Wellness is one of those words we often hear, but can have a nebulous definition. People throw it around all the time--vegetable X promotes wellness, exercise Y is a wellness-centered activity--but what does this actually mean? At its simplest, wellness is the state of being healthy, but we can break it apart into ... Read More
Substance Abuse and People with ADHD
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is not easy. People with this disease have an extremely hard time concentrating. Depending on the severity of their ADHD, they can have trouble staying focused, daydream frequently, fidget, forgetfulness, chattiness, trouble following directions, frequently lose ... Read More
Meditation Misconceptions
If you are in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse, meditation is one of the most powerful tools you have to prevent a relapse. More importantly, meditation can help you learn to appreciate your new lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people have a fundamental misunderstanding about what meditation is. Exercise for Your ... Read More
Counting Shots Instead of Sheep
It's a hot muggy South Florida night. You can't get to sleep...again. You've got work in the morning, your boss has been complaining about how tired you look in the morning, and you need to sleep, but no matter how long you lie there, sleep doesn't come. So, you do what you've done time and time again and open up the ... Read More
Opioid Crisis Overwhelms Foster Care System
South Florida's opioid epidemic isn't just affecting users of the drugs, but also the children many addicted adults are charged to protect. This problem is growing from about 45 kids a month to about 100. Neglect Dependency on a drug causes a person to act differently than they would under normal circumstances. ... Read More
What is the “It”?
Dr. Darrel Ray recently gave a strangely titled talk on his podcast called "What is the It"? This is deceptively simple question is actually an often overlooked tool that we can use to identify the root problems that lead to substance abuse. (And don't worry, this has nothing to do with Stephen King's scary ... Read More
Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzos
Benzodiazepine, often abbreviated benzos are a type of sedative with varied uses including anti-anxiety, sleep aid, and for before dental procedures. With prolonged use, users can develop dependency on them. This can result in decreased efficacy of the drug, cognitive decline, and clumsiness. They also bring with them ... Read More
What is Outpatient Alcohol Detox?
You've decided that it is time to confront your addiction and detox, there are several options available. When choosing from inpatient and outpatient detox, many factors should be considered. Type and severity of one's addiction are of course key elements. Also, one's home environment should be evaluated for ... Read More