By: Amanda Wiegert, LMHC, NCC In our world today, almost all of us can say that we know someone who is struggling with or has struggled in the past with an addiction. We see it on the news, on social media, and in our own communities. Recently, we learned that singer/songwriter Demi Lovato relapsed after battling with substance abuse and
By: Amanda Wiegert, LMHC, NCC Do you find yourself struggling to cope with a loss and grief in your life? Are you experiencing low motivation, lack of energy, difficulties sleeping, anxiety, or social isolation? When we hear the term “grief and loss” we often think about loss of life, death, and dying. However, we experience grief in many ways throughout
By: Jessica Lipsy Globally, there is an estimated minimum of 190,000 – in most cases avoidable – premature deaths from drugs, the majority due to the use of opioids. We often focus on the problem, so let’s turn that around and look at a solution. There is one intervention that has been saving lives when it comes to opioid addiction
Halloween: Trick or Drink... I mean treat! If we search Halloween party ideas what do we find? “Drunk Party Ideas” “Best Halloween Cocktails” “Halloween Games with Rules to Get You Wasted”… Here are some facts that don't pop up: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, last year 44% of all motor vehicle deaths involved drunk driving on
By Jessica Lipsy I think we ask ourselves this question because we want answers. We want to get to the root cause of someone’s drinking. Maybe we are hopeful that if we can figure out why they started in the first place and solve that problem then it won’t be an issue all together. Or maybe if we figure out
Now is always the right time to get clean and sober! Often times when someone starts contemplating stopping or going into treatment they will come up with a list of various reasons why they can’t. We frequently hear things like, “I don’t have time,” “I could lose my job,” or “I won’t spend as much time with my children.”etc… The
By: Jessica Candelaria Lipsey Individuals who have experienced tragic or traumatic events in their life often struggle with self-hatred or intense shame. These core feelings prevent self-love and compassion, ultimatelypostponing healthy, desirable relationships. Furthermore, if someone has experienced trauma and lacks healthy coping skills, they are more likely to use alcohol or other substances to self-medicate. Over 80% of individuals
by Jessica Candelaria Lipsey The first step of getting sober is to admit that one has a problem. Once someone develops the self-awareness of a drinking problem then they are on their way to a new way of life. Many times, people struggle with the difference between what is alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse disorder, or chemical dependency. They might wonder
by Jessica Candelaria Lipsey Over 10 million people have a mental health disorder and substance use disorder combined (2005). Recognizing the link between addiction and co-occurring disorders is important for many reasons, but when we acknowledge this link as a professional – whether it be a counselor, nurse, doctor, attorney etc. – it allows us to develop a cohesive system
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Is it really? For many, the holiday season is a somber time where we remember loved ones lost or the scarcity and pain in our lives. Here are some ways to combat the holiday blues Reach out! As human beings we need to be with people. Making new memories is a great
