Blog
Addiction Relapse: Strategies to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Addiction Relapses
By Phil Kosanovich on July 6, 2020
You have probably heard the saying, “the best defense is a good offense,” — which originated from the military and wartime strategy. The saying applies well to those of us who are in recovery, battling addiction. Being proactive, or having a good offense, helps those in recovery stay in the game, which requires action and […]
The Ugly Truth About Meth Addiction & The Effects of Smoking or Shooting 'Ice'
By Phil Kosanovich on July 2, 2020
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant drug that can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. It can be found in powder form or more potently in a rock-like structure known as crystal meth or ice. Like many other substances, meth can produce a high that lasts for several hours, making the user feel awake and […]
A Gazillion Suggested Group Therapy Topics for Addiction Recovery, Substance Abuse Group Activities ideas
By Phil Kosanovich on June 26, 2020
Group therapy is where the rubber meets the road in treatment. The dynamics of the group experience bring out issues and feelings from clients and allow them to get feedback and support from others. This is the beginning of the process of opening up, connecting with others and learning to communicate. At Cornerstone of Southern […]
7 Signs You May Be Self-Medicating With Alcohol or Drugs
By Phil Kosanovich on June 22, 2020
When you use alcohol or drugs to cope with pain, anxiety and other symptoms, this form of self-medication can lead to substance use disorder, which is a form of addiction. One survey suggests that about 20% of Americans who have anxiety or mood disorders also struggle with SUDs, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association […]
Stress Drinking & Coronavirus: Did You Drink Your Way Through Social Distancing?
By Phil Kosanovich on June 12, 2020
You probably saw memes and social posts about “quarantinis” and relying on alcohol to cope with social distancing and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. For people who are lonely, isolated and struggling with substance use disorders, the jokes about drinking and isolation are less humorous and more a reality. Some experts say they have seen […]
Alcohol and Depression - Are They Linked?
By Phil Kosanovich on June 12, 2020
We all have had bad days, when we feel sad, lonely, tired and unmotivated. When those feelings span several days, weeks, months or longer, it’s likely a sign of depression. Depression can trigger people to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, which can lead to dependence and ultimately to addiction to these substances. Conversely, one of […]
How to Help Someone Detox from Drugs or Alcohol at Home
By Phil Kosanovich on May 29, 2020
Going through the withdrawal process and trying to DIY detox at home is a dangerous undertaking. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to help yourself or someone you love to detox at home, let us say this: If you or someone you care about has been struggling with alcohol or drugs and are ready […]
Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous?
By Phil Kosanovich on May 22, 2020
Fentanyl is so lethal because it’s 150 times more potent than morphine, and the chances of overdosing are greater. Deaths from drug overdoses have been on a steady increase over the last 20 years, mainly because of fentanyl. The graph below from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows drug overdose deaths from […]