Yes, Addiction Really Is a Disease. Here’s Why.
For many patients, the understanding that their drug or alcohol problem stems from a diagnosable disease brings comfort and hope. For others, the idea seems wrong. I know patients aren’t comfortable with the “disease model” of addiction when they ask me things like: Do you really believe addiction is a disease? I chose to […]
Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment and Recovery Services in Portland
June is pride month, so in honor of the amazing gains – and all the progress yet to be made – by the LGBTQ+ community, we wanted to highlight our favorite resources for the sober LGBTQ+ community in Portland. Sobriety can present extra challenges for folks in the LGBTQ+ community, especially when so […]
Our 4 Favorite Addiction Recovery Support Groups in Portland Oregon
Tracking down the right support group for you can be difficult, especially when you’re new to recovery. But trust us, there’s a group out there for everyone — you just have to find it. Portland is blessed with a plethora of addiction recovery support groups. We have everything from faith-based groups, to evidence-based groups, […]
So You Had a Dream About Using Drugs or Alcohol. Now What?
When you are in recovery from substance use disorder, it is very, VERY common to dream about using. A lot of folks find these dreams really disturbing and upsetting. When you have a “drug dream,” do you find yourself wondering: If you are at risk of relapse? If you are working your program hard […]
Oregon’s Decriminalization Vote is a Game Changer for Addiction Treatment in Portland
The state of Oregon became the first state in the United States to decriminalize drugs on February 1st this year thanks to Measure 110 and the Drug Policy Alliance. It’s no longer a crime to carry small amounts of drugs like methamphetamine, heroin or LSD. Instead of jail time, you’re looking at a $100 […]
Stop Relapse Before It Starts by Knowing the Warning Signs
Getting sober can be relatively easy for some, it’s staying sober that most people find tricky. Oftentimes, when you’re struggling with addiction, you’ve tried to quit a number of times — if not many times — in the past. But after a few days, weeks, months or years, something happens. Maybe it’s […]
Lonely in Portland? Connection is an Essential Part of Addiction Treatment
We often think of depression, anxiety, trauma, genetic factors and financial trouble in association with addiction – and these often play a part in the disease – but rarely do we talk about the elephant in the room: loneliness. According to one study, people who self-report as lonely have double the risk for […]
Sober and Sad? Here’s 3 Cures for the Winter Blues in Portland, Oregon
Wintertime blues are nothing new. It’s usually that time before spring’s first bulbs but after the holidays that hits people the hardest. Dark days, bad weather and chilly temperatures tend to get the best of us down. But when you’re in recovery, it’s so important to do everything you can to practice self-care, stay […]
Here’s How Trauma Changes Your Brain and Makes You More Susceptible to Addiction
Note: Trauma can impact us deeply. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, reach out to Lines for Life right away. Local, understanding people are available to listen 24/7. Their number is 800-273-8255. This article deals with trauma. If you do not feel safe to read material about potentially upsetting subjects right now, please […]
What Causes Addiction? Here’s What We Know – And Don’t Know – About the Disease
If you struggle with addiction, it can feel very important to know why substance use has become a problem for you. If you have a friend or family member who struggles with addiction, you may want to know if there’s something you did to cause substance abuse in that loved one. Although the […]
