Making the decision to go to treatment for your drug or alcohol dependence is an important first step towards living a healthier life. It is a difficult decision and there are typically some common barriers that prevent people from seeking the treatment they desperately need and deserve. One of these barriers is the fear of losing one’s job while taking time off for rehab. “Will I lose my job if I go to rehab? What will my boss and my coworkers think?” These are common questions people have when considering taking time off to go to rehab, but they should [...]

Countless factors must be taken into consideration when deciding upon which treatment center to attend. Some of these factors include services offered, individualized treatment programs, and the philosophies of the rehabilitation programs. Another important factor to consider is location. The decision between staying close to home for rehab and leaving the state can be an influential factor in determining which program to go to. Some people may not mind getting out of town to seek help, while others fear the idea of leaving home. This blog will explore some of the advantages of going to an out-of-state rehab program. Change [...]

One of the primary issues seen in families of addicts and alcoholics is codependency. Codependency is a set of learned, dysfunctional behaviors that loved ones adopt in order to cope with the stress of living with someone in active addiction. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that impacts a person’s ability to have a healthy, fulfilling relationship. This disorder was first identified roughly ten years ago as the result of years of researching interpersonal relationships in families of alcoholics. Codependency typically affects spouses, parents, siblings, friends, or coworkers of an individual struggling with substance use disorder or mental illness. [...]

For firefighters, police officers, combat veterans, and EMTs, witnessing violence, abuse, and death are daily occurrences. In order to cope with the stress of their jobs, many first responders turn to drugs and alcohol. First responders have higher rates of mental illness, including substance abuse, addiction, and suicide, than the general public. For example, the rate of substance use disorders among firefighters is 10%, which is twice the rate of the general public. Why is that? Well, the constant exposure to life-threatening situations, trauma, and the physical strain from their jobs increases the vulnerability and risk of substance abuse and [...]