May 23, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery
We’ve already discussed that this May is Mental Health Month, and have covered some of the concerns specific to men’s experience of mental illness. Today, we’d like to explore the value of self-esteem: a topic often ignored by men’s health advocates, but one of utmost importance. Why Does Self-Esteem Matter? Self-esteem is defined as […]
Read moreMay 15, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
It’s extremely common for addicts to rationalize their substance use and minimize its gravity. This why it shouldn’t be surprising that they try to maintain high-functioning façades for loved ones and coworkers. But not everything is as it seems. Someone who may appear to have it all together could be seconds from intense withdrawal. Addicts […]
Read moreMay 9, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
The Silent Crisis Men’s mental health is often called The Silent Crisis, largely because of the heavy layers of stigma that prevent the discussion and treatment of life-threatening depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Spearhead Recovery is proud to recognize Mental Health Month this May. In observance, we have prepared this comprehensive guide to men’s mental illness. […]
Read moreApr 30, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Lying and manipulation seem to go hand-in-hand with addiction. These behaviors can be distressing to friends and family, who notice changes in their loved one’s actions over time. They become more secretive and may begin acting erratically, behaving in ways that are increasingly uncharacteristic of their personalities. Once-dedicated parents may be noticeably absent from family […]
Read moreApr 15, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Gender Differences in Substance Use Men are more likely than women to misuse nearly all types of substances, and their use is considered more intense – they’re much more likely to overdose or find themselves in the emergency room. Research shows that men and women use and react to drugs differently, which is why it’s important […]
Read moreApr 8, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Making daily exercise a part of your sober living plan is perhaps the best way to keep your mind and body strong and ready for the hard work of recovery. The mental and physical benefits of being active are far-reaching. This includes reducing stress, anxiety and depression, which often co-occur with substance use disorders. Plus, […]
Read moreApr 4, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a perfect time to educate people on the dangers of alcohol abuse and spread the message that help and hope are possible. Along these lines, we’re taking a look at binge drinking – and how to know when it turns into a problem that needs proper treatment. First, let’s define […]
Read moreMar 29, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Recovery is full of emotional challenges as you come to terms with accepting your past, making amends, feeling your feelings, forgiving yourself and rediscovering your new sober self. While you’re dealing with a host of toxic emotions on your journey toward sobriety, one of the most destructive ones is shame. What is shame? It’s that […]
Read moreMar 21, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Despite ongoing efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health, a lot of men aren’t comfortable expressing how they feel. According to the mental health charity, Mind, four out of five young adults, ages 18 to 34, admit to putting on a “brave face” when they feel anxious. Suffering from anxiety is nothing to be […]
Read moreMar 14, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
When we think of St. Patrick’s Day, many of us think about a green beer drinking fest. But, in fact, St. Patrick’s Day was once a religious holiday that celebrated the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish went to church and celebrated their culture; traditionally, pubs were closed on that day. Unfortunately, March 17 has […]
Read moreMar 8, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
If addiction is a lonely disease, then a successful recovery depends on camaraderie and mutual support. This goes for both women and men in addiction treatment. In fact, many experts say that true healing begins when men make themselves vulnerable and reveal their authentic selves in a community of other men. The Benefits of “Bromances” […]
Read moreMar 4, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Learning to overcome feelings of isolation is a big part of overcoming your addiction. This is why many rehabilitation centers focus on helping you to build mutually supportive relationships through peer activities and support groups. Many experts say that isolation is an enemy of sobriety – it could have fueled your addiction in the first […]
Read moreFeb 20, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Could eating an extra piece of fruit or salad with your meal help your mental health and overall recovery? According to new study of 40,000 participants, adding more fruits and veggies to your daily diet may just be as beneficial as taking a walk when it comes to fending off depression and improving your mood. […]
Read moreFeb 15, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog
For years, alcoholic liver disease (or ALD) was considered “an old man’s disease” – but with more people drinking too much alcohol, liver disease is becoming an issue for younger people, too. A new national study by experts from Michigan Medicine examined data from more than 100 million privately insured U.S. residents over a period of seven […]
Read moreFeb 8, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog, Uncategorized
Whether you’re in recovery, concerned about a loved one’s drinking or considering recovery for yourself, it can’t hurt to read a reminder about the health dangers of alcohol abuse and, more specifically, binge drinking. Certainly, by now you know that binge drinking is bad for you – it increases your risk of addiction and suicide […]
Read moreJan 29, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Mindfulness, recovery
Meditation is certainly becoming more mainstream among the male population; celebs like Russell Simmons and Hugh Jackman have publicly endorsed its benefits. And it can be especially beneficial for men in addiction recovery. For writer Quentin Vennie, who overcame addiction, depression and an anxiety disorder, it helped him to become more aware of the emotional and […]
Read moreJan 25, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Healthy relationships are an important part of recovery and this means learning to decipher the good ones from the bad ones. Toxic relationships can be harmful to your mental health and cause anger, depression and anxiety. Toxicity – whether in the form of demeaning language, physical or verbal abuse, deception or gossip – can challenge […]
Read moreJan 16, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
We all get angry; it’s a normal human emotion and one that you’re bound to deal with during recovery. Resentment is closely tied to anger. Resentment forms when you hold onto anger toward a person, institution or situation – for instance, if you feel snubbed or mistakenly forgotten about by a family member or friend. […]
Read moreJan 4, 2019 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog
Making the decision to stop drinking is perhaps the best thing you can do for your body and mind. If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, it won’t be an easy step – but the sooner you quit, the better your chances of regaining good health. Some pretty amazing […]
Read moreDec 27, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
With the New Year around the corner, you might be thinking about some goals for 2019 – or some ways you can increase your confidence, make your recovery stronger and add to your new fulfilling sober life. While making lofty resolutions can be risky for those in recovery – it can cause frustration and self-doubt […]
Read moreDec 21, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Staying sober during any season can be difficult, but wintertime can pose even greater challenges, including shorter, darker days, seasonal depression and added stress brought on by the holidays. Planning fun, sober activities with your close friends and family or recovery peers is a great way to safeguard your sobriety and enjoy life this winter. […]
Read moreDec 12, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
The holidays are the perfect time to give your loved one in recovery a special, well-thought out gift that lets him know you care for and support him. But choosing a gift for someone in recovery can be challenging. To the rescue: Some great ideas to add to your gift-giving list this season! An experience: […]
Read moreDec 6, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
A big part of a healthy recovery is a healthy diet. That’s because the chronic use of alcohol or drugs can deplete your body of vital vitamins and nutrients. Case in point: Alcoholism is among the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. While there’s no one […]
Read moreNov 29, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Thanksgiving may have passed but giving thanks can help your recovery all season long. This is because gratitude can have a profound impact on your motivation, willpower, mood and more. Being thankful can make you appreciate your new sober life and provide incentive to continue to care for your mind and body. Here area few […]
Read moreNov 21, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
When I finally sobered up over 10 years ago it was rough going at first. Everything and everyone I had had in my life that defined who I thought I was had gone away – the children, wife, career, house, money etc. After God had begun recreating my life on a new basis focused on […]
Read moreNov 15, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Good news: More and more people are talking about mental health – and yet, the state of mental health in the US is “still quite bleak,” according to Mental Health America’s annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. According […]
Read moreNov 8, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Managing your time is an essential skill for everyone – and especially for those in recovery. Simply put, time management can prevent your life from becoming stressful and chaotic and it can help you avoid any unproductive free time where it may be tempting to fall back into bad, addicting habits. Time management is also […]
Read moreOct 25, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Hope is a four-letter word with a lot of force when it comes to addiction recovery. In fact, many go so far to say that it’s the foundation of recovery. Think about it: If you don’t have hope, you won’t have the motivation to create a better life for yourself. Hope gives us the ability […]
Read moreOct 17, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
If lifting weights isn’t part of your recovery to-dos, you might consider adding it, especially if you’re struggling with a co-occurring substance use disorder and depression. While strength training can’t cure depression, one study showed that it can help to ease symptoms of depression like low mood, loss of interest in once enjoyed activities and […]
Read moreOct 10, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Today is the day to spread the word that mental health matters and that it’s okay to not feel okay. Not only is it World Mental Health Day but it’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, which was established in 1990 by Congress to shine a spotlight on mental illness. This year, the National Alliance on Mental […]
Read moreOct 3, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Making friends, especially sober friends, is an important part of addiction recovery. Without the right friends in your life, you can become lonely – and loneliness is a big relapse trigger. You may have lost a few friends during recovery and that’s normal. Meeting new people can help you to regrow your support circle and […]
Read moreSep 27, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Setting goals is an important part of recovery. This is because goal-setting helps provide direction, motivation and hope for your new sober life. But how do you start? A recent article in Psychology Today suggested beginning by defining your overall personal goals for recovery and then making them more focused by asking yourself a few […]
Read moreSep 20, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
The stigma surrounding mental health is getting better, yet many men are still reluctant to talk about their mental health issues – and this is despite rising rates of suicide. Women are 63 percent more likely than men to seek help for mental health issues and, in the U.S., 78 percent of suicide attempts involve […]
Read moreSep 13, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
A disagreement with a friend; rush-hour traffic; a long wait at the doctor’s office; an untidy roommate; rumors about your recovery – these are just a few of the many mundane things that can trigger anger once you return to your sober life. Certainly it’s normal (and human) to feel anger, but if you find […]
Read moreSep 5, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
September is National Recovery Month and it’s the perfect time to talk about some of the surprising perks that come with taking the brave step to get sober. These are just a few examples of how recovery can change you and your life for the better. Take a look and add to this list based on […]
Read moreSep 5, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
When one family member is struggling with a substance use disorder, other family members assume certain attitudes and behaviors to cope with the impact of their loved one’s substance abuse. These coping mechanisms seem like the best way to handle the addiction, but they’re usually extremely unhealthy and can cause a lot of harm if […]
Read moreAug 29, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
Of the 22 million Americans who are dependent on illicit drugs and alcohol, only 2.5 million seek addiction treatment. Such a stark contrast draws attention to a serious public health concern. Even among people who do seek addiction treatment, some are more likely to engage in it than others. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University in […]
Read moreAug 29, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
When it comes to addiction and addiction treatment, men and women are far from equal. In fact, men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs, and illicit drug use is more likely to result in emergency department visits or overdose deaths for men than for women, according to the […]
Read moreAug 22, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Uncategorized
Binge drinking rates are at an all-time high and now a new study shows yet another scary side effect: cardiovascular risk factors, according to research by Mariann Piano, senior associate dean of research at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Piano and her co-authors examined high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other cardiovascular risks in […]
Read moreAug 22, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
A healthy recovery calls for a deep understanding of self, something that’s only acquired through personal development, self-care and learning about ourselves through relationships with others. The importance of finding yourself in recovery cannot be overstated, and there are a few ways to help you along. 1. Find more motivation to recover. Choosing to walk […]
Read moreAug 17, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Leaving rehab early is rarely the right decision. For the majority of young adults, leaving rehab before completing the full course of addiction treatment will result in relapse – within hours or days of exiting the rehab. And since your tolerance to drugs and/or alcohol will be diminished, using can easily result in overdose. Recovery […]
Read moreAug 15, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
Addiction recovery isn’t easy — in fact, it will likely be one of the hardest things you ever do – but a few steps can help make it a little easier. Start a journal. Journaling is a simple and powerful recovery tool. You can write about what you’re most grateful for or how you’re feeling […]
Read moreAug 15, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Awareness, Drug Rehab, Uncategorized
The teen and young adult years are full of changes, so early warning signs of substance abuse can be difficult to detect. What can you chalk up to typical moody teenage behavior, and what could be a sign of a bigger problem? While there’s no single, foolproof way to identify whether your teen or young […]
Read moreAug 8, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
According to a 2015 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, 16.9% of workers in the hospitality and food industry have a substance use disorder. The SAMHSA survey also found that workers in the food service industry have the highest rates of monthly illicit drug use, with 19.1% of full-time workers using illicit […]
Read moreAug 1, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Drug Rehab, recovery, Uncategorized
Substance use and addiction are more common among teenagers and college students than you might think. More than 4 million full-time college students aged 18 to 22 engaged in binge drinking within the past month, and approximately 1 in 5 used an illicit substance within the past month. Teenagers experiment with substances because they feel […]
Read moreJul 25, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Drug Rehab, recovery, Uncategorized
Sustainable recovery requires extensive engagement in clinical therapies that serve two purposes: 1) to help a client recognize the underlying issues that contributed to substance use disorder, and 2) to establish new, healthy skills that help them maintain freedom from drugs and alcohol. At Spearhead Lodge, our clients participate in a range of complementary clinical […]
Read moreJul 18, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Awareness, recovery, Uncategorized
Addiction is a complex disease that affects one in seven Americans, according to a report from the U.S. surgeon general. It seems like everyone knows someone who has dealt with substance addiction, whether personally or within their family or group of friends. But although addiction is common, there are still many myths surrounding addiction and […]
Read moreJul 11, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
The consequences of drug and alcohol abuse don’t just affect the addicted person–they spill over into every area of a person’s life, causing the most amount of damage to their relationships. In the 12-step program, steps eight and nine are all about making amends and repairing the relationships that have been damaged by substance use. 8. […]
Read moreJun 6, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease that affects every facet of a person’s life, as well as the lives of their loved ones. However, treatment can help a person overcome addiction by establishing healthy behaviors and a new way of life that promotes and sustains lasting recovery. The idea of addiction treatment as a continuum […]
Read moreMay 16, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Awareness, recovery, Uncategorized
The conversation around mental health is changing. Mental health issues need to be discussed year round, but May is a time that highlights those issues and raises awareness. Mental Health Awareness Month was created to raise awareness of mental health issues for millions of Americans through media, local events and mental health screenings. It’s also […]
Read moreApr 26, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Drug Rehab, Mindfulness, recovery
People who abuse drugs or alcohol, especially at a young age, often miss out on reaching certain benchmarks that establish maturity, independence and adulthood, and their emotional maturity is often stunted as a result. Young adults who abuse substances may get older, but they don’t grow up. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Life Skills […]
Read moreApr 18, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In recovery, Uncategorized
Austin has a large and active recovery community, making it a great place to begin or maintain sobriety. With such a high volume of 12-Step meetings and sober things to do, Austin proves that you can, in fact, have fun in recovery. Try incorporating one of these six sober activities into next weekend’s plans. 1. […]
Read moreMar 19, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Trauma can be experienced at any phase of life, but it often relates back to childhood experiences. Physical and verbal abuse, sexual abuse, a parent’s struggle with substance abuse and mental illness and other traumatic experiences leave a lasting impact on our lives and how we see the world. Throughout childhood and into adulthood, trauma […]
Read moreMar 9, 2018 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, recovery, Uncategorized
In recovery, you spend a lot of time participating in evidence-based therapies. While therapy is critical to a successful, lasting recovery, there are other facets of treatment that are hugely beneficial to healing that aren’t traditional talk therapy. 1. Life Skills Training Over time, addiction impacts individual’s independence. Life skills training teaches the skills that […]
Read moreSep 26, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Rock bottom. What exactly is rock bottom? Is it a state of being, is it an external condition, or is it simply an ends to a mean? Is the guy sleeping in the ditch who just lost his home, his kids, and his wife finally at rock bottom? If so, why doesn’t he seek help? […]
Read moreAug 29, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Just a little over one year ago I sat in my office out at BRC Recovery and began mapping out some of “the plans” for the new young adult extended care program; Spearhead Lodge. I had several meetings with Marsha Stone where we discussed the vision that she had regarding our new program. Meeting after […]
Read moreJul 25, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
“And though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to pray.” – Dr. William D. Silkworth The National Institute of Drug Abuse lists thirteen principles of effective drug addiction treatment. One of them is that “Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.” This conclusion was reached after over two decades of […]
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Jun 13, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
Do you remember being a small child and asking for the newest Nerf gun or Barbie doll when you passed the toy aisle? Do you also remember being told no by a parent who offered no explanation other than a simple, “Not right now.” How frustrated were you with the lack of conversation and feeling […]
Read moreMay 10, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Drug Rehab, higher power, Mindfulness
I was recently asked to do a group with the young men at Spearhead Lodge. After asking the Universe for inspiration I created a group that included a short writing assignment, meditation, and then ended with a prayer. My hope, as always, is that I could somehow be a vessel for these residents to grow […]
Read moreMar 20, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog, Drug Rehab, recovery
Alcoholism can take absolute and categorical control of your life. If you’re asking yourself “how did I get here and how do I stop,” you’re already on the road to success. Acknowledging the problem and the impact that it has on your life is the first and often most difficult step. However, many alcoholics don’t […]
Read moreMar 1, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog, Drug Rehab
As a child, I was given everything I needed, along with most of the things I wanted. I grew up in a household full of love, encouragement, and fun. I was afforded every opportunity to succeed. My parents were, and still are, my biggest fans and supporters. My father was always the coach of my […]
Read moreFeb 15, 2017 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog, Mindfulness
I’m sitting here in the San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado. I’m on vacation. This is a time when conventional thinking would say, “Sit back, relax, you deserve a break.” Maybe I do, and I’m certainly finding the scenery and pace of mountain life relaxing. But I have also been writing a new fourth step […]
Read moreDec 14, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Blog
My how I love to deliver this message but bristle with antagonism when it is delivered to me! Have you ever considered the reason we hang on so tightly to a situation or person that causes us pain? Think about that carefully for a minute. What could possibly be the payoff for putting ourselves through […]
Read moreNov 30, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog, Drug Rehab
As seasoned addiction treatment and recovery specialists, the team here at Spearhead Lodge is painfully aware of the growing increase in individuals with a drug or alcohol addiction, as well as the drastic increase in opioid overdoses recently. However, the sheer magnitude of the problem is staggering. Earlier this month, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek […]
Read moreNov 21, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Awareness, Blog
Codependency…that dirty little word. What is your immediate reaction upon hearing the term codependency? Most folks glaze right over it but for those of us who are in an all-out battle with it, the word feels deeply personal. Codependency can be characterized by things such as shame, people pleasing, poor boundaries, reactivity, care-taking, control and […]
Read moreNov 8, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Alcohol Rehab, Blog, Drug Rehab
Throughout the course of my journey in recovery there have been ups and downs, times of joy, and times of tribulation. One of the greatest joys of my recovery is the fact that my two oldest sons have joined me on this journey. I believe that because of their bearing witness to my own struggles […]
Read moreNov 8, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Awareness, Blog, Mindfulness
The brain is designed to screen out information just as much as it is to take it in. It has to be, there is way too much going on to successfully process it all. One example is how you are able to focus on your conversation in a loud, crowded restaurant. I feel that life […]
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Jul 30, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
By Mandy Baker, Clinical Director, Spearhead Lodge Spearhead: A leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development – Merriam Webster’s Dictionary We hear a lot about addiction these days-in the news, at our church, from our friends and family, and at our places of employment. Stories of overdoses, crisis within the family, crime, […]
Read moreJul 25, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
By Alex Penrod, Recovery Manager, Spearhead Lodge According to the most recent Survey on Drug Use and Health: “drug use is highest among people in their late teens and twenties. In 2013, 22.6 percent of 18 to 20 year-olds reported using an illicit drug in the past month” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). In addition to […]
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Jul 24, 2016 / by Spearhead Lodge / In Uncategorized
By Lane Rust, Executive Director, Spearhead Lodge Spearhead– a person, thing, or group that organizes or leads something (such as a movement or attack) I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be asked to spearhead the operation at BRC’s new young adult, extended care facility, Spearhead Lodge. All of our staff members are extremely excited about starting […]
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