People who are recovering from addictions to opioids or other substances sometimes talk about the recovery process as following a path or being on a journey. This metaphor serves as a reminder that maintaining your progress is a long-term process that requires daily effort. For some people, this process may involve extensive professional treatment. Every day that you continue to put in the work is a day worth celebrating.
Information is an essential tool in the effort to end opioid addiction. As a first step, you should educate yourself about the signs and symptoms that may indicate a family member or friend needs help for opioid addiction. The Mayo Clinic website is an excellent place to get started: http://ow.ly/5BTL102nsSU
As communities across the country observe National Recovery Month, this is a perfect moment to dispel a myth about medication-assisted treatment. MAT does not cause problems during the recovery process. Here's the truth: Decades of research demonstrates that MAT is safe and effective. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/9L9O102mhaC
Any opioid use increases your risk for abuse and the development of opioid addiction. Even when you have received a legitimate prescription and are under a doctor's care, you have to monitor your behaviors and watch for warning signs. If you're struggling to control your thoughts and actions, please know this: Opioid addiction is a treatable condition, and there is no shame in asking for help. The healthier future you deserve is closer than you realize.
Today is a great day to become better informed about opioid use disorder. First, never forget this essential truth: Addiction is a disease. It is not evidence of immorality or poor self-control. Those who struggle with opioid addiction do not deserve to be criticized or vilified. They deserve compassion, support, and effective treatment. If we work together, we can end stigma and create a more respectful and hopeful environment for everyone. http://ow.ly/P8QX102mQYI
HEALTHLINE.COM
It’s Time to Erase the Stigma of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction affects individuals and families throughout the nation. As we join together in honor of National Recovery Month, let's make a commitment to eradicate stigma and create a world where all who struggle with opioid use disorder are treated in a respectful and compassionate manner.
Here's an essential reminder to start the work week: If you've been living with a mental health disorder, we sincerely hope you know that mental illness is not a sign of personal weakness or failure. Every human being is worthy of compassion, empathy, and respect. This includes you! Even during particularly dark or difficult times, don't lose sight of your many innate strengths and talents. We see you, we celebrate you, and we will always be here for you!
Did you get your flu shot yet? Flu season is already underway, but it’s not too late to get this year’s vaccine. The CDC recommends the flu shot for everyone age 6 months or older. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting communities across the nation, it’s especially important to do all we can to keep ourselves healthy. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of increased safety and greater peace of mind — get your flu shot today!
The continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to make many changes in our lives. Plenty of us have even altered how, where, and when we vote. For example, many states have reported record numbers of early voting, including citizens who voted by mail. But experts expect that millions of Americans will still show up at polling places on Election Day to cast their ballots. If you intend to vote in person on November 3, please take a moment to review a few simple yet important safety tips. This article contains a wealth of valuable information about protecting your health while voting: http://ow.ly/4f9T102r1Nf
May you have a safe and spectacular Halloween!
Halloween is an opportunity for individuals and families to celebrate together. But if you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, ghouls and goblins aren't the most frightening part of Halloween. You know that celebratory gatherings can be risky, but you also appreciate the value of being with people you care about. Thankfully, it's possible to have a happy Halloween without jeopardizing your recovery. When you prepare yourself ahead of time, you can have a great time without using substances. http://ow.ly/mLd9102qEU2
NAMI.ORG
You Can Be Scary This Halloween Without Perpetuating Stigma | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Halloween is an opportunity for individuals and families to celebrate together. But if you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, ghouls and goblins aren't the most frightening part of Halloween. You know that celebratory gatherings can be risky, but you also appreciate the value of being with people you care about. Thankfully, it's possible to have a happy Halloween without jeopardizing your recovery. When you prepare yourself ahead of time, you can have a great time without using substances. http://ow.ly/mLd9102qEU2
If one of your loved ones struggled with substance abuse, do you believe you would identify the signs and symptoms and get them the help they need? To be able to assist others, you first must understand the facts. Here's a place to get started: http://ow.ly/AAqh50C5ACB
DRUGABUSE.GOV
How to Find Help | National Institute on Drug Abuse
From our family to yours, have a splendid new year! The uncertainty we faced in 2020 was often overwhelming, but today is an opportunity to start again. This is an ideal time to reflect on all that you're grateful for and develop healthy goals for the months ahead.
If you're enjoying New Year's celebrations tonight, please be safe and remember to avoid driving if you're impaired. In acknowledgment of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we ask that you plan for a safe ride home, whether you call a taxi, take the bus, or order a rideshare. Let's ring in the new year responsibly! http://ow.ly/G5g8102vZps
Adopting an attitude of forgiveness can be a vital part of the healing process. Sadly, many people fail to realize that forgiveness isn't just something to extend to others. Never forget that you are worthy of the same compassion and kindness that you give to others.
While joy tends to be a central theme this time of year, some people struggle with depression, stress, or anxiety around the holidays. Check out some tips on how to practice self-care during this season: http://ow.ly/Ew3M102vrA9
Everyone who is healing from a mental illness or recovering from an addiction follows a different path. Please don't compare your progress to anyone else's. During the holidays, as you reflect on the past year, focus on all you've accomplished and plan to make 2021 your best year yet!
Earlier this week, we shared a post that talked about the importance of gratitude. Acknowledging those who have helped you is an admirable way to encourage others to share support. But that is just one of the many benefits of incorporating gratitude into your daily life. If you're working to maintain your recovery, please take a moment to read this article about the relationship between gratitude and improved well-being: http://ow.ly/svxZ102sUfD