End and Begin

The End… I realized today that my past pain and hurt can reappear, instantly. This pain was just a phone call away. When I answered the call I had no idea what or who was on the other end. What I discovered is that my pain from the past was uncovered in one sentence....

During the Holiday Self -Reflect

The holiday season is a time to self-reflect. However, it is such a busy time of year that most of us don’t think about something like this. What, with all the parties, shopping, family, and finishing out the year the last thing most of us have time for is thinking...

Awareness or Auto-Pilot

How is Your Awareness? Consider this. Most of our thoughts and actions come from auto pilot. This means that many of the activities you do and the thoughts you have, are happening over and over again without you realizing it.  Think about driving to work. When you get...

Addiction? Why?

At this point most of us know that addiction is a brain disease. Most of us also know that addiction affects all type of people. What most of us don’t know is why addiction happens. What happens with a person that brings the possibility of addiction? I am not talking...

Treating Substance Use Disorders

Treatment for substance use disorders has gone through many transitions over the years. Early on treatment was non-existent and medical professionals would turn away individuals who were suffering from alcohol or drug related disorders. Substance and alcohol...

What Are Your Thoughts Saying?

Today begin noticing your thoughts. Take some time to see what you think about, whether there is a constant stream or a certain theme of thoughts. Notice the negative thoughts, the stressful thoughts, and the thoughts about food, alcohol, drugs, shopping, weight, or...

Statistics and Myths of Addiction

Statistics of Substance Use Disorders In the united States drug use, alcohol use, and tobacco costs over $600 billion annually. These costs account for crime related activity, lost work productivity, and healthcare.  Drug use costs 11 billion in healthcare and 193...