Because of the ketamine treatment, many people feel relief from symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety, all of which can be triggers for relapse.
Tag: blogs
Recovery of a Real-Life "Nurse Jackie"
Before I ever stole a pill from work, before I was ever a daily drinker and habitual pill-popper, I was just a burned-out nurse, exhausted and in pain.
The Koran in the Synagogue: When Jews and Muslims Fight Together for Recovery
When people are hurting and struggling with addiction, the normal barriers that separate us fall away, and we are able to connect on a very deep, human level.
How I Came To "Believe” In Safe Injection Sites
The part of me that understands service is the backbone of my recovery, demands something other than pretending that there aren’t options available to people still suffering. So last night I’m at a town hall event on drug addiction and someone mentions safe injection sites in the audience. My heart begins to pound from… Continue reading How I Came To "Believe” In Safe Injection Sites
Twin Addictions And Parallel Recovery
In hindsight, we both had tell-tale signs of the addict – irrational fear, feelings of inferiority, flights of fancy. But there was no room for two troubled twins in our divided, post-divorce household. I’d always been the golden twin by default. To quote the Radiohead song, I was “fitter, happier, more productive” than my twin… Continue reading Twin Addictions And Parallel Recovery
The Myths & Methods of Mindfulness Meditation
I kept cravings at bay with 12-step meetings and counseling but continued to seek meaning and purpose that would lead to lasting sobriety. Then I found mindfulness meditation. I was raised to believe meditation was wicked. Along with yoga, Buddha, incense, and anything symbolizing or hinting of Eastern religion or ritual. The rationale? Meditation clears… Continue reading The Myths & Methods of Mindfulness Meditation
Sober Dating: Overcoming Triggers & Temptations
The date turned out to be a boobytrap of triggers that I wasn’t totally prepared for. But mindfulness, resilience, accountability – recovery – kicked in when I needed it most. I startled as my phone buzzed a text against my thigh. It was my date. “I’m late, but I’ve got tacos!” Relax, I urged myself,… Continue reading Sober Dating: Overcoming Triggers & Temptations
Views From A Rehab Counselor
No amount of comfort is enough when there is a look of terror on someone admitting to treatment for the first time. “I want to be that little girl!” A woman in her late 40s is sitting in front of me in my office, sobbing as she stares at a black and white picture… Continue reading Views From A Rehab Counselor
Me, My Psych Meds & My 12-Step Recovery
Now that I have double-digit sobriety, I have no qualms about pulling aside people who disparage the use of psych meds in meetings. As I sat in my jail cell I had to question the admonition I got from an old-timer at a 12-step meeting I frequented. “If you trust your Higher Power enough, you… Continue reading Me, My Psych Meds & My 12-Step Recovery
No More Attendance Sheets In AA
Having court-ordered people at our meetings is like being, “a little bit pregnant.” We are either anonymous or we are not anonymous. Our Traditions are important to Alcoholics Anonymous. We also want to see AA continue to provide a way out for alcoholics. The responsibility statement located on so many meeting walls says it all.… Continue reading No More Attendance Sheets In AA