Articles By

Terry Hurley
group of friends playing charades - new year's eve
Whether you are in recovery, new to sobriety, or have years of sober living under your belt, New Year’s Eve may be a difficult time to maintain your sobriety. It’s a time, for many, of excess–of partying, drinking, getting high. Can you enjoy New Year’s celebrations when you’re trying to remain clean and sober? We...
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friends hugging and exchanging holiday gifts - holidays
Holiday Stress The holidays can be a festive and heartwarming time of year. For many people, holiday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations with friends are times to eat, drink, and be merry. But the holidays can also be a very lonely and depressing time for those who have no place to go. Both situations can...
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senior woman looking out the window - senior citizens
Substance abuse and addiction is a growing problem among the elderly (adults aged 60 and over). Senior citizens are becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs at alarming rates. In fact, senior addiction is one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States. A Hidden Epidemic An article published by the University of Buffalo...
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woman walking through greenhouse - ecotherapy
Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to relax. It can make you feel peaceful and calm. When being outdoors in nature is used as a form of therapy for individuals that have a substance use disorder, it is known as ecotherapy. Ecotherapy Explained Ecotherapy is a type of holistic therapy. The basic tenet...
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SMART Recovery, alternatives to 12 step programs, Principles of SMART Recovery
You’ve probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), but one alternative to these 12-step programs is gaining in popularity. About SMART Recovery SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, provides an option for those who aren’t comfortable with the religious or spiritual aspects of traditional 12-step programs. Based on scientific...
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black and white - marijuana plant - brain
As more states legalize the use of marijuana, it is important to keep in mind that the drug has both short- and long-term effects on the human brain. Marijuana and Its Chemical Compound – THC Marijuana goes by many different names: pot, weed, 420, grass, herb, Aunt Mary, black gold, Mary Jane, and magic smoke...
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man reading papers in front of laptop - family medical leave act
Many people know they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol and know they need help. Sadly, many people won’t seek addiction treatment for fear of losing their jobs. They worry they could be fired if they take the time they need to go to a recovery treatment center. What they might not know is...
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orange and white capsules spilling out of bottle on bright sky blue background - adderall
A prescribed medication, Adderall is a stimulant that is used primarily to treat the symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Sometimes this potent drug is also prescribed for people with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or those suffering from depression. However, as with all prescription medications, Adderall should only be...
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overwhelmed woman sitting on floor in living room with children's toys - functioning alcoholic
Many people think of an alcoholic as someone who always drinks too much, looks disheveled, has difficulty holding a job, and is struggling financially. They may picture a person who has difficulty in their relationships, or is incarcerated, homeless, or hitting rock bottom. Although those things are true for some people with alcohol use disorder,...
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military veterans substance abuse, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, young army soldier speaking to therapist
A Rapidly Growing Problem Substance use disorder is a growing problem throughout the United States. Although alcohol or drug addiction can happen to anyone, for many of our military veterans substance abuse is a significant and rapidly growing problem. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 1.5 million...
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