Big Elephant Community Outreach Director, Ron Stupka and Program Director, Bill Bowler, LICDC, LPC joined Mr. Hal Steinhart on his radio show to help spread the message of hope. Out after a challenging life growing up as a child in Northeastern Ohio, Hal Steinhart had additionally gone through even more struggles as an adult. When [...]
Let’s look at addictive disease from the family point of view: The word crisis comes to mind. We look for help when we are in trouble. Crisis though can lead to a destructive path that further divides family and friends. When we are unprepared we tend to react without a plan and with no direction [...]
Everyone can quickly think of an anti-drug campaign, such as "Just Say No", or "Drug Free - the Way to Be". There are marches being held by youth supporting the anti-drug movement and a plethora of school and civic based events, such as D.A.R.E which works tirelessly to help our youth. These are all wonderful, [...]
There are many misconceptions about what it’s like to reach out for help to overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol. Here are some of the most common ones and what the real truth is: FALSE: I will get in legal trouble (go to jail) if I call to get help for a drug or alcohol [...]
Addiction is confounding and surrounded by a great deal of controversy and stigma because there is still so much that is currently unknown about it. Because of this, being able to fully answer why some people become addicted and not others is still a controversial question with no definitive answer. Also, knowing whether you are [...]
Let's look at the family since addiction affects the entire family. We know we need to say something, and at the same time, it all seems so hopeless. We know we really care and need to do something. But what? No one seems to know what to say or do and it seems like it [...]
The first two things you need to know about kicking the Heroin habit: You won’t die from Heroin withdrawal symptoms You won’t go to jail or get in trouble for reaching out to get help to quit Heroin There are no two ways about it; heroin withdrawal is no walk in the park by any [...]
No one says they want to be an addict, struggle with a mental health problem, or both when they grow up, or to have a loved one who struggles. No one wants to be told that these are actual diseases that will require long term recovery efforts and major lifestyle changes either. Unfortunately, millions of [...]
When it comes to ongoing recovery from addiction and mental illnesses, relapse is not a word that anyone wants to think about. The risk of relapse is tremendous though if a sustainable recovery plan is not followed. This holds true for any type of addiction such as alcohol, drugs and relationship addictions as well such [...]
More than half of all American families are affected by alcohol or drug addiction according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. Because of this, it is highly likely that you will realize one of your friends or family members is struggling with an addiction. Knowing how to help could very well save his [...]
