Trauma, Sobriety, & 9/11

This week marks the 18th Anniversary of 9/11- an unforgettable and traumatic date for so many. It reminds us that even though time passes, wounds can be reopened as anniversary dates come to pass and memories surface. The word “trauma” can imply a terrifying and cosmic event that occurs in a person’s life. However, traumatic events can come is so many forms-some subtle- and are proportionate in terms of their impact on an individual. What may be traumatic for one person many not be for another.

Embracing Life’s Transitions

August 29, 2019 Summer is coming to an end, which means that a transition is approaching- small for some and more difficult for others. Kids and young adults are getting ready to go back to school, parents, are changing gears to a more regular schedule with their children in school and the season is shifting […]

Sober Scheduling

Active addiction can infiltrate every aspect of one’s life and occupy a significant amount of time and mental energy When an individual is in the throws of addiction, their life revolves around substance usage and the negative side effects in a conscious or unconscious way. The people they spend time with, their work and academic schedules, leisure time, lack of schedule are all impacted by substance use.

Sober Summertime Survival Guide

Things are heating up and that means more challenges for people in recovery. Summer is a time that is notoriously more difficult to stay sober. People in recovery frequently struggle are often bombarded with the constant barbecues, pool parties, and trips to the beach. How do we enjoy the season and not get off track?

Independence From Addiction

July 3, 2019 July 4, 2010 was the least freeing Independence Day I have ever experienced. Like most days, I focused on one thing: how to avoid the withdrawal sickness I was feeling. I was addicted to heroin and cocaine, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to stop. I watched the fireworks […]

Take PRIDE in Quality Care!

It's National Pride Month; a time in which we celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community and all of the hard-fought progress we have made towards equality. However, there are still ongoing challenges. The LGBTQ Community historically has experienced significantly higher rates of mental illness and increased barriers to quality healthcare

Right Tools at the Right Time: Treating Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorders

May 30, 2019 It is extremely rare to encounter a client who carries only a diagnosis of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD).The term “dual-diagnosis” means that an individual has both a diagnosis of at least one SUD AND at least one mental health disorder. Who does it impact? And how do we develop SUD treatment […]

Is it REALLY Patient-Centered Care???

How often do we see treatment facilities boast patient-centered care? Who would NOT want it???

Addiction: We KNOW What the Problem is, but Where are the Solutions???

We KNOW there is an addiction epidemic, we KNOW more lives have been lost from overdose deaths than the Vietnam War. In fact, there has even been a positive change in the way society views substance use disorders (SUD). We’ve identified the problem, but we have yet to find solutions that truly work.

Barriers to Accessing Treatment

“I’m sorry, we just can’t let you stay. You haven’t used long enough.” I was 19-years-old, the secret I had been keeping had just been revealed: I was addicted to opioids.

IHAT Institute Blog