The Downfalls of New Year’s Resolutions
A “resolution” is “the act of resolving or determining upon an action.” On the other hand, the definition of “goal” is “the end toward which effort is directed.” “Resolution” connotes something already complete—“goal” is the act of working towards.
The (Sometimes Surprising) Health Benefits of Long-Term Sobriety
When I was in active alcoholism, I couldn’t be in a room with an animal without needing an inhaler. Now, I have a cat. Alcohol was exacerbating my once-mild allergies. Starting six months into being sober, I was able to be around animals and have no noticeable symptoms. For years now, I’ve been able to [...] Can You Get Sober Without AA?
When I decided I would get sober on August 1st, 2015, I knew I would do so without Alcoholics Anonymous. I had tried the program in 2009, but hadn’t connected with it. I didn’t stay sober for long that first time—not because of AA, but because I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t taken the time to [...] Into Light: Baltimore Exhibit Documents the Impact Addiction Has on Families
Saturday approaches and we eagerly await it’s arrival. This particular Saturday is National Go To A Museum Day, a rarely unprompted activity nowadays among the busy day to day life. Alternatively, try an art exhibit—like perhaps the Theresa Clower exhibit at Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Gormley Gallery. INTO LIGHT; “Through art, honoring those who [...] After Tyler Skaggs’ Death, MLB Can’t Afford to Balk at Treating Players’ Addictions
Just over three months ago, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in a Texas hotel room. Tyler Skaggs' autopsy revealed that he died from aspiration of gastric contents and opiates, including fentanyl. Eric Kay, the Director of Communications for the Angels, claims he supplied Skaggs with the drugs and brought Skaggs' drug use to [...] When Should I Talk to My Kids About Drugs?
It’s no surprise that those who develop substance use disorders during adulthood, began experimenting with drugs or drinking alcohol while they were adolescents. With the age of first use getter younger and younger, when is a good time to begin discussing drug and alcohol use with your children? For many, the answer is as soon [...] World Mental Health Day 2019
Today is World Mental Health Day & National Depression Screening Day It is no coincidence that World Mental Health Day and National Depression Screening Day both land on October 10th this year, smack in the middle of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Depression screening is an important tool that can be used to increase awareness and [...] Treat Both: Mental Health and Addiction Need Your Attention
People with substance use disorders (SUD), commonly referred to as addiction or alcoholism, often have co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But which condition came first? When seeking addiction treatment it is important to also enter mental health treatment, or vice versa. This is often called a dual [...] National Vodka Day: A National Obsession with Alcohol
National Vodka Day Today is National Vodka Day, yes you read that right, National Vodka Day. Lately, it seems that every day is “national something or other” day, whether it be real or fictional- Americans find something to celebrate. It comes as no shock, in a culture seemingly fixated on drinking, that many of these [...] Treating Trauma is Paramount in Treating Addiction
Experiencing or being exposed to violence is one of the leading causes of trauma. We all experience trauma differently. For some it could be from sustaining an injury during a car accident. For others it could be from experiencing military combat. Others could have been subjected to physical, emotional or sexual abuse. As much as [...] 
