Tips for Staying Drug and Alcohol-Free During the Holidays The holidays can be a triggering time for those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.  From the stress that goes along with the season to being surrounded by alcohol at holiday events, it is important that you have a toolkit of strategies to ensure that you...Read More

How to Best Handle the Stress of Visiting Family Over the Holidays Time spent together with family can be a struggle, with many personalities clashing.  It can also be a time when past feelings of conflict are brought up again that may stem as far back as childhood.  This makes it difficult to enjoy the...Read More

Managing the Pressure to Do Everything During the Holiday Season The holiday season can bring more than joy for many people, as they struggle to get everything done.  From shopping for presents to decorating and hosting relatives, the holidays can be a very stressful time.  It is important that you remember to slow down and...Read More

Recognizing the Triggers for Substance Abuse During the Holidays The holidays are often filled with triggers for those that have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.  Holiday parties and get-togethers are often complete with alcoholic beverages and drugs easily available, with guests imbibing without a care.  For recovering addicts, continued sobriety can be a real...Read More

Texans Declare War as They Combat Fentanyl Crisis and Aim to Save Lives The fentanyl crisis continues to plague the entire country, with deaths from this dangerous opioid continuing to rise everywhere.  Texans are not immune to this war on Fentanyl as the state fights its own battle with the rising opioid crisis.  As deaths...Read More

Trauma during the most formative years can create lasting changes in the brain’s development.  This negative trauma during childhood can manifest itself throughout an individual’s entire life, turning into a pattern of addiction in later years.  In childhood the brain is continuing to develop, with experiences and relationships having a direct impact this development and...Read More

Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network Improving Officers’ Mental Health In 2021 Texas launched the Texas Law Enforcement Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network in an effort offer law enforcement officers with a confidential way to find help for mental health problems.  Since its inception, this program has helped forty-six officers that were struggling.  The goal of...Read More

Victims of sexual abuse often struggle with many consequences following this type of life-changing trauma.  This can manifest itself as depression, low self-esteem, PTSD and other mental health problems.  When not addressed properly through therapy and other methods, drugs and alcohol can become a crutch for coping after sexual abuse.  If left unchecked, this can...Read More

Any amount of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby’s development.  It is important to understand that any substance that you ingest, drink, or inhale will affect the fetus.  During these critical developmental months, even small amounts of alcohol and drugs can have lasting effect on the nerve cells.  This can...Read More

You may think that when you are feeling depressed, an alcoholic beverage or two will help to improve your mood.  This is a common misconception.  Even small amounts of alcohol can have a negative effect if you are in a depressed state.  Symptoms of depression are exacerbated by sedatives like alcohol.  These symptoms can include...Read More