Tranq is spreading like wildfire

The rapid spread of veterinary tranquilizer Xylazine as a street drug in the Northeast is causing great alarm. In an October 2022 report, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had warned that xylazine was increasingly being detected in illicit drugs. U.S. law enforcement officials first noticed its use as a street drug in Puerto Rico,…

Why You Should Have a Support System in Recovery

Having a support system and having your own support group makes recovery last. When you go to a treatment center to get help for your addictions, you’ll be assigned a counselor. It is the counselor’s responsibility to assist you in setting objectives and learning recovery-related skills. This includes techniques to form a peer support structure…

Sober Ideas for the 4th of July

With the 4th of July approaching, festivities and get-togethers to honor America’s independence are typically accompanied by fireworks and barbecues, as well as time spent with friends and family. In addition, the Fourth of July is one of the busiest drinking days of the year. We’ve listed a few tips that can help you stay…

Positive Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Your total psychological well-being is referred to as “mental health.” It involves your self-esteem, the quality of your relationships, and your capacity to regulate your emotions and deal with problems.  Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health issues, and many of us will do so throughout our lives. One in every five Americans suffer from…

Behavioral Crossroads Written Statement Regarding Cultural Diversity

New Jersey is among the top three states in the United States with respect to diverse racial, ethnic, and foreign-born populations.1 Populations teeming with diversity bring forth unique mindsets, traditions, beliefs, and techniques of communication. To deliver the best possible service, social and healthcare workers need a culturally sensitive approach that incorporates a consumer’s diverse…

The Daniel Plan

“To change your life you must change the way you think” Day 1 of making better choices and continuing to support each other. #danielplan #40days #bcrteam #wecandothis The Daniel Plan is far more than a diet. It is a lifestyle program based on spiritual principles and five essential components: Food, Fitness, Focus, Faith, and Friends.…

How to Overcome Withdrawal Symptoms

There’s no denying that people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol feel much happier when they quit. There are many recovery stories that show how wonderful life can be after you’ve overcome your addiction. However, there is always a very painful period before you start to feel better, which occurs shortly after you quit.…

Long Term Effects of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction can lead to numerous physical and mental health problems in the future. Drug addiction causes long-term changes to the brain which makes quitting almost impossible. Examples of physical health problems are lung cancer, heart disease, liver damage, and kidney failure. Mental health problems that can occur are depression or anxiety. It is possible…

Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome? Following medically supervised detox from highly addictive substances, most people experience a short phase of physical discomfort, otherwise known as acute withdrawal.  Acute withdrawal can produce more dangerous health consequences—even life-threatening complications if detox isn’t done in a supervised setting. But there’s more to drug and alcohol withdrawal than physical symptoms of discomfort. While…

Managing two pandemics at once

Even in ideal circumstances, addiction recovery can be difficult. Add a pandemic into the mix, and things can start to feel overwhelming. It is understandable to feel challenged and worried by these unusual times, but they do not have to derail your recovery process. Below are some tips for managing addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Take advantage…