So often in life, things do not happen as we had planned, or things happen that we hadn’t anticipated. This causes stress and anxiety for most of us.
How is it that our lives get turned upside down, inside out? It seems like we are suddenly living a whole different life and we are left to figure it out. How can we cope when, suddenly, in the blink of an eye,
Keep readingAlcoholism and drug addiction is a chronic condition, much like heart disease or the condition of diabetes. This means that there is no cure for the disease, but it instead is managed or kept in a state of remission. When a person who suffers from alcoholism or drug addiction is sober or not using mood-altering chemicals, they are considered to be in “Recovery.”
It usually requires professional treatment for people to recover from chemical dependency,
Keep readingThe U.S. Congress and many state legislatures have begun to address a national problem by considering legislation to stop unethical alcohol and drug treatment programs from preying on vulnerable individuals and families seeking treatment.
In December, 2017, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations began hearing testimony about predatory practices by substance abuse treatment programs. In 2018, New York passed a measure that makes it a crime to offer or to accept any payment from an individual or entity that provides substance abuse treatment services in exchange for patient referrals and admissions.
Keep readingAlcohol and drug addiction is a complex, demanding and frustrating chronic condition, but effective treatment can help to improve the lives of people who struggle with it. Addiction treatment is not a process that ends after an initial treatment program. Taking steps to live an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle is a long-term commitment. The process can include a wide variety of treatment options and supports. As part of the continuum of care, the Aftercare component is a vital part of overall long-term recovery.
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