Stop Isolating: The Power of Support in Recovery
Guilt, shame, and secretiveness are significant symptoms of addiction. When a person is in active addiction, isolation is incredibly common. In some cases, the habit of isolation came before the addiction began. In these instances, people who are isolated will sometimes turn to drugs or…
5 Tips for Having a Fun, Sober Thanksgiving
The holidays are often synonymous with excess. We eat too much, we sleep too much, and some of us may overdo it with other indulgences. Thanksgiving is, statistically speaking, the most dangerous time to be on the roads of the United States. Between the years…
Parental Addiction Affects the Whole Family
Battling addiction as a parent is tough Addiction is hard enough on its own. The presence of children makes it even harder and may make recovery seem impossible. It’s always difficult to get sober, and caring for kids while doing so may increase pressure on…
Meth Use is Surging in the US…and No One Is Paying Attention
Opiate addiction isn’t the only problem facing Americans Between 2011 and 2017, deaths due to methamphetamine overdose increased more than fourfold. Law enforcement officials in many cities have identified the drug as the biggest problem among their citizens. Yet, almost all public discussion of drug…
CBD May Help With Recovery from Heroin Addiction
More than just a fad If you keep up with health trends you’ve probably heard of CBD, or cannabidiol, an ingredient in marijuana known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Unlike THC, CBD is not an intoxicant…and is therefore considered much safer for public consumption. Scientists studying…
Finding Support and Understanding When Struggling with Addiction
Addiction is often misunderstood Being in the midst of addiction is incredibly difficult—and though we all learn about substance use disorders in schools and from popular culture, it’s much different to go through one yourself. So different, in fact, that people who think they are…
Pharmaceutical Companies Are Paying for Their Part in the Opioid Crisis
Cracking down on opioid suppliers Though opioid deaths have subsided slightly from their record high levels in 2017, addiction and overdose are still sweeping the nation. Thankfully, our city, state, and federal governments are fighting back. Policy proposals have tightened regulations and increased the availability…
Recovery, Not Relapse: Why States are “Sentencing” Drug Users to Treatment Programs
Is Addiction a Crime? America has been fighting a “War on Drugs” since the 1970s, with drug dealers and users alike facing strict criminal penalties. Yet, opioid use and overdose have become a crisis despite the harsh punitive measures. In an effort to prevent deaths…
What is Gene Therapy and Can it Prevent Addiction?
Groundbreaking advancements in the experimental area of gene therapy have the potential to revolutionalize the landscape of addiction treatment as well as a broad range of other diseases. The first gene therapy was approved in the EU in 2012, and in the last few years…
Sobering Hobbies: Activities That Have Been Statistically Proven to Promote Sobriety
Addiction is a devastating disease that leads one to lose control over their actions while filling a void with drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Even if a person cognizant realizes that their drug habit is unhealthy or serving them in negative ways, the power of…
Author – Chris Howard
Chris Howard is the Founder and Director of Ethos Recovery. He has a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and has served as a community advocate/mentor for men and women in recovery since 2010.