What Are the Differences Between Benzos and Opiates?
Two of the most commonly abused drugs are benzodiazepines (nicknamed “benzos”) and opiates. Addiction rates for both classes of drugs are on the rise. Notably, more than a quarter of opioid overdoses involve benzos as well. Users of both drugs overlap significantly, and drug addiction treatment programs are finding they are increasingly treating dual addictions. […]
Alec Baldwin
Actor Alec Baldwin got sober on February 23rd, 1985. He was 26 years old. Addiction runs in Baldwin’s family; his brother, Daniel Baldwin, has also spoken publicly about his substance use disorder. When he was younger, Baldwin struggled with drinking and drug use. Soon before he stopped using substances, he nearly died of an overdose. […]
How to Talk to Kids About Addiction
Whether you’re a parent, a concerned relative, a teacher, or someone else close to a kid whose life is impacted by addiction, talking about it is important. Kids need to learn that the person’s addiction is not their fault and that they have support. Before you talk to a child about addiction, educate yourself. Read […]
Is There More Stigma About Mental Health Disorders or Addiction?
While things are getting better, there is still stigma about both mental health disorders and addiction. A study in the journal Psychiatric Services assessed whether people had more negative views towards one or the other.[1] Half of participants were given a survey about their beliefs on drug addiction and half about their beliefs on mental […]
Rob Lowe
This past May, the actor Rob Lowe—most recently known for his role in the show Parks and Recreation—celebrated 31 years sober. Lowe first started drinking at age 13. He then began using drugs and getting heavier into drinking during the filming of the movie The Outsiders, during which he turned 18. For a year before […]
Emotional Honesty in Recovery
Active addiction and secrecy often go hand in hand. It’s hard to be honest with yourself or others when you’re using substances to cut you off from your internal experiences. Also, we often feel like we have to lie in order to keep drinking or using. Getting to Know Yourself In recovery, being emotionally honest […]
Being Vulnerable in Recovery
Vulnerability is sometimes viewed as weakness, but it’s in fact the opposite. Being vulnerable is scary; doing so anyway takes courage and strength. Getting sober often helps us build these qualities, and this is good, because vulnerability helps recovery. The Benefits of Vulnerability The first part of becoming sober—admitting you have a problem, to yourself […]
What’s the Difference Between a Detox and a Recovery Center?
Detox and recovery centers are both parts of treatment for addiction, and may even exist in the same building, but they are not the same thing. They treat people at different stages of early recovery. A detox center helps people get off substances safely and as comfortably as possible. A person looking to stop using […]
Allowing for Rest in Recovery
A lot of work goes into recovery. You change the way you go about daily life and relationships. The work is worth it, but rest is also important. Like with many other things in recovery, it’s all about balance. Small Moments of Peace If you find that you’re feeling burnt out or exhausted, rest will […]
Dax Shepard
The actor Dax Shepard was sober for 16 years before relapsing in 2020. Relapse in celebrities often becomes fodder for jokes, which adds to stigma, but Shepard addressed his relapse candidly and directly. He and his wife, the actress Kristen Bell, were also candid with their daughters. They told them in an age-appropriate way that […]