From weed and grass to ganja and Mary Jane, many monikers have been used to describe marijuana. It is an omnipresent drug in the United States and globally, making it one of the most commonly utilized substances today. In recent years, marijuana has been legalized in many states, including Washington. Many points to this as…
There are many ways a person can be vulnerable, but what does it mean to show vulnerability? I had an experience today with a coworker who shared the story of their challenges over the weekend. It was the sort of story that would normally make me want to offer advice and support, but the conversation…
This September marks the 32nd annual National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month. This year’s theme, “Recovery Is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminds the general public that substance use and mental health disorders have impacts that reach far beyond the individual level. It further reminds people in recovery and those who support…
The impacts of drug and alcohol addiction are far-reaching, affecting not only the person suffering from addiction but their friends, family, and even society as a whole. People suffering from addiction are more likely to encounter legal problems than the general public because they are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Finding yourself involved…
The opioid epidemic has swept through our nation at an alarming rate. Opioids are drugs that impact the nervous system by blocking pain and creating feelings of euphoria. There are many drugs involved in the opioid epidemic, but because it is inexpensive to purchase and very easy to find, heroin is the most commonly abused…
Summertime: the days are long, skies are blue, and fun is in the air. Summer is a time of socialization full of parties, barbecues, concerts, vacations, and hanging out at the lake, pool, or ocean. For most people, alcohol is a central part of summertime activities. For those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse,…
Mental illness encompasses a broad range of health conditions that affect a person’s emotions, mood, thinking, and behavior to the degree that it negatively impacts their daily functioning. It can be acute, coming on quickly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, where symptoms are long-lasting and persistent. There is clear evidence to support…
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This effort aims to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Throughout the month, organizations work together to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental illness and their families. This initiative…
Addiction changes the structure of the brain. While getting treatment for your addiction at a treatment center like Spokane Falls Recovery is the most important step toward getting over your problem, you will also have to deal with addiction-related brain damage. Luckily, the longer you avoid substance use, the greater the chances you will have…
The first step in recovering from an addiction is accepting that you need help. In most cases, help comes in the form of professional treatment. Choosing a facility for accessing the treatment you need can be challenging, especially if it is your first time seeking addiction recovery. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to help…