Learn more about Suicide Prevention Month: Shining A Light in the Dark (By Abigail Smedly, CCPH)
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and though this can often be an upsetting topic, it’s an important one to address in order to both prevent and heighten awareness efforts. Suicide is a deeply distressing event that can affect individuals from all backgrounds, communities, and cultures, regardless of age or gender. However, with increased awareness, education, and support, we can take…
Learn more about “I Wish They Would All Die”
“I wish they would all die!” (by Mike Orrill) “I wish they would all die!” That’s what an angry friend once said to me when told him I was working with people struggling with drug addiction. “I just wish they would all die! They made their bed, so let them sleep in it. They’re a drain on society and don’t…
Learn more about Anne’s Story: Recovery IS Possible
Announcing Peer Empowered Recovery Community Solutions (PERCS) Formerly known as Ark Valley Recovery, the mission of PERCS is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways…
Learn more about Laura’s Story–Recovery IS Possible!
Announcing Ark Valley Recovery Our mission is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways to achieve and sustain their recovery. Their strong message of hope…
Learn more about Andy’s Story–Recovery IS Possible!
Announcing Ark Valley Recovery Our mission is to walk side by side with those who are navigating their own unique recovery journey from addition to alcohol and/or other drugs. Our trained recovery coaches have lived experience in addiction and have a passion for helping others find their own pathways to achieve and sustain their recovery. Their strong message of hope…
Learn more about Better Than Jail (by Mike Orrill)
Better Than Jail Recently I had a gratifying experience….I went to Drug Court. No, I wasn’t in any trouble; I was invited by a friend in our county’s probation department. According to our friend Wikipedia, “drug courts are problem-solving courts in which the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, mental health, social service, and treatment communities work together to…
Learn more about “I wish they would all die!” (by Mike Orrill)
“I wish they would all die!” (by Mike Orrill) That’s what an angry friend once said to me when told I was working with people struggling with drug addiction. “I just wish they would all die! They’re a drain on society and don’t offer anything worthwhile. They don’t deserve to live.” The root of such a statement is a misunderstanding…
It’s one of the hardest addictions to overcome…..smoking. Watch this 12-minute animated video for a great tip on how to quit.
Learn more about A ReThink of the Way we Drink (Dr. Mike Evans video posted by Mike Orrill)
Drinking…..What’s normal? What’s healthy? How do we navigate what is a socially acceptable but oftentimes risky behavior? Watch this eye-opening 10 minute animated video about the science of alcohol and health.
No one lives without some chronic pain, but for many this pain is debilitating and life-diminishing. Narcotic pain medication (aka Opioids) is often the medication prescribed by doctors. But how does it work, and why can it be so dangerous? Watch this 8 minute video on pain and how opioids impact it by Healthcare Triage and Dr. Aaron Carrol.
Learn more about Opioid Addiction? There’s Hope (Video posted by Mike Orrill)
For those struggling with addiction to (narcotic pain pills, heroin, fentanyl, etc.), there is hope. There is a medication, approved by the FDA, that can help decrease cravings. It’s called buprenorphine (Suboxone) and it is the gold standard in treating Opioid Use Disorder. Some find it controversial saying that it’s just trading one addiction for another. The difference, however, is…
I find the subject of addiction fascinating, and the more I study it the more it clear it becomes that its causes and solutions are very complex. In this 6 minute video Johann Hari suggests that much of what we have learned about addiction may not be the whole story. He suggests that the root cause of addiction is a…
Learn more about Vaping: Know the Facts Part 2 (Dr. Tista Gosh video posted by Mike Orrill)
Vaping is almost epidemic, but is it as safe as everyone says? Watch this brief video to learn more.
Learn more about Vaping: Know the Facts Part 1 (Dr. Daniel Kortsch video posted by Mike Orrill)
Vaping is almost epidemic, but is it as safe as everyone says? Watch this 2-minute video from Dr. Daniel Kortsch from Denver Health on the dangers of vaping.
Learn more about Why Do Our Brains Get Addicted Dr. Nora Volkow video posted by Mike Orrill)
Not too many years ago, addiction was seen as a sin, or a moral failing, or a character flaw, and, therefore, the emphasis was on punishment. Science is now showing us a much different picture of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease, with the emphasis on treatment, just like we do for other chronic diseases. Watch this 6 1/2…
Opioids! We’re in the midst of a crisis. Tens of thousands die every year from opioid overdoses. But what are they and how do they work? Watch this 5 minute animated video by Johann Hari on the science of opioid addiction.