Changing Direction: A Neuroplasticity Roundup

Changing Direction: A Neuroplasticity Roundup

There is a moment in the 1967 movie The Graduate in which a young man, played by Dustin Hoffman, is taken aside by a family friend. The family friend tells the young man that he has just one word for him.  That one word turns out to be plastics. Hoffman’s character is...
Treatment and Recovery Are Like a Trip to the Airport

Treatment and Recovery Are Like a Trip to the Airport

If you spend any time in airports, you have no doubt heard a variety of announcements. If you see something, say something. Do not leave your baggage unattended. Flight 111 is now boarding. Flight 222 has been delayed. That just scratches the surface of the sounds you...
The Value of Serenity in Treatment and Recovery

The Value of Serenity in Treatment and Recovery

If you are a fan of the hugely popular sitcom Seinfeld, you might remember an episode revolving around the phrase “serenity now.” George Costanza’s father, Frank, is instructed by his therapist to say “serenity now” whenever he feels his blood pressure rising. Frank,...
‘Gas Station Heroin’ Should Not Be Fueling You

‘Gas Station Heroin’ Should Not Be Fueling You

As a general rule, you probably do not expect your local gas station to be offering dangerous drugs for sale. But it turns out that a range of products frequently available in gas stations, smoke shops, and other locations are, in fact, quite dangerous. The nickname...
Looking to a Pony Car for Recovery Pointers

Looking to a Pony Car for Recovery Pointers

This blog post, like all blog posts at this site, is about treatment for and recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. But we are going to start by talking about cars. Cars are an important part of American culture, and over the...