Among those who are recovering from addiction, it's common to talk about their efforts to remain healthy as walking along a path or being on a journey. This metaphor is a critical reminder that establishing and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle is a long-term process that requires daily effort. In some cases, this can include returning to a treatment program for additional care. Every day that you refuse to give up is a success worth celebrating.
Information is an essential tool in the effort to end opioid addiction. You need to understand and be able to recognize the potential warning signs that may indicate someone you care about has been struggling with opioid addiction. The Mayo Clinic website can be an excellent resource: http://ow.ly/5BTL102nsSU
As we observe National Recovery Month, this is the best time to dispel a far-too-common myth about medication-assisted treatment. MAT does not have a negative influence on the recovery process. Here's the truth: More than 40 years of studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of MAT. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/v86i102mhbz
Any opioid use puts you at risk for developing opioid use disorder. Even if you have been taking a legally prescribed medication as directed by a doctor, you need to understand the risks and watch for warning signs. If you think you might be in danger, please know this: Professional help can put you on the path to the healthier future you deserve.
Today is a great day to broaden your understanding of opioid use disorder. First, never forget this fact: Addiction is a disease. It is not proof that a person lacks appropriate self-discipline. Those who struggle with opioid addiction do not deserve to be looked down upon or treated with disdain. They deserve compassion, support, and effective treatment. If we work together, we can end stigma and help people get the professional care they need. http://ow.ly/P8QX102mQYI
HEALTHLINE.COM
It’s Time to Erase the Stigma of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a public health crisis throughout the United States. This year, as we observe National Recovery Month, we must make a more concerted effort to eradicate stigma and guarantee that all who are affected by opioid use disorder have the support and respect they deserve.
Here's a vital message for today: If your life has been affected by a mental health disorder, we want to be sure you know that mental illness is not a sign of personal weakness or failure. Every human being is worthy of compassion and support. 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 crisis has forced us all to make many changes in our lives. Even our voting process has been impacted. 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, it's a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you're doing so as safely as possible. This article includes valuable guidance to ensure that you stay safe when you vote: http://ow.ly/4f9T102r1Nf
We wish you a safe and happy Halloween!
Halloween is an opportunity for communities to celebrate together. But if you're in recovery from an addiction to alcohol or another drug, Halloween can be scary for very personal reasons. You understand that celebratory gatherings can be risky, but you also appreciate the importance of sharing memorable moments with those you care about. Thankfully, it's possible to have a happy Halloween without jeopardizing your recovery. If you make appropriate plans ahead of time, you can have a magnificent time without using alcohol or other drugs. http://ow.ly/mLd9102qEU2
NAMI.ORG
You Can Be Scary This Halloween Without Perpetuating Stigma | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
If someone you care about was struggling with addiction, are you confident you would recognize the signs and know how to respond? To best support others, it's important to educate yourself. Here's a good place to start: http://ow.ly/FE1Q50C5AMI
DRUGABUSE.GOV
How to Find Help | National Institute on Drug Abuse
The decisions you made in the past led you to this point in your life. But hitting your darkest point doesn't mean you'll never find the light again. Starting right now, you get to decide where your story goes from here.
The efforts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made for the fight for civil rights impacted the country in ways that continue to resonate. Dr. King believed in using nonviolence to pursue racial equality for Black individuals in America. Today, we celebrate Dr. King's legacy and his efforts to make our nation more equitable.
On behalf of our staff, 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 taking part in any New Year's celebrations tonight, please be safe and remember to not get behind the wheel if you're impaired. In recognition of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we ask that you have transportation arranged ahead of time, whether you choose a designated driver, take a rideshare, or call a taxi. Let's ring in the new year responsibly! http://ow.ly/G5g8102vZps
Adopting an attitude of forgiveness can be an indispensable part of the healing process. Regrettably, many people don't realize that forgiveness isn't just something to extend to others. Please never forget to be compassionate and forgiving toward yourself, too.
While this is usually a joyous time of year, many people feel stressed, depressed, or anxious during the holidays. Here are a few things you can do to practice self-care during this season: http://ow.ly/Ew3M102vrA9
Everyone who is healing from a mental illness or recovering from an addiction is following a unique path. Resist the urge to compare your progress to anyone else's. During the holidays, as you look back on the past 12 months, celebrate your accomplishments and plan to make 2021 your best year yet!