Asking For Help When Struggling With Addiction

Many people struggle with addiction. What happens after they admit to themselves that they have a problem? After admitting that there is a problem with their use of drugs or alcohol, the next step is asking for help from others. Those that struggle with addiction can be wary of asking for help. Asking for help means that they must admit to something they would probably prefer not to mention. Asking ... Continue Reading »

Signs of Addiction

Addiction is a highly complex condition that can affect virtually anyone. In the United States alone, approximately 21 million people suffer from addiction every year. Unfortunately, of those 21 million people, only 10 percent receive help and treatment. Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step to getting help for yourself or guiding someone you care about to help. For this reason, it is critical to have an understanding of the signs ... Continue Reading »

The Effects Of Substance Use On Appearance

In 2019, West Virginia had the highest drug overdose-related death rate in the US, coming in at a staggering 52.8% per 100,000 residents. Outside of Delaware (48%), the closest ranking states to West Virginia were Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, proving that the drug epidemic is happening right in our backyard. Drug usage results in a number of unhealthy consequences, from dissension within the family to self-disfigurement. Read on to discover how substance abuse can ... Continue Reading »

The Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Chances are you or someone you know has been affected by substance abuse or addiction. In 2018, West Virginia ‘led’ all other states in opioid-related deaths occurring per 100,000 residents with a total of 42.4%, nearly 10% higher than the next leading state. This doesn’t have to be your fate. We know this topic is a personally sensitive issue to most people. Below we discuss some of the major causes of substance use ... Continue Reading »

Recovery Day at the WV Capitol – 2021

Due to Covid-19, Recovery Day at the WV Capitol 2021 will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 23rd! Please join us in celebrating personal resiliency stories, identifying available resources, and discovering educational opportunities on March 23rd using the Zoom link below. Schedule: 9 am-Noon: Resources for Recovery– Explore resources available in West Virginia! Featuring: Compass Counseling, Jefferson County Day Report Center, West Virginia Board of Examiners, Blue Ridge Communi Continue Reading »

A Story of Hope: Melissa Pemberton

Melissa Pemberton is a resident of Huntington, West Virginia. She has a successful career, recently bought her first home and is passionate about helping others by sharing her powerful journey. But Melissa’s life did not always look the way it does today. At the age of 19, Melissa’s life changed when she was involved in a tragic car accident and was prescribed pain medication and other mood-altering, addictive medication. ... Continue Reading »