Death by Detox: How “Just Stopping” Can Be Fatal, Part One

detox definition

We all know those things that happen in the real world, that we believe could never happen to us. As a licensed counselor and educator, I am well-versed in how complex it is to detox safely and why you should detox from alcohol in a safe environment. But my professional experience and insight never prepared me for what happened to my younger sister.

Addiction and Mental Health by the Numbers: Texas

Texas state map

Like the rest of the country, Texas has seen a rise in mental health issues, as well as drug use and overdose in the past few years. Already an upward trend before 2020, the pandemic fanned the flame of a growing mental health crisis and an ever-worsening opioid crisis throughout the United States.

According to KFF.org, the number of adults in the US who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression rose from 1 in 10, to 3 in 10 between 2019 and 2020. In September of 2020, 15.1% of adults experienced new or increased substance use due to pandemic-related issues, and drug overdose deaths rose alongside this.

Honesty & Openness in Recovery

women supporting each other in recovery

A quest for recovery takes real courage. It takes the courage to be completely open and honest with yourself, with others, and with the process itself. It is essential to be truthful and transparent with the people trying to help you learn how to succeed in the climb — and in life — without chemical dependence.