In the realm of addiction and substance use disorders, the words sobriety and recovery are often used interchangeably. However, there are some notable variances in the meanings of these words which can impact an individual’s approach to healing and their overall sobriety journey. While both are important to success in wellness, they focus on different…
For those with an alcohol use disorder, the first step of treatment is detoxification. Professional addiction treatment prepares an individual for the withdrawal symptoms that often accompany detox. Alcohol detox and withdrawal represent the body’s natural process of eliminating alcohol toxins after prolonged use. During this period, the body undergoes significant physiological changes, leading to…
In recent years, Texas has faced significant challenges with drug addiction, impacting communities across the state. Texas’ major cities are often comprised of smaller cities and towns that were incorporated into the overall metropolitan area as the population of the Lone Star State grew. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, or both, affects not only individuals…
For those I haven’t met yet, I’m Michelle Luttrell, MA, LMFT-S, MBA, MHA, Co-Owner & Chief Operating Officer, and I wanted to connect. A little bit about me: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, I consider myself a therapist first. I’m also an avid learner, earning a master’s in business administration and…
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held annually to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones. It was initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, as…
How does LGBTQIA+ Community discrimination impact health? Health disparities among LGBTQIA+ people are linked to stigma and discrimination for example: Many LGBTQIA+ people have reported experiencing stigma and discrimination when accessing health services, leading some individuals to delay necessary health care or forego it altogether.1 Do LGBTQIA+ Community members face mental illness more than…
Addiction is a growing problem in the United States, with the constant media airplay of “the opioid crisis” and past initiatives of “the war on drugs.” While substance use disorders are indeed a growing concern, the behavioral health industry has responded. There are now numerous federal and state programs to address addiction and co-occurring mental…
The growing public health crisis of addiction in America has led to the critical need for professional behavioral health treatment. Those struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions require skilled, experienced behavioral health specialists to help break the cycle of addiction. For many, the greatest obstacle is admitting they need help, but…
What are some examples of commonly used phrases that can have unintended damaging consequences? “This dessert is like crack to me.” “My girlfriend is psycho.” Have you ever considered certain language commonly used to reference behaviors can be harmful to those with addiction and behavioral disorders? What can you do? When you avoid using stigmatizing…
For many Americans and Texans, life can feel like a constant battle. It’s a scenario more common than many of us would like to admit, where the specter of past traumas haunts the present, leading to a desperate search for relief. This is the harsh reality for individuals grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and…