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
