Here, we will discuss and unpack the myth of “marijuana maintenance” by answering the question: Can Abstinence Include Marijuana? First, it’s important to understand the framework behind this common and controversial inquiry. Abstinence can be defined as the process of avoiding or not engaging in addictive substances and/or behaviors. Abstaining from the use of illicit… Read On »

    (May 2nd, 2019) – ORIGINS BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE is proud to announce the opening of its new health psychology department, Origins Center for Brain Recovery (CBR).   Origins Center for Brain Recovery, an innovative program designed to facilitate healing, health, and wellbeing of the whole person, will be nestled inside of Origins’ residential treatment… Read On »

Self-medicating depression or any other kind of mood disorder with a substance like alcohol will always be a failed practice. First, let’s look at the basics of the idea of “self-medication.” We take on the responsibility of doctors in deciding what our mental health does and does not look like, as well as what a… Read On »

Overdoses are largely unintentional. Suddenly losing someone to overdose is an overwhelming and confusing event- did they intend to end their lives, or was the overdose accidental? The large majority of drug overdoses are classified as accidental. According to the North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System, 12% of drug overdose deaths in 2014 were self-inflicted. Prescription… Read On »

by Kellye DeBerry, Alumni Coordinator, Hanley Center at Origins When I came into the rooms of the 12-Step program, I played a scene in my head of how I pictured my life from that point on. And I imagined my life looking a lot like what is portrayed on TV and in movies. I pictured… Read On »

Chad Lentscher, Director of Alumni, Origins South Padre Island I had a profound experience in recent years around Step Six. Following a Fifth Step, I was staring at several pages of character defects, and three things occurred to me. One, the list was almost identical to every other character defect list I had generated. Two, if… Read On »

In the chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous titled “The Family Afterward,” the authors touch on a variety of subjects about what life is like for the family after a loved one has recovered from alcoholism. Briefly, the authors touch on health and specifically touch on a curious part of nutrition for those who are in the… Read On »

During the daytime, it is easy to stay busy and distracted from what can sometimes be overwhelming and uncomfortable thoughts about drinking and using. When the sun is out, or if it isn’t out, during the working hours of the day, the world is alive and buzzing. We can hop onto that current and ride… Read On »

The fear of missing out is a very real experience during the first few months to the first year of recovery from drugs and alcohol. Our last drink or drug, our last drunk, high, as well as our last good time while intoxicated, is not far behind us. In our brain chemistry, the equation for… Read On »

Dating in recovery is a fascinating and exciting experience. You’ve worked hard to recover who you were before you started drinking or using, who you are as a sober individual, and who you want to be in your future. Exploring the connection your new holistic self can have with others can be an educational, transformative… Read On »