Recovery BLVD Treatment Center in Portland, Oregon

10/21/2022

CALL US at 971-302-0835

10/21/2022

6 things you shouldn’t say to an addict?

6 things to avoid saying to “get” someone when they are addicted to a substance and need help:

1. It is just a matter of will power, just stop.

You may believe this statement but research has shown there is a multitude of economic, environmental and genetic components that bring about addiction. Will power may be all it takes for some but most need assistance. Regardless this is a statement that pushes people deeper into shame because they cannot willpower away the addiction.

2. Alcoholism and addiction are a weakness; or a lack of morality, or a moral failing.
Quite the opposite. Most have highly developed empathy, ethics and know right from wrong. Substances numb these values and principles. The brain (where decisions are made) is greatly impacted by drugs. The brain is where decisions and choices are made. Now these decisions are done from a brain in a state of illness. Addiction is a disease of the brain that manifests itself in abnormal behaviors. While society, friends and family are often deeply impacted by the irrational actions of an addict it is important to separate these things from the person. Identifying addiction as a real illness with real recovery available helps to take away the judgements often attached with addiction diagnoses. Regardless, a moral failing is not what addiction is; rather it is a medical illness and can be in remission with correct interventions.

3. How could you do this to us? Why don’t you love us?

You may feel like this shame based questioning highlights to the addict the pain they are creating. However, the addict often just uses more alcohol or drugs to forget the pain they created for others. While the choices and actions of addicts are painful and feel deeply personal to those closest to them. Shaming an addict helps addiction take deeper root. Remember they are suffering already.

4. You have disappointed us.

Again any shame only drives the alcoholic or addict deeper into an already isolated place of self loathing.

5. Get a job.

Often directed to men this advice is detrimental. Jobs don’t keep or get people sober. The directions to get a job and the addiction will stop suddenly is wishful thinking. Employment too soon often leads to relapse.

6. NOTHING.

Real concern and love will be the key to helping a loved one. Saying nothing or ignoring them and/or isolating an addict almost guarantees a longer time spent lost in addiction.

If you or someone you love needs help with a ongoing addiction problem or advice please call us at: 971-321-0835

10/14/2022

10/05/2022

Shout out to our recovery advocates in Portland, OR sharing their stories to help save those still suffering. Thank you Deandre!

08/20/2022

Every day is an opportunity to change and move forward.

08/18/2022

There is still time to change the road you're on at Recovery Blvd. Call us at 971-302-0835.

07/25/2022

https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/kids-shouldnt-die-need-4-narcan-holds-happy-valley-event/amp/

“This isn’t the drug epidemic from the ’70s and the ’80s,” said Need 4 Narcan Director Michele Stroh. “Kids shouldn’t die from making one choice, and these pills…