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Some Thoughts for You as Dry January Ends

January is almost over. If you were abstaining, there are several factors to keep in mind as you decide how to proceed.

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Recent Blog Posts

Why Choose Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders?

When most people think about addiction treatment, they immediately think of detox and inpatient rehabilitation programs (a/k/a “rehab”). They might also think of peer support that can be accessed through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step programs. However, people don’t typically think of outpatient psychotherapy or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Outpatient care for substance use disorders can be a good way to begin addressing issues with alcohol or other drug use. There are several ways in which it may even be preferable for some people. Here are seven ways in which outpatient care can be helpful to someone looking to make changes in their substance use:

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5 Potential Benefits of Dry January

Dry January is here again and we have received questions about what people could possibly experience if they take the Dry January challenge. Here are the answers to some questions that we have been asked.

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Ketamine friend or foe?

The recent news that Matthew Perry’s death was partially caused by his use of recreational ketamine has brought renewed attention to the controversy surrounding this drug. It was first approved by the FDA as an anesthetic in 1970 and later it moved into popular culture and became a club drug used at raves, nightclubs, and music festivals by revelers interested in its dissociative and hallucinogenic properties. In 2019 an intranasal form of ketamine called esketamine was FDA approved for the management of treatment-resistant depression. And now ketamine treatment programs have sprouted up all over the country and researchers are testing it to see if it might have additional uses in the treatment of addictive disorders.

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You’ve Decided To Stop Drinking...What’s Next?

Once you’ve decided to stop drinking, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself! That was a big step. Then, create a plan to quit. If you’ve tried to stop before and found it to be hard to do, consider seeking professional guidance (e.g., a psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist who has expertise in this area). If you have been drinking heavily, you might need medical support to taper off alcohol, so having an evaluation is important. Once you are ready to take the plunge, set a date to stop. Remove all the alcohol from your home. You want to put as many hassles between you and having a drink as you can.

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Tips for Mindful Drinking During the Holidays

Being more mindful while drinking can help people who are trying to avoid overindulging during the holiday season. Here are some tips for practicing mindful drinking:

  • Savor the Beverage - Take a moment to appreciate the way the drink tastes, how it smells, and how it looks. Use all your senses to notice the color, aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor of your drink.
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Tips for Dry January

In recent years, more and more people have chosen to start their year off with Dry January. This new tradition follows from weeks of holiday parties, filled with food, drink, and merriment. While fun, the pace of the holiday season can lead to a need for a wellness reboot.

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An Addiction Specialist Shares How to Manage Substance Use Urges During a Pandemic Winter

To understand more about how the winter (and pandemic) can be so difficult for those who struggle with substance use or are in recovery, here are a few things you should know.

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6 Ways To Take A Break From Drinking

When the pandemic began spreading across the U.S. in March, stores, restaurants and schools closed down. But liquor stores in many parts of the U.S. were deemed essential and stayed open. Alcohol sales have ticked up during the pandemic, so maybe it’s a good time to ask yourself: Are you drinking more than you’d like to be?

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5 Things to Know About Vivitrol

Dr. Sarah Church, a clinical psychologist and executive director of Wholeview Wellness® in New York, shares important details about Vivitrol.

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Alcohol Use and the Family: How to Support a Family Member Who is Struggling

Overcoming an addiction is incredibly challenging on one’s own. To alter negative behavior – and enact lasting, positive change – a strong support system is essential. At the core of that support system? Often, it’s family and loved ones.

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Motivational Interviewing For Alcohol Use Disorder

Fear of judgement is a powerful deterrent to treatment for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder of any sort, including alcohol. Some who have already tried to overcome their substance use – whether on their own, in support groups, rehab, or elsewhere – may have encountered frustration, perceived failure, and criticism from others.

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What parents (and everyone else!) should know about Juuling (Vaping)

You’ve probably heard a lot about teen vaping and Juuling in the news lately. While e-cigarettes have been around for more than a decade, usage has risen drastically in teen populations in the last few years. Recent statistics are alarming, According to Monitoring the Future, which conducted an annual study for NIDA (The National Institute on Drug Abuse) in 2017, 19% of 12th graders, 16% of 10th-graders and 8% of 8th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past year.

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The Opioid Crisis Has Entered the Workforce: What Is an Employer to Do?

As rates of opioid addiction and substance abuse continue to grow in the United States, the crisis is also beginning to negatively impact employers. A recent New York Times article highlighted startling increases in overdoses in workplaces throughout the country. The National Safety Council reports that 70 percent of companies acknowledge being impacted by employees affected by prescription drug misuse — a development that drives absenteeism, accidents, injuries and other problematic behavior. In 2016, companies reportedly spent $2.6 billion for treatment of opioid abuse, a figure that doesn’t include additional losses due to performance issues and employee turnover. Dr. Sarah Church, the Founder of Wholeview Wellness®, recently shared ways for employers to address the issues they face.

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Demi Lovato, what we know, what we’ve learned, and how she can win her fight

Countless fans, well-wishers and music lovers all over the world were waiting to learn more and understand what happened to Demi. Was it heroin? How close did she come to death? Will she enter treatment? What really happened?

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Sometimes I wonder if I’m drinking too much…Five questions to ask yourself.

Many people drink socially with friends and so do you. You might pour a glass of wine at the end of a long day, meet a friend for a drink after work, or have a glass of rosé during a summer lunch while on vacation. But, what if you a have a few more drinks than than that? You might be wondering if your drinking is having a negative effect on your life. If these thoughts have crossed your mind, ask yourself these five questions:

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Navigating the Opioid Epidemic: The Terms You Need to Know and Understand

Every day and every news cycle there are stories about people struggling with addiction and the stakes are only getting higher with over 70,000 people succumbing to overdose last year. August 31st was International Overdose Awareness Day, a day when we remember those we have lost to overdose and bring attention to this issue to try to prevent future overdoses. We want everyone to know that there are effective treatments for addiction and that there are ways to prevent and reverse overdoses. Knowing some key terms can help you better understand this epidemic and how we can help those in need.

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