August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. While it is a day to remember those who have died from substance use disorders and offer…
For years, people thought a person struggling with addiction, or a substance use disorder (SUD), was at fault for their own struggles. People with…
American author, poet, and activist Maya Angelou said, “In Diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” This statement illustrates the power of bringing…
During the Recovery Ally Training hosted by NPC, presenter Thomas Bannard (MBA, CPRSS, CADC, Assistant Director Substance Use and Recovery Support at Virginia Commonwealth…
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of stigma is “a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one’s reputation.” The medical…
In April of 2021, Nora Volko, the head of the National Institute of Drug Abuse gave a report on the rise in overdose deaths…
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, and you can find stories from people like Ann Marie, whose 20-year-old son became addicted…
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”
Remember that saying from when we were young? It was something our parents often said to us. Some of truly believed that words cannot hurt us, but now we know differently. We know that words build up and tear down. They create bullies and contribute to mental health disorders. They can inspire and encourage us.
When we learn that someone has a substance use disorder, the words that come to mind reveal our biases. We quickly realize that describing someone as a junkie is hurtful, but what about addict or substance abuser? Do we recognize that they are just as harmful?
Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some prescription opioids are made from the plant directly, and others…