques to help you overcome the…
If you are on the pathway to drug recovery, then you may have heard of cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. This psychotherapeutic approach is based on changing negative thought patterns and thereby changing negative emotions and behaviors. The thinking behind cognitive-behavioral therapy is that if you interrupt negative thinking, you break the cycle leading to negative…
“I have a dream…” Many people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol have seen the destruction their addiction has done to themselves, their lives, and the people who love and care about them. They see the negative side of addiction and yet still cannot find the strength on their own to fight their addiction,…
What do Utah ski resort towns, seasonal affective disorder, and substance abuse have to do with each other? Who doesn’t like walking outside and participating in all the summer activities available? Utah is known as being an outdoorsy person’s dream playground. Plenty of areas to go rock climbing, fishing, four wheeling, dirt bike riding, hiking,…
Dual diagnosis is a term that treatment professionals use to identify mental illness and co-occurring substance use. Both conditions form a symbiotic relationship in which one either contributes to or draws from the other. For instance, a client may self-medicated to cope with a mental illness. Likewise, excessive substance use can intensify the symptoms of…
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