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Substance Abuse
From The Blog

Managing substance abuse disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 has interrupted daily routines and caused many people to feel uncertain, stressed or isolated. While this is a difficult time for many, it can be especially challenging for those with underlying substance use disorder. Learn why, and get coping strategies.

Finding happiness, gratitude in sobriety
Addiction changes the brain in a way that limits your ability to feel happy. In time, and with sobriety, the brain heals and learns to send the right cues again.

Second chance: A new beginning after years of addiction
It was an ordinary trip for Randy Gruhlke to the store to fix his cellphone, when the clerk smelled his breath and was concerned by his behavior.

One woman's addiction journey
Suzanne first tried alcohol as a teenager and did not like the taste. As a college student, she enjoyed the way it made her feel. And, as a married adult with children, it became a problematic situation.

Q&A: Does drinking alcohol kill brain cells?
Alcohol has been proven to alter judgment and delay reaction time, but does it really kill brain cells?

Recognizing and addressing a loved one's alcohol abuse
Alcohol, while often socially acceptable and legal for the responsible adult, can, at times, turn into a collage of disarray, leaving family members uncertain of what just happened. So, what do you do when one glass of wine becomes the whole bottle and concerns arise? There are options.
There is hope for those struggling with addiction
Addiction is a complex, but treatable condition. There is hope for recovery with individual, family and/or group counseling.
The problem with kids and cannabis
Young people receive a mixed message about how safe it is for them to use cannabis (marijuana). Cannabis has been legalized for medical or recreational purposes in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The federal government has ended its ban on medical marijuana. New Mexico has authorized the use of medical marijuana without age stipulations. So what's the problem with kids using cannabis?

If only it were this easy — and cheap
Early intervention for alcohol and substance abuse promises better dividends than expecting the person to "snap out of it."

Enjoy prom alcohol-free
Research shows that parents play a key role in how a teenager responds to situations involving alcohol. Parents should have a crucial conversation with their teens and set clear expectations.

Preparing for the future
As graduation approaches, talk with your kids about their hopes and dreams, and remind them of their responsibility when it comes to alcohol.

Have you talked to your children about alcohol use?
I was looking at a book recently to purchase for our child. The book was about truth and lies and in the description it asks “Can it really rain cats and dogs?” I don’t know how the book answers this, but it got me thinking about how information is presented to our children and is the information always factual.