When discussing the goal of abstinence for opioid use disorder, it sometimes comes up that it's much safer to stay in medication assisted treatment (most often methadone or buprenorphine) than to detox. I agree, but I would never advise a patient just to detox. Detox is a procedure, not a treatment as such. If all … Continue reading Reducing the risks of opioid detox
A Time of Hope and Trepidation in the State of the Art
On Las Meninas by Velasqez, Foucault writes, "In appearance, this locus is a simple one; a matter of pure reciprocity: we are looking at a picture in which the painter is in turn looking out at us. A mere confrontation, eyes catching one another’s glance, direct looks superimposing themselves upon one another as they cross. And yet … Continue reading A Time of Hope and Trepidation in the State of the Art
We All Want to Flourish, Those Served in Substance Use Care Deserve Nothing Less
A few weeks back, fellow writer and colleague Jason Schwartz posted a piece titled Meaning and purpose in the context of opioid overdose deaths. It and the related article of the same title written by outgoing Editor in Chief, Dr. Eric Strain of Drug and Alcohol Dependence deeply resonated with me. Dr Strain lists some … Continue reading We All Want to Flourish, Those Served in Substance Use Care Deserve Nothing Less
Recovery: What Is It Good For?
Beyond one’s personal recovery, what could the general idea of recovery be good for? To explore what the idea of recovery could be good for, I would like to separate the word “recovery” from its normal use (about people making personal changes in the face of addiction illness), and highlight some other benefits that could be found in the idea of … Continue reading Recovery: What Is It Good For?
Growing older and more stigmatised on methadone
In a compelling study from Dublin, Paula Mayock and Shane Butler (Trinity College) make the point that little is known about the stigma experienced by individuals attending drug treatment services over prolonged periods. They explored this through the lived-experience narratives of 25 people prescribed long-term methadone. Their findings ‘reveal the intersection of stigma with age … Continue reading Growing older and more stigmatised on methadone
The Recovery Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X
The Association of Recovery In Higher Education recently hosted a webinar on the The Recovery Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X. It was presented by Mark Sanders, an under-recognized treasure in the field. I can't embed it here, but please go check it out.
Need rehab? How can we hinder you?
Although the signs are good that journeys to residential rehabilitation in Scotland are about to get a lot easier, there are still some challenges to face. We could quadruple capacity, but if the pathways are not there or blocks exist, more places will make little difference. Not everyone is a fan of rehab and in … Continue reading Need rehab? How can we hinder you?
Narcotics Anonymous in Iran
You might not be aware of a podcast called myRecoveryCast. The episode titled, "NA in Iran Part 1: Visitors" is one of the most amazing things I've ever heard. It tells the story of the unprecedented growth of the NA fellowship there, and includes fascinating information and insights. The audio can be found here. Just … Continue reading Narcotics Anonymous in Iran
My favorite resources on the history of Narcotics Anonymous
Here is an audio/video upload of a presentation called "Narcotics Anonymous: The Early Story." I've listened to it time and again. This fascinating talk has been given at NA World, and on various continents and regions of the globe. My other favorite is this bit of writing titled "Narcotics Anonymous: Its History and Culture." … Continue reading My favorite resources on the history of Narcotics Anonymous
Clinical Humility as a Pathway to Recovery Oriented Systems of Care
Bill recently suggested that we're all vulnerable to engaging in abusive behavior. Bill suggested that we all be mindful about that human tendency and maintain vigilance to prevent it. That post got me thinking about Chris Budnick's open letter of amends and I wanted to share it with you now. https://youtu.be/AKeXdKGKM24
Recovery Review 