“Treatment” is a vague term that can mean different things in different contexts, and different situations may call for different treatment methods. That’s why there are a number of therapies you may participate in during an evidence-based addiction treatment program. At The Blanchard Institute, we believe it’s important to take a holistic, innovative approach to […]
As a child on the playground, did you ever find yourself responding to a slight by chanting, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”? Wouldn’t it be nice if that childish retort were really true? In reality, words can hurt. And in the world of addiction recovery and mental […]
You’ve known your brother or sister for your entire life — or the majority of it. They likely played an influential role in who you are today. So, no doubt, it’s challenging to see them struggle with substance abuse, causing addiction and family to intertwine in unpleasant ways. But now they’re in a recovery program […]
Is your loved one in treatment for addiction? If so, they need you now more than ever. At The Blanchard Institute, we know that family members like you play an integral role in your loved one’s recovery and ongoing healing. That’s why we don’t just treat the individual, we equip families with the knowledge and […]
Relapse is a significant concern for anyone on the path to recovery from addiction. Understanding and managing triggers is essential to maintaining sobriety. Triggers are stimuli that evoke cravings or urges to use substances. They can be emotional, social, environmental, or even physical. Recognizing these triggers and developing strategies to cope with them can help […]
Addiction is often described as a relationship pathology. “Substance use disorders (SUDs) negatively affect individual social functioning,” wrote Pettersen, Landheim, et al in their 2019 study on how social relationships influence substance use disorder recovery. “In spite of a well-known tendency to consider SUD recovery an individual concern, several studies have evidenced that these processes […]
Introduction The Invitational Model of Intervention offers a unique and compassionate approach to addressing addiction. Unlike traditional intervention methods, which often involve confrontation and surprise, the Invitational Model emphasizes collaboration, respect, and open communication. This approach aims to create an environment where individuals struggling with addiction feel supported rather than attacked, facilitating a smoother path […]
Interventions are often misunderstood, largely due to portrayals in popular media as confrontational and aggressive events where individuals feel ambushed. However, the approach taken by The Blanchard Institute offers a different perspective, focusing on love, compassion, and family involvement. The Invitational Model of Intervention The invitational model used by The Blanchard Institute emphasizes inviting the individual to […]
Alcohol consumption can lead to significant changes in the brain, affecting both its structure and function. The impact of alcohol on the brain can be profound, especially with chronic use, and understanding these changes is crucial for recognizing the signs of alcohol use disorder and seeking appropriate treatment. Short-Term Effects on the Brain Altered Neurotransmitter […]
The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol and detoxifying the body. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, progressing through several stages. Understanding these stages is crucial for recognizing the impact of alcohol on liver health and taking preventive measures. Stage 1: Fatty Liver (Steatosis) Fatty Liver OverviewFatty liver, or steatosis, […]
