skesaris, Author at Amethyst Recovery Center

Addiction and the Negative Feedback Loop

by skesaris | Jun 2, 2015 | Addiction

“Why Can’t They Just Stop?” This is a question that is constantly asked by people who have a loved one that struggles with addiction. The problem is that nobody can understand the mindset of an alcoholic or drug addict unless they’ve been in that situation....

My Name Is Laurie, and I Am an Enabler

by skesaris | May 28, 2015 | Recovery

When you are the parent of an addict there are so many 3:00 am phone calls. “Mom, I’ve been arrested for disturbing the peace – I’m in jail in Conway, South Carolina.” “Mom, I need you to wire me money right away – some guys are coming to kill me because I owe...

How Can We Afford Drug Rehab?

by skesaris | May 18, 2015 | Treatment

“Oh God, we cannot afford this. We will have to take out a loan, or another mortgage on our house, or deplete our retirement funds or borrow from relatives. And what about families who have no resources at all – what in the world do they do?” Those were my first...

Overview of the Recovery Process

by skesaris | May 17, 2015 | Treatment

Recovering from an addiction is a process that requires a lifelong commitment. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, or NCADD, explains that recovery means that an individual is actively seeking help and solutions to avoid substance abuse and improve...

Heroin Addiction in Maryland and EVERYWHERE!

by skesaris | May 13, 2015 | Recovery

It Can Literally Happen to Anyone! Heroin. Even the word is scary. But when you have seen those tell tale tracks on your son’s arm, that word becomes completely terrifying. I remember the first time I saw them; it was August 2010, and we were taking our son Sam,...

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Why Using Alcohol To Cope with Stress Doesn’t Work

Apr 1, 2021

Alcohol is often touted as a do-it-all wonderdrug that can fix any unpleasant situation, particularly, the stressful ones. Songs, movies, tv shows, and advertisements all perpetuate this notion that alcohol makes things better. While it can make you feel good at the...

A Look at Bipolar and Alcohol Blackouts

Mar 26, 2021

Researchers and medical professionals have known for some time now that there are many connections between substance use and mental health. However, alcohol and bipolar disorder have an interesting effect in common: blackouts. In recognition of World Bipolar Day on...

Is Quitting Alcohol “Cold Turkey” Safe?

Mar 18, 2021

In a world where nearly every home, restaurant, resort, and even nail salon has alcohol available, quitting is not easy. Some people chose to quit alcohol to lose weight, some do it for religious or spiritual reasons, some realize that their relationship with alcohol...