ENTRY: Patients inflate use history to ensure treatment

Being in recovery myself, I tend to notice certain behaviors of the folks seeking recovery themselves as they proceed through the intake process at work.  In case you weren’t already aware, I work as a peer recovery coach at a treatment center specializing in MAT therapy (we offer both methadone and Suboxone) and mental health …

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ENTRY: The ‘Big Book’ – use it to your advantage!

I love the Big Book.  It’s like a Bible for people that go to AA and NA (Narcotics Anonymous).  My intention with this blog, in general, is to help the addict that is still suffering and/or did suffer at one point.  We are all still addicts and it’s important for us to keeping working with …

ENTRY: Praying the Way You Want to

I love crafting my own prayers.  It's a special, sacred way of communicating with Higher Power, or God in my case.  Of course, the prayers must be written down, so that I can keep revisiting them.  They then serve like journal entries, as well.  So, these homemade devotions make for very detailed and colorful time …

From1-2-1: Even in Dark & Lonely Times, Amanda Still has Recovery

I have been sober for 3 months now. I have learned a great deal about myself and why I started using in the first place.  Many of my problems revolve around my relationship with my family.  It's not good.  Let's just say that it's not the typical relationship that you would have with your family.  …

MEDIA: A greatly overshadowed risk in the US

And this is basically just Australia.  Since we're dealing with a gravely serious opioid problem in the United States, mainstream media doesn't often discuss the dangers of benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or Ativan (lorazepam).  Plus, I feel like kids and teens actually have an even greater chance of finding these types of drugs …

MEDIA: Not Afraid

I saw this man live in concert a couple weeks ago, when he was closing out the big Boston Calling music festival in Massachusetts.  I've always considered Eminem to be one of the best, most spirited rappers of all-time.  Generally speaking, I believe that the more conviction a rap artist delivers the better.  Classic performers …

MEDIA: Black Holes

I've been in one of those fulfilling, whimsical, very musical moods lately.  I'm extremely passionate about music.  I have been my whole life; technically, it is certainly not the most unique attribute.  However, when I was a lil young'un, I can remember prancing around the house, singing at the top of my lungs in a …

MEDIA: MAT Clinics, Powers for Good & Not Evil

It's no secret that I wholeheartedly support and stand by ALL methods to attain recovery via sobriety.  For example, I respect and admire addicts who attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, work with a sponsor, and actually delve into the 12-step process.  Furthermore, I definitely can attest to the fact that there are some people in recovery …

MEDIA: Under the Bridge

Just about everyone knows "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  A lot of people know, too, that the song does in fact pertain to drug addiction.  Many alt-rock/indie-rock bands from the early '90s were experiencing major woes when it came to the various members engaging in illicit drug use.  Obviously, partying is …

ENTRY: Self-Control

I would say there is comfort mentally in knowing that self-control truly is my biggest struggle.  I also think it has been the biggest catalyst for all of my major life problems, such as addiction and apprehension.  I wrote a prayer speaking of just this… God, I need you I need you completely I beg …