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Author Archive

Inclusivity in Recovery: How Federation Adapts Addiction Services to Diverse Communities

In the vital world of recovery services, there are many details to an individual’s history and health that should be considered in order to provide a comprehensive care plan. One detail in particular isn’t typically prioritized when it comes to environmental impact of an individual’s...

When Happy Hour Isn’t Always So Happy: One Clinician’s Point of View

I’m sure many of us reading the words “Happy Hour” get a little excited: as a time to socialize, network, and let loose. For some, it’s a chance to be an extrovert - while an invisible cloak helps suppress insecurities, fears, and worries. For many, in fact, happy hour is not really very...

When the Unexpected Happens: The Importance of Policies and Procedures

Providing specialized consultation in the field of addiction treatment risk management is an essential function of our organization. We see firsthand that providers supporting the treatment and recovery of substance use play a critical role in maintaining the safety of each individual seeking care...

Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Services: A Social Justice and Health Equity Perspective

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) present a complex and multifaceted public health challenge that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health disparities and social inequities. These marginalized populations encompass groups facing social, economic, and structural...

The Hidden Impacts of Overdose: Four More Reasons We Must Stop the Epidemic

The recent overdose epidemic has brought the issue of substance use front and center as a mainstream problem. That means now is the time to harness our collective efforts to devise mainstream solutions. As we celebrate International Overdose Awareness Day, it’s essential that we recognize the...

Moving Toward Recovery After Discharge with the Ongoing Abstinence Recovery Schedule Program™

Like many psychiatric hospitals, Montgomery County Emergency Service (MCES), located in Norristown, PA, serves adults with primary serious mental illness many of whom also have a co-occurring substance use disorder (COD), sometimes involving opiates. This “double trouble” puts them at greater...

360 is More Than Just an Address, It’s a Model of Care for The Mental Health Association of Westchester

In 2022, preliminary data released by the CDC indicated that more than 100,000 people had died from drug overdoses (CDC). This total marks a new annual record in nationwide drug overdose deaths and is twice the size of 2015’s record, underscoring the alarming escalation of this crisis (NPR, Times...

“Decriminalization” is Misconceived: Towards Improved Drug Policy

Recent reports about the problems that have emerged with Oregon’s experiment in the decriminalization of drugs have rekindled debate about this approach to reducing the damage that results from the current policy of criminalizing illegal substances. I tilt against decriminalization as currently...

Unlocking Success: 6 Ways Technology Enhances Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Access to Addiction Recovery Care

In today's competitive market, for-profit addiction recovery organizations can employ sophisticated IT solutions to engage clients more effectively while streamlining operations and reducing costs. The right technology can radically transform an individual’s path to recovery and ensure long-term...

Addressing Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Mental Health Concerns and/or Substance Use Disorders

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for approximately one in five deaths. An estimated 11.5% of U.S. adults are current cigarette smokers. That translates to 28.3 million adults in our country who are currently smoking. More than...