Category: Co-Occurring Disorders

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with  drug user– according to(health experts). Sounds like stigma, and that is discrimination. The principles of harm reduction can and should be utilized by those who suffer with any form of addiction.

Harm reduction (or harm minimization) is a range of public health policies designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with various human behaviors, both legal and illegal. Harm reduction policies are used to manage behaviors such as recreational drug use and sexual activity in numerous settings that range from services through to geographical regions. Critics of harm reduction typically believe that tolerating risky or illegal behavior sends a message to the community that such behaviors are acceptable and that some of the actions proposed by proponents of harm reduction do not reduce harm over the long term. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Today so many people are fighting the war of behavioral health issues of addictions, mental health and suicide called  (co-occurring disorders) and they are seeking hope through new integrative  ways that could change their life.

The Harm Reduction theory:

So let’s look at addiction and mental health disorders using  the theory from the stages of change  as it relates to harm reduction.

1. Pre-contemplation is: Not yet acknowledging that there is a problem  that needs to be changed 
2. Contemplation is: Acknowledging that there is a problem, but not yet ready or sure of
   wanting to make a change
3. Determination is: Getting ready to change
4. Action is: Changing behavior
5. Maintenance is: Maintaining the behavior change.

Recently the medical health professionals are adding relapse as the six level of change. (You Think) The question is why not include or explore harm reduction as a therapy method for change such as:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is-a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique to get to a stage of acceptance.

One-on-one therapy 

Not everyone is able to share and discover their issues of life in a group. One-on-one therapy allows the person to dig deep with an qualified behavioral health professional to reach the help that is needed before attending group therapy.

Group therapy 

Group therapy allows one to be able to share with others to gain a better understanding that
they are not alone!

No one wants to be an addict of any form. however what about those with co-occurring disorders?

Society must understand that addiction or mental health disorders or  suicidal thoughts are issues that just do not go away. With harm reduction it gives those with behavioral health challenges a fighting chance to deal with the root of their problem instead of returning to risky behavioral. The time has arrived for society to understand that  harm-reduction strategies are showing results   in reducing HIV transmission in injecting drug users, sex-workers, those with eating disorders alcohol, gambling and more.

If we deal with harm reduction for those who suffer with co-occurring disorders issues of  addictions, depression, bipolar, eating disorders, schizophrenia and suicide– just maybe the lives for our youth, young adults as well as the mature adults can be approached from a different stage wise level by accepting and moving forward in a realistic  way.

I welcome your thoughts, wisdom and remarks  on harm reduction

As the world is re-opening and people are returning to work, we as a society are learning that cleaning disinfectants   has become the new normal to combat the COVID-19 virus.

Below you will learn  a few examples to consider when returning back to work and how  to  utilize product to keep you safe. 

Bleach is very strong.  It’s also a good way to disinfect surfaces you touch a lot. That’s things like doorknobs, countertops, or light switches. Always cut it with water.

Don’t Clean Your Cell Phone With Bleach

Bleach can damage the screen’s fingerprint-resistant coating. It might be OK to use an alcohol or disinfectant wipe. Check with the company that makes your phone to be sure. No matter what you clean with, don’t get any moisture near the openings. 

Don’t Mix With Ammonia

This forms a toxic gas called chloramine. It can hurt the tissue in your eyes, throat, nose, and lungs. It can also cause breathing problems.

Now according to the Gone Outdoors website : Cleaning with white vinegar, bleach or ammonia offers homeowners effective cleaning solutions that are less expensive than all-purpose cleaners. White vinegar, bleach and ammonia each has its own specific uses in the home to remove stains, clean and sanitize. Each cleaner stands on its own or mixes with water rather than mixing with each other, especially bleach and ammonia. When mixed, bleach and ammonia form a toxic vapor that overcomes its victim and leads to death.

Read more here:

This Is How You Can Return To Work Safely

While the Centers for Disease Control have issued guidance for returning to work, their recommendations do not go far enough to protect those at risk. For instance, an employee with COVID-19 symptoms who was told by their doctor to care for themselves at home would be allowed to return to work just three days after recovery according to the CDC. This means that a sick employee would be back in the office after only three days without a fever or a cough, a recommendation which flies in the face of early evidence which has shown that some patients may be infectious for up to ten days after obvious symptoms have resolved.

To protect yourself, your coworkers, and your loved ones who you return home to each night, here are a few tips I recommend all employees follow based on the science we know now:

Read more here:

Naming synthetic cannabinoids

Many of the early synthetic cannabinoids that were synthesized for use in research were named after either the scientist who first synthesized them or the institution or company where they originated. For example, JWH compounds are named after John W. Huffman and AM compounds are named after Alexandros Makriyannis, the scientists who first synthesized those cannabinoids. HU compounds are named after Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the institution where they were first synthesized, and CP compounds are named after Charles Pfizer, the company where they were first synthesized. Site source here:

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the raise in co-occurring disorders relating to mental health (depression) addictions, suicidal ideations and or domestic violence people are hurting.  

The fact that the coronavirus has been the front news, the opioid crisis must again be reported to the people with what is happening as far as the epidemic whether good news or bad.  

Here is something to ponder if the reports from Canada are true… Lord help us!

Let’s talk about it–share your thoughts.

According to a report by CNN Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said on Tuesday July 7, 2020 he does not anticipate a federal coronavirus vaccine mandate in the US once one is made available.

Dr. Fauci explained he “could see individual institutions mandating a vaccine” but not at the nationwide level “merely because of all the situations you have encroaching upon a person’s freedom to make their own choice of their own health.”

In the meantime, Dr. Fauci stressed the importance of face masks in combating the virus — something he said he’s “strongly in favor” of mandating, just not on the federal level.  Read the complete story here:

In his remarks on Tuesday July 7, 2020  President Trump referenced when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended against wearing masks earlier in the pandemic. But the CDC later reversed its decision, saying people should wear masks in public spaces. Read more here:

What America needs to understand there is a behavioral health disorder happening worst than the coronavirus known as “
co-occurring disorders of addictions, mental health, suicide and  domestic violence that are leading us as a nation to unemployment and homelessness.

With this unknown and unaddressed  co-occurring disorders, America is embarking on a new pandemic that is causing us to never get back to what was known as normal. 

Let’s Talk… What are your thoughts  regarding a vaccine federal mandate in the United States?

Question–What is the agenda behind Black Lives Matter?

His name is Davon McNeal

Does  Black Lives Matter only if you can get a riot? Or if the news can get attention? Where is the help for black families who live everyday with fear?

You say that our country has challenges that  is called black on black crime. But what is the Black Lives Matter solutions to help black families?

This is where we as a people need the BLM support. Why does a child have to die because of gun violence?

Black Lives Matter where is your agenda to empower the black communities? Is your agenda not about black lives just money to exploit the need to help us as a people?

From what we see in Washington, DC nobody really gives a damn because there is a  genocide agenda.

Community joins together in Washington, DC  to ask What Can We Do to help. Let’s Talk

“Uncertainty and the coronavirus is causing depression at an alarming rate. We must address this before it becomes the new pandemic of 2020″. -M/R Johnson

Did you know that nearly 23 million Americans struggling with addiction, nearly 14 million also suffer from some form of mental illness, either stemming from or leading to substance abuse?

Did you also know that nearly six out of 10 addicts also suffer from a mental disorder such as ADHD, PTSD or schizophrenia. People who are addicted to drugs are twice as likely to suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder and vice versa, and roughly three quarters of addicts in rehab treatment also suffer from some sort of mental disorder. Furthermore, many drugs of abuse have qualities that can mimic the symptoms of mental illness and withdrawal side effects that are often diagnosed as mental illness.

Well no matter the statics people do recover. Below are two empowering videos to enlighten you with hope.  Recovery Stories from the Cafe TA Center  and  Supporting Recovery: Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders video. Here are their  recovery stories.

I welcome your thoughts, wisdom and remarks  on recovery

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth one step and or one door at a time.

What does wellness mean to you?

Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions.-According to the Student Health and Counseling Services

Strategies for wellness:

There are believed to be eight dimensions of wellness according to SAMHSA   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration that include:

1. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
2. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
3. Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
4. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
5. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
6. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
8. Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life

While all  eight dimensions of wellness need our attention for us to truly flourish, there doesn’t have to be a balance among all dimensions. Instead, the goal is to find a personal harmony with the dimensions that are most authentic for you.  You can’t get there passively, it requires active awareness, acceptance, and commitment through choices you make every day no matter how small.-According to the University of Maryland Health Center

Did you know that:

Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. (1896–1975) was the leading figure in establishing a national vital statistics system in the United States and is known as the “father of the wellness movement”
-According to Wikipedia

The Evolution of Wellness:

Although Dr Dunn, is known as the father of the wellness movement. The evolution of wellness has been around for a long time.

No matter how one looks at wellness, it is important to note that there are four important elements  of wellness and they are:

• Physical
• Mental
• Emotional
• Spiritual

More Education:

Education is the key to unlocking the doors of change  to moving forward in wellness in-order for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements to be in harmony. 
I welcome your thoughts, wisdom and remarks  on wellness