Addiction counselor, creativity guru, and humorist in one, THE OUTSIDE-THE-BOX RECOVERY WORKBOOK balances evidence-based medicine with that right-brained energy needed to survive addiction and create a life worth living.
Community Resources: Helping Someone with a Drug Problem
So what can you do to help your sister, if anything? That old belief comes into play: “You can’t help someone if they don’t want it.” Slap a big MAYBE on top of that. She might not be ready to take the full plunge into recovery, but there are things you can do. One important step is to familiarize yourself with treatment choices and other available resources/assistance. When she’s ready to quit, truly quit, you’ll have something vital to offer: Guidance.
When Somebody You Care About Has a Drug Problem
Maybe it’s your best friend. Or your sister, or a favorite colleague at work. It happens slowly. What were they like before? Upbeat, always laughing? Devoted and kind? Now the friend or family member you once knew has been replaced by someone with a substance use disorder. It’s a transformation, and not a good one. […]
Stuff to know about marijuana
Let me start by saying I don’t have a definitive opinion about marijuana. I don’t support it. I don’t not support it. I have had patients in the past smoke it legally and effectively. Others ran into problems. Everyone is unique, and I’m not here to judge. But I am here to educate, […]
Addiction: Drugs People Abuse
Or: what do you know about the drugs people abuse? “Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self-esteem.” –Kurt Cobain Perhaps you’re here because you’re an addict questioning the safety of your drug, or your have a daughter or neighbor with an […]
Addiction: 4 ways to battle cravings
You’re trying to escape an addiction. That could be food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, or smoking. One of the biggest challenges you’re dealing with, especially at the beginning of your recovery, could be those urges to “feed” the addiction. You’re bound to have cravings. It happens to all recovering addicts, and it isn’t easy. But remember, […]
Worksheet: how to quit drugs and alcohol
We wish it were as easy as: “QUIT, yay, it’s over.” It ain’t. Quitting is more than just quitting. It’s about lifestyle change. This 2-page worksheet is a start at just that purpose…
Recovery quiz: don’t intoxicate fish
Are you looking for treatment-oriented trivia and education for your clients, something serious but catchy? If so, then this free 17-page quiz booklet might be what you seek. For example, please decide whether the following are true or false: (1) All drug treatment programs are the same. (2) If someone has passes out from drinking, put them to bed. (3) In Ohio, it’s illegal to get a fish drunk…