Maintaining Community During COVID-19
By Lori Fiester, Clinical Director of the Center for Recovering Families As the last week wound down and settled, my staff and I made it through the trials and tribulations of integrating telehealth into our services. The reward – we are able to connect with our clients, see their faces, …Read More »
Where to start?
The continuum of care has many opportunities for someone to stay sober. Research indicates that the longer a person is in treatment services, the less risk they have for relapse.Read More »
The Council on Recovery Responds to Rising Trend of Adolescent Vaping with Specialized Services for Teens and Parents
In response to the dramatic rise in adolescent vaping, The Council on Recovery is excited to announce the launch of specialized services specifically designed to deliver education, early intervention, and clinical treatment for adolescents experimenting with or abusing electronic cigarettes. Lori Fiester, LCSW, MAC, CIP, CDWF, Clinical Director, says “With …Read More »
Grateful Client Gives Back
This guest post is written and graciously shared by Janel, a grateful client who found recovery through The Council Seven years ago I was trapped living a nightmare with no way out. My addiction took me to the darkest place imaginable. I was literally battling for my soul. I could …Read More »Discrimination, immigration, treatment expectations, and family stigma are among barriers to Latinos seeking treatment
The following article was recently published on the research page of the Recovery Research Institute website. It explores a new study that indicates Latinos have the lowest treatment seeking rates compared to people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. WHAT PROBLEM DOES THIS STUDY ADDRESS? National studies have shown that individuals who …Read More »
How Does Spirituality Change the Brain?
The following article by Dr. Mark Gold, recently published on the Addiction Policy Forum Blog, explores the growing body of research about what regions of the brain are changed during a person’s spiritual practice. It presents compelling ideas for how fellowship and treatment programs can empower individuals in recovery to …Read More »
Do You Know the Signs & Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder?
The term “substance use disorder” is frequently used to describe misuse, dependence, and addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. While the substances may vary, the signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder are the same. Do you know what they are? First a few definitions: Signs are …Read More »
Guide: 11 Indicators of Quality Addiction Treatment
How to identify high-quality addiction treatment programs. The Council on Recovery recommends the following guide published by the Recovery Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. We suggest using it to evaluate addiction treatment options for you or your loved ones. [The Council meets/exceeds all 11 quality indicators.] Intro …Read More »
Baby Boomers and the Alarming Increase in Alcohol Use Disorders
Baby Boomers are the fastest growing segment of the population. They’re also the group with the most dramatic increase in harmful alcohol use. According to a research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, increases in alcohol use, high risk drinking, and alcohol use disorders (AUD) among adults 65 years and …Read More »
Sobering Facts About Holiday Drunk Driving
This is the season for celebrating with family and friends. But, when it comes to drunk driving, this most joyous time of year is also the deadliest. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every holiday season, hundreds of lives are lost due to drunk drivers. Drunk driving …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 45
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 45 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In the aftermath of the fall of Rome in the 5th century and the loss of …Read More »
Alarming Increase in Adolescent Vaping and Nicotine Use in 2018
An alarming increase in the prevalence of vaping among adolescents has raised public health concern, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Research into vaping among teens was conducted by the University of Michigan. It indicated a sharp increase in the prevalence of nicotine …Read More »
Debunking the Myths About Holiday Drinking & Driving
Celebrating the spirit of the holidays often includes drinking holiday spirits. Most people celebrate responsibly. But during the holiday season, people are more likely to drink beyond a safe limit than at other times of year. And when driving is involved, the resulting consequences can be tragic. Despite all the evidence …Read More »
9th Annual Run for Recovery Raises Money for The Council on Recovery
The 9th Annual Run for Recovery took place Sunday, November 2nd. One of Houston’s largest recovery events, the race attracted more than 400 people of all ages. Runners, walkers, and other supporters of recovery participated in the 5K run/walk (timed and untimed) and Kids Race along scenic Memorial Drive next …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 43
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 43 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In the multi-season show, Stargate SG – 1 and its offshoot, Stargate Atlantis, there is a …Read More »
New Study: Hangovers Impair Thoughts & Performance Even After Alcohol Leaves the Bloodstream
According to a recent study, the effects of a hangover from heavy drinking on our thoughts and performance may last longer than originally thought. The study, published in the journal Addiction, indicates that impairments in cognition observed in drunk individuals still occur the day after a session of heavy drinking, …Read More »
The Council’s Speakers Series Luncheons 2000-2018 – A Galaxy of Stars
The Council on Recovery’s 2018 Fall Luncheon with Alice Cooper was the 36th Luncheon in the The Waggoners Foundation Speaker Series. Since 2000, the Waggoners Foundation along with, more recently, the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation, have underwritten the production of a Spring and Fall Luncheons. These luncheons have raised millions of …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 42
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 42 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In an earlier note, I talked about the Greek experience of hieros gamos, the idea of …Read More »
Rock Legend Alice Cooper Helps The Council on Recovery Raise $495K to Fund Addiction Prevention, Education, & Treatment Programs
Alice Cooper, the Godfather of Shock-Rock and Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer thrilled an audience of more than 1100 with his personal story of recovery from alcoholism and addiction this past Thursday at the Hilton Americas-Houston. In the process, he helped The Council on Recovery raise more than $495,000 to provide addiction …Read More »
Senator John Cornyn Visits The Council to Host Roundtable Discussion on Opioid Addiction in Houston
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) visited The Council on Recovery on October 30th to host a roundtable discussion on opioid addiction in Houston. The discussion came a week after the President signed into law legislation that was originally introduced by Cornyn and U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA). The new law, …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 41
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 41 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. There is a literary device that was originated in classical literature and theatre known in Latin …Read More »National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Takes Place Oct. 27, 10A – 2P
Semi-Annual event provides safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting the semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27. The goal of the event is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, …Read More »
Methamphetamine Abuse: The Other Drug Epidemic
While the opioid epidemic continues to dominate the national headlines, methamphetamine addiction has emerged as a major crisis in Texas. A big problem Methamphetamine, known as “meth”, killed 715 Texans in 2016 compared to 539 heroin deaths. During the same period, U.S-Mexican border agents seized seven times more meth than …Read More »
News Release: Texas HHSC Receives $46M Grant to Fight Opioid Use Disorders
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 40
In the parlance of long-running, multi-season TV shows, the term “jump the shark” denotes that point at which the series popularity begins to decline. It usually cites a particular show in which the characters in the show do something a bit absurd, maybe so much beyond the mythos of the …Read More »
<strong>Senate Passes Broad Opioid Package to Address National Crisis</strong>
The Council on Recovery applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage of the final version of a sweeping opioids package Wednesday. Passed with rare bipartisan support by a vote of 98-1, the bill will be sent it to the White House for expected signature. The bill represents Congressional response to the opioid …Read More »
Yale Study: Genes May Explain Why Alcohol Detox is Particularly Hard for Some People
New findings published in journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Some heavy drinkers suffer intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking — some, less so. A new Yale-led international study of individuals with alcohol dependence has identified gene variants that may help explain why “detox” from alcohol is particularly …Read More »
How Drugs Alter Brain Development and Affect Teens
Changes in Brain Development and Function From Drug Abuse Most kids grow dramatically during the adolescent and teen years. Their young brains, particularly the prefrontal cortex that is used to make decisions, are growing and developing, until their mid-20’s. Long-term drug use causes brain changes that can set people up for addiction …Read More »The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 39
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 39 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In Greek mythology, the heiros gamos is a holy ritual, a sacred marriage of a god …Read More »
CNN Reports Nearly 30% of All Opioid Prescriptions Lack Medical Explanation
This CNN story reported findings of a recent study by the Annals of Internal Medicine that indicated nearly 30% of all opioid prescriptions lack medical explanation: (CNN) How large a role do doctors play in the opioid crisis? Nearly 30% of all opioids prescribed in US clinics or doctors’ offices lack a …Read More »The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 38
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 38 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In Herman Melville’s classic, Moby-Dick, Captain Ahab was near mortally wounded by a powerful albino sperm …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 37
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 37 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. The story of Homer’s Odyssey, to which we keep returning as a classic Hero’s Journey, ends …Read More »
Time to cut back on drinking? Here’s how…
Written by Felice J. Freyer & published by The Boston Globe, the following article provides excellent tips to those who drink. Timely information for those who use, misuse, or abuse alcohol. Alcohol is deeply ingrained in American life, central to our habits of socializing, celebrating, and relaxing. But the pleasure …Read More »
As School Starts, Know the Facts About College Drinking
As students start the Fall Semester at college, The Council on Recovery urges parents and students to consider the facts about college drinking from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Harmful and underage college drinking are significant public health problems, and they exact an enormous toll on the …Read More »
The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 36
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 36 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In 1993, comedian Bill Murray stared in a film called Groundhog Day. It is about a …Read More »
Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Remain a Popular Hallucinogen
Among the hallucinogens abused by those who have a substance use disorder (SUD), psilocybin mushrooms are still a popular source of getting high. Similar to other hallucinogens, such as mescaline and peyote, and known on the street as “magic mushrooms”, they contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin and are found throughout …Read More »
2018 Houston Opioid Summit Creates Vital Awareness and Cooperation in the Battle Against Opioid Addiction
For two full days last week, nearly 250 leaders from across Harris County gathered at The Council on Recovery’s first Opioid Summit. In keynote addresses, topical breakout sessions, panel discussions, round-table discussions, and interpersonal networking, people on the front-line in battling the opioid crisis exchanged ideas, information, and experience …Read More »
CDC Report: Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Women’s Health
Recently reported data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are shedding new light on the links between excessive alcohol use by women and the increasing risks to female health. Here are vital the facts from the CDC. Although men are more likely to drink alcohol and drink …Read More »
The Connection Between Trauma & Addiction, with John O’Neill
Lori invites John O’Neill of The Menninger Clinic to discuss the connection between trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse. With the whirlwind of shocking events occurring in the world, from COVID-19, to the economic collapse, to the repeated acts of police brutality and ensuing protests, we’re already seeing an increase in …Read More »
What Do Expanded Telehealth Services Mean for the Mental Healthcare Industry Beyond COVID-19?
To limit the spread of COVID-19, The Council on Recovery has joined numerous behavioral health organizations across the world in adopting telehealth into our services, which means we treat people remotely for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. While telehealth has its drawbacks, expanded telehealth services across the globe is …Read More »
The Connection Between Substance Abuse & Suicide, with Dr. Sam Buser & Kimi Buser-Clancy
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we invited Dr. Sam Buser, psychologist for the Houston Fire Department, and his daughter Kimi Buser-Clancy, actor and activist, to our podcast to discuss the connection between substance abuse and suicide, and how we can reach out to others to prevent both during traumatic times. …Read More »Coping & Self-Care: How Do I Take Care of My Mental Health During COVID-19?
In this episode of Healing Choices: Conversations on Addiction and Recovery, President and CEO Mel Taylor and Clinical Director of the Center for Recovering Families Lori Fiester meet virtually to discuss how to best take care of your mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic and social isolation. They also discuss …Read More »
Sober Living in the Pandemic
Guest Blog contributed by Rick Renaudin, member of the Board of Trustees for The Council on Recovery Like many of you, I am a creature of habit. I’ve got my set routine which includes family, work, exercise, playing with our puppy, etc. Sobriety begs for a good routine. Roughly 7 …Read More »