MEDIA: Coronavirus PANdemic vs. opioid EPIdemic?

WASHINGTON — The fumbled response to the first coronavirus case potentially contracted within a U.S. community, in California, shows how health professionals on the front lines can be quickly overmatched by the stealthy disease. And the prospect of more widespread outbreaks could put major stress on state and local health departments that are underfunded and …

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MEDIA: Confronting the Opioids Epidemic in Our Communities

As America’s opioid epidemic continues to impact communities large and small, new trends are raising new challenges for doctors and policymakers. While opioid-related overdose remains a top concern, the epidemic is now driven by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug-related overdoses, according to the U.S. …

ENTRY: Forwardness Forever (Rest of the ‘Journey’ article)

NOTE FROM LOU: Here is another drafting of part of the magazine article I wrote for this month's issue of Journey magazine that didn't make it to print.  I understand completely that magazines only have so much space for content, and they do have to be conscious of their advertisers.  Thankfully, I'm able to share …

FO’REAL!?!: What is Sandtray Therapy?

What is it? Sandtray Therapy: A Practical Manual, written by Linda E. Homeyer and Daniel S. Sweeney, define Sandtray as, “An expressive and projective mode of psychotherapy involving unfolding and processing of intra-and interpersonal issues through the use of specific sandtray materials as a nonverbal medium of communication, led by the client(s) and facilitated by …

FROM-1-2-1: Shedding the Darkness

I aim for redemption by way of self-reflection; we should all do the same.  We all must become willing to explore deep self-reflection in order to become whole. Many of us in this "sober movement" understand that, in order to shed the old, we must become willing to take suggestions (The Steps from AA) #1, …

PODCAST: The holistic approach to addiction w/ reiki master Erik Giguere, RN (Interview, pt. 1)

As a peer specialist, I get to talk to and help some amazing patients.  Another part of the job that I love, though, is my fellow staff members.  One of the most perceptive, resourceful, and truly inspired individuals with whom I get to work each day is Erik Giguere.  He is a registered nurse, but …

ACLU: How to Slash the Incarceration Rate in Half

Over the last several months, volunteers for the ACLU’s Rights for All campaign have been fanning out across the first four primary states asking all of the 2020 presidential candidates a straightforward question: Will you commit to cutting the nations’ prison and jail population in half? That question has never been more urgent, with the United States incarcerating more people …

PODCAST: Penobscot Nation, a chance for wellness (Interview)

And without further ado, here it is, my interview with tribal member and advocate Athena Lamson of the Penobscot Nation!

I CAN RELATE: You Are So Brave… (My Loud Whispers of Hope)

“You are so brave to share your story,” many people have said to me throughout the years. “Thank you,” I would humbly reply and never felt like I was brave. Each time I share my story of living, surviving and overcoming severe mental illness it becomes easier and the need to be brave becomes less. …

ENTRY: MAT Protocol in Need of Empathy–NOT Sympathy

As a person facing true substance use disorder, you do in fact have many options when it comes to attaining sobriety, and in turn a life built around everlasting recovery.  Inpatient rehabs are widely considered the gold-standard when it comes to initial sobriety.  I say 'initial' since, just as with any option for treatment, getting …