Today, many anonymous groups exist to help people recover from their addiction. The 12-step anonymous tradition all started with Alcoholics Anonymous – or AA. The 12 steps were originally called the “12 Traditions,” and they were written by the founders of AA. All anonymous groups use this 23-step model with minor changes depending on the group.…
Being the child of an alcoholic is both difficult and chaotic. There may have been domestic violence, emotional abuse or neglect. At its best, childhood may have been unpredictable. The trauma of childhood is extremely impactful and has an effect on adulthood. As adults, many seek help as they find themselves having difficulty with relationships,…
Prescription Thugs, a new documentary from director Chris Bell, aims to tackle the source of one of our nation’s fastest growing addictions—prescription medications. Covering every aspect of this complicated issue, from personal anecdotes from friends and celebrities to the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry and a broken legislature, Prescription Thugs is a highly relevant exposé…
The use of Suboxone is becoming one of the most common ways to treat an opioid addiction. With its ability to help lessen the effects of opioid withdrawal and a “high” that is far less intense than other addiction treatment options, this drug is being used more and more each day. Why Can’t I Keep…
Mirroring the rise of the national opioid epidemic, Colorado has seen an enormous increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in the less than two decades. This article takes a look at just how bad the opioid problem has gotten in Colorado as well as what characteristics of opioids in particular make it such a dangerous and…
A co-occurring disorder is a situation in which one simultaneously suffers from addiction and a mental health ailment at the same time. In many situations, those who suffer from a mental health disorder have also turned to substance use or abuse as a method of coping. Previously referred to as dual diagnoses, co-occurring disorders occur…
Addiction research has really picked up over the last few years, partially in response to the surge in opioid addictions. But what have we learned from all of this research regarding how to successfully treat addiction? We going to look at five recent research findings and explore what they reveal about the future of addiction…
Outpatient addiction treatment in Fort Collins is a difficult thing to navigate, no matter where you are. It’s tough enough just overcoming your denial of the problem in the first place. The transition into treatment, the withdrawals, and finding ways to fill your time that don’t involve drugs, these are all important, difficult parts of…
How to Live with and Love Someone who is an Addict: Diane’s Story They’re not junkies. They are husbands and fathers suffering from a chronic disease. At least that’s what the books said. But Diane didn’t get it. How could someone choose a substance over his career, his health, his wife … over his own…
What is Addiction? Addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on a substance despite its negative effects. It is a chronic disease affecting the brain’s memory and risk/reward functions. Substance addiction is when a person is addicted to either one or a combination of the following: Nicotine Alcohol Medication Inhalants such as aerosols and vapors…