Unveiling the Complex Link: High-Potency Marijuana and Induced Psychotic or Manic States

The growing popularity of high-potency marijuana raises concerns beyond the euphoric experiences it offers. Recent studies have shed light on a concerning connection between high-potency cannabis and induced psychotic or manic states. In this blog post, we delve into the effects of high-potency marijuana and explore the intricate relationship it shares with mental health.

Read More
Watch: Enabling, Part 1. What is it?

That desire to help and to be of service can become its own addictive behavior pattern. And then I get to start asking myself an honest question. Can I be compassionately honest? Is it my agenda, or is it my loved one's agenda? When there's more than two people involved, there could be multiple agendas that are at play. And am I able to have that sort of challenging, authentic, open conversation around what are the creative solutions that we're looking for?

Read More
The Gift of Sobriety - Tips for a Successful Holiday Season

Those who’ve experienced the holidays as a sober person will likely attest that alcohol and substances are synonymous with American holidays. Beer, liquor, wine, and champagne are casually served at corporate events, holiday parties, family dinners and given as gifts. With so many people participating, those who can’t participate may feel a sense of exclusion, obligation or some other social pressure.

Read More
Safe Passage: What Is It?

The process of getting help for a loved one, no matter your means, can be daunting. If you have no previous experience seeking rehabilitative services, there is a lot of self-education required to make sure you understand the process. Most of us have heard of drug interventions or have seen them in television and movies. But one of the key roles in a successful intervention is performed by someone other than the interventionist. And today that’s what we’re going to discuss. What is a sober transport?

Read More
Self-Compassion in Recovery

Sobriety is a daunting prospect for anyone making the decision to give up their substance(s) of choice. Once we get past the obstacles of our physical dependency and begin to treat our emotional triggers, we are often left with feelings of loss, shame, mourning, and guilt. Reflection is unavoidable.It is necessary for growth and healing. Maintaining a healthy sense of self-compassion is vital when doing so.

Read More
Patrick SmythComment
6 Tips - Do I Have a Substance Abuse Problem?

In our journeys through life, some of us may experience a period of time, however long, that we struggle with our use of alcohol or drugs. We may feel overly drawn to substances in times of stress or grief, which is somewhat common. However, some may feel this struggle in times that they consider normal and today we’ll be talking about some key warning signs.

Read More
Detach with Love: Letting Go of Control (You Never Had It Anyway)

Substance abuse disorder and mental health challenges are vast and vexing issues to many with a loved one caught in their throes. Over time, it is extremely common for those supporting someone in active addiction to begin adapting to their patterns and creating “solutions” for the challenges their dilemma presents.

Read More
Maintaining Sobriety During the Holidays

The holiday season is a magic time to many, with family and friends sharing special moments and gifts together. This year, in the wake of COVID-19 and the worldwide response to it, the holidays will be very different for millions everywhere. The large gatherings that typically define our holiday celebrations have been rightfully discouraged in order to responsibly combat the spread of coronavirus.

Read More
Patrick SmythComment
Common Sobriety Fears and How to Face Them

Sobriety, to one suffering from substance abuse disorder, is almost always an overwhelming proposition. To imagine the world without the “support” of substances may seem impossible to the person of concern. But beyond the comfort of the substances themselves, the fear of what sobriety is and how it feels on a daily basis can keep many from engaging.

Read More
Patrick Smyth Comment
Connection is Key: Maintaining Sobriety During the COVID-19 Crisis

As the world remains indoors and the grim news regarding the COVID-19 health crisis continues to roll in, it is generally safe to assume that many people feel higher levels of anxiety, depression, and grief. Many people live alone without anyone else to directly interact with. Those in recovery know that the forced isolation combined with the uncertainty around COVID-19 can be a perfect cocktail for relapse.

Read More
Patrick SmythComment