Ever since he was a little kid, Reed McCaskill has had a knack for understanding people. His friends confided in him, and he embraced his sense of empathy. “I have always cared about how my friends were feeling, had a talent for listening to people, and I have always appreciated how people confide in me,” McCaskill said. “I love listening to people and helping people find some resolution.” A knack for empathy is part of the reason he is an NAU senior studying social work with a plan to get a … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Voices of Recovery: Journey Sparks a Passion for Social Work
Back 2 Basics Addictions Treatment
Baby Steps are Key to Success in Recovery
Humans have a tendency to rush success. We want the best possible outcomes in the quickest way possible, no matter the endeavor. The habit of wanting to get rich quickly in our careers and our lives is a hard one to break. The problem with this mentality is it either leads to another bad habit of cutting corners to success or creating unachievable expectations that set you up for failure. You cannot rush success, and this concept fits in perfectly with recovery from substance use. Recovery is a … [Read more...] about Baby Steps are Key to Success in Recovery
Destigmatizing Relapse and Addiction
Substance abuse is the cause of thousands of deaths every year, affecting the lives of the people suffering through addiction and their loved ones. Treatment experts deal with these facts every single day. Treatment for substance use has come a long way, with a variety of options to help people achieve sobriety. However, these treatments don’t reach enough people who deal with substance abuse issues. One of the reasons for this is the stigma around addiction and relapse that still exists. We … [Read more...] about Destigmatizing Relapse and Addiction
Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Sober
The new year provides an opportunity for many people to start fresh, begin eating healthy and start exercising. This is also a great time for those battling addiction to set goals for recovery. One of the best things a person can do is set themselves free from addiction. Getting sober can improve nearly every aspect of a person’s life by repairing long damaged relationships and boosting overall health. Starting the new year is always an exciting time for new beginnings. If you are one of … [Read more...] about Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Sober
Helping an Addict Without Enabling
Addiction is tough, especially when it is a loved one going through it. You want to help them, because that’s what family members do, but that love and support may be harmful when someone is going through addiction. Bailing a family member out of jail over and over can prevent them from facing the consequences they may need to overcome their addiction. Giving money intended for food or rent can turn into the person having funds to buy more drugs. Telling their friends or employer the person … [Read more...] about Helping an Addict Without Enabling
Mindfulness: What it is; How it Works
Simply put, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present. In our day of technical addiction and multitasking, this is actually more challenging than ever before, which is probably why mindfulness is becoming so mainstream. There is a desperate need to feel more connected and content. For some, this practice comes naturally. Those who are really present in the kitchen, preparing loving meals and eating with consciousness, already do this practice instinctively. Those who immerse … [Read more...] about Mindfulness: What it is; How it Works
Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Life is complex, and as human beings, we rely on others to learn and build our confidence and capacity to cope with changing situations. As a result, it stands to reason that the challenges of life are best faced when we surround ourselves with others who demonstrate healthy behaviors. For the recovering addict, this means inviting people into his or her life who will encourage, motivate and inspire the individual to be the very best version of himself or herself. All types of relationships – … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Treating the Brain Disease of Addiction
The mere fact that relapse is more common than uncommon sheds light on how difficult it truly is to break addiction. No one enters rehabilitation with the intention to fail; rather, they enter a treatment program hoping in their heart they can stop using for good. The problem with this approach is addiction doesn’t happen in the heart. It happens in the brain. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic, underlying, largely genetic brain disease, making … [Read more...] about Treating the Brain Disease of Addiction
Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
A balanced diet is essential for the body and the brain to function normally. Unfortunately, most Americans do not receive proper nutrition education, and have difficulty consistently eating a well-rounded diet of nutritious, whole foods. Now, imagine that you not only do not know the information, but you also struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals who suffer from SUDs often dedicate their finances, energy and time to using. Substances can cloud the brain’s ability to make … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
Forming Healthy Habits for Sustainable Recovery
Most of the men who come into treatment are there because their lives have become unmanageable and are in dire need of structure. The carefully designed schedule of Back2Basics mirrors that of a balanced lifestyle, focusing on the discipline required to accomplish the tasks needed to maintain a healthy existence. Creating and adhering to a personal, daily routine that includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, interacting positively with others and moving the body is the path to … [Read more...] about Forming Healthy Habits for Sustainable Recovery
