“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt. In a brief moment, your emotions shifted a bit when you read that quote. Maybe it doesn’t resonate with you…but if it does, how do you feel? Thoughtful? Curious? Relieved? Positive Results Not everyone uses quotes and affirmations to affect change in their lives. Nevertheless,...

A 12-Step program is successful for many reasons. You’re surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through. You have a network to turn to if you need to work out a problem. You can socialize comfortably. You have accountability, and help others stay focused on their intentions as well. Another benefit of a 12-Step...

Helping children understand addiction is challenging. Every child has a different lens on the world. Most of the time, that world is as big as what happens at home and the people there. The older a child becomes, the more that world expands, but there’s still a strong tie to the perceptions and understanding they...

Men and women are equal, but different. Women have three unique challenges when living with a substance use disorder (SUD). The female body metabolizes drugs and alcohol more quickly and often at higher rates than the male body because of physiological differences. Approximately one in three women experience some form of physical, emotional, or sexual...

There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Some people have no problem with their own company. In fact, psychiatrist Abigail Brenner points out that being alone often has numerous benefits, and considers it to be a foundational practice for positive development and growth—which are essential qualities to acquire for long-lasting sobriety. In an...

Substance abuse has ravaged rural Georgia. While most people might think simply of the opioid epidemic as the greatest contributing factor for drug and alcohol addiction, there are actually numerous reasons why rural citizens need help. Most have to do with fulfilling basic needs. Lack of Health Services In August 2018, the AJC reported on...

When we see other people accomplish great things, it’s inspiring. Motivation presents in many forms. It’s the reason why someone chooses to act in a particular way. Behavioral scientists believe there are two forms of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is an external factor or set of factors that contribute to an individual’s actions....

Many people choose spirituality as a cornerstone to their recovery process. This enables them to rely on coping mechanisms such as gratitude, mindfulness, and positive thinking. Is spirituality the same as religion? If you want it to be, yes. Some people may feel more comfortable following the particular doctrine of an organized religion. They appreciate...

Tragically, Georgia’s opioid crisis is still a critical health issue. The Georgia Hospital Association shares January 2019 reports from the Centers for Disease Control which indicate: Synthetic opioid overdose deaths—from substances like fentanyl—increased in Georgia more than 45 percent since 2017. Opiate prescribing rates were higher in rural Georgia than metropolitan areas of the state....

Rock Bottom “Hitting rock bottom” during the throes of substance abuse means different things to people. Often, rock bottom is associated with descending to levels of financial, ethical, or moral bankruptcy. While some people may, unfortunately, encounter these circumstances, others experience a simple knowing: this simply isn’t how their lives should be. What’s more important...