Admitting to a substance use detox program is a crucial first step towards long term recovery. I have been involved in detox both as a client and as a mental health clinician. Here are some tips and insights for the process based on my knowledge and experience. What is detox?- Detox is the first step in the continuum of substance use care. It is a process where you are kept in a facility under the observation of a medical team to ensure that you are safe while detoxing from substances.

30 days. That’s how long my father was in rehab. 60 days. That’s how long he was alcohol free. Another 60 days later, he was lying in a hospital bed surrounded by loved ones drawing his final breath. Addiction is uncharted for every passenger, family and addict alike. Being the child of an addict and growing up around normalized addictive behavior is anything but normal but those who have been close to it will know that it happens more often than most realize.

Addiction is Everywhere I used to think that I was in an unusual situation. I grew up surrounded by addiction. My father was an addict, my step-father is an addict. My mother is an addict (of a different kind). I’m an addict. My grandmother is an addict. My grandfather was an addict. This charity is in my brother’s name because he was an addict. The list just goes on and on.

In honor of April being Alcohol Awareness Month, we at Harlan Serenity Foundation want to say we stand with those affected by alcohol abuse. Individuals still struggling, in recovery, and their loved ones are in our thoughts and we love you. No matter where you are in your journey, you are loved.

Day Five We are very interested in what you have to say and encourage you to talk freely about drugs and drug use. Your privacy is also very important to us. This event should provide a safe and supportive environment. We pledge to you and each other to respect the comments and privacy of others. In order to keep a safe environment for sharing information, we’ve set up the following ground rules:

Day Four We are very interested in what you have to say and encourage you to talk freely about drugs and drug use. Your privacy is also very important to us. This event should provide a safe and supportive environment. We pledge to you and each other to respect the comments and privacy of others. In order to keep a safe environment for sharing information, we’ve set up the following ground rules:

Day Three We are very interested in what you have to say and encourage you to talk freely about drugs and drug use. Your privacy is also very important to us. This event should provide a safe and supportive environment. We pledge to you and each other to respect the comments and privacy of others. In order to keep a safe environment for sharing information, we’ve set up the following ground rules:

Day Two We are very interested in what you have to say and encourage you to talk freely about drugs and drug use. Your privacy is also very important to us. This event should provide a safe and supportive environment. We pledge to you and each other to respect the comments and privacy of others. In order to keep a safe environment for sharing information, we’ve set up the following ground rules:

Day One We’re excited to join with NIDA (National Institute On Drug Abuse) and share on our page National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide.

One of the many struggles for individuals with substance abuse disorders is shame. Shame and stigma are arguably the leading reasons that people do not seek help with their addictions. If someone is still seemingly functional, they are less likely to realize or admit to having an issue. This is because so many view addicts and alcoholics as low life’s with weak character. Someone who is still holding a job, maintaining a family, and/or showing up for responsibilities can absolutely be an addict and alcoholic.