THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SUCCESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Addiction is very deeply stigmatized into our culture. So much so, that we tend to envision one “type” of a person when we think of
Patricia (Patti) Pike, CEO of CanAm Interventions, embarked on her personal recovery journey over 32 years ago. A pivotal line from my life’s playbook is, “From an early age, I knew I was an athlete.” This realization has been a cornerstone throughout my personal recovery and has shaped the professional I am today.
With a quarter-century of hands-on professional experience in behavioral health, my commitment to this field is profoundly personal. My presence in people’s lives is not coincidental.
I learned long ago that while you cannot alter the nature of substance abuse addictions or mental health conditions, engaging in professional services can mark the beginning of transformation.
CAN-AM BLOGS: Having heart to heart conversations with individuals about their addiction, along with family involvement is the first step to healing. Please visit our website to learn more information on our services. We offer a free 30-minute consultation.
Addiction is very deeply stigmatized into our culture. So much so, that we tend to envision one “type” of a person when we think of
There’s a popular saying that “nature abhors a vacuum.” The same tends to apply in psychology. That’s one of the reasons addicts often struggle in
Emotional Dysregulation may not be a familiar term in your home, but it is a very common mental health symptom that involves trouble controlling your
Delusional disorder is a type of mental health condition in which a person can’t tell what’s real from what’s imagined. There are many types, including
Methamphetamine use disorder is affecting a growing number of people in the United States. In 2023, about 0.4% of the population (964,000 people) had the disorder.
Some of us have an idea of who we are, the type of person that we want to be. We have good intentions in our
Families are the bedrock of society, and family intervention services strive to strengthen the bonds within them. These services provide vital tools and support for
Self-grieving is an essential part of healing. When we begin to gain a deeper understanding of the ways we have suffered in the past, it can be difficult
In the bustling streets of California, amidst the vibrant energy of cities like San Francisco and other cities around the bay, lies a sanctuary of
Mental strength is a crucial aspect of our lives, as it helps us navigate our daily challenges and obstacles. Developing mental strength is not about
Salvia is a psychedelic drug, typically used recreationally, which means it can affect all the senses altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions.
Healthy habits are everyday behaviors that positively impact your physical, mental, and emotional health. These habits can help prevent chronic diseases, improve mental and physical
In the early days of sobriety, it’s normal to come up against some challenges – deciding to get sober is a huge emotional journey. In
Completing a drug treatment program is a great accomplishment and a wonderful feeling. However, transitioning to normal life after treatment has a tendency to leave
Growing up, we all had our fair share of bumps and scrapes.But for some, those ‘bumps’ were a lot deeper than a skinned knee.People who
We are learning more and more daily of the benefits that music has on our lives. Music has the power to touch our souls, lift
Addiction happens to many people. It can be happening in your family right now without realizing it. When an addiction develops, family members and friends
Whether they’re in-laws, siblings or extended blood relatives, difficult family members can take a toll on your mental health and overall peace of mind.It’s normal
Many of us are not familiar with the term “sober transport”. Sober transport is an important task pertaining to supporting persons with substance abuse and
Addiction is a complicated problem to live with for not only you, but also for the ones close to you. It affects everyone in the
A codependent relationship is a kind of dysfunctional relationship where one person is a caretaker, and the other person takes advantage. Codependent relationships are extremely
In the beginning stages of drug and/or alcohol recovery, long-term success depends largely on the strength of a clean and sober support network. While 12
Sports science, what is it you may wonder? Sports science Is the scientific study of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, and understanding the social role of
When we were younger, or just starting to use drugs and/or alcohol, it was likely a fun experience. Our friends and peers around us were
Introduction: Imagine going to the doctor and finding out they recommended a treatment because they received a gift, not because it’s best for you. That’s
Positive thinking means you look for solutions and expect to find them.You don’t ignore problems, but instead of complaining about them or letting them overpower
When facing addictions such as alcohol abuse, drug dependency, gambling, sex addiction or even overeating, we are met with many obstacles that are unfamiliar to
There are a lot of benefits of rehab for drug and alcohol addictions. These will vary depending on the level of care you require, such
It’s worth noting that clean and sober partying is possible. The key is changing your mindset. Sobriety is not just a life without drugs and
We’ve all enjoyed a sloppy joe or two. From the time we were kids all the way up to adulthood, sloppy joes have always been
The term “enabler” generally describes someone whose behavior allows a loved one to continue self-destructive patterns of behavior.This term can be stigmatizing since there’s often negative judgment
1.What is Molly Molly is a drug typically used as a party drug, and even more is associated with raves. It is categorized as both
There are many kinds of addiction relapse triggers. They can be emotional, environmental or mental. Can-Am would like to bring awareness to 10 of the
If this is an emergency, call 911 immediately People who deal with suicidal tendencies are generally overwhelmed by feelings such as anger, shame, guilt, overwhelming
When we hear about Fentanyl, many of us just know this as a bad street drug. You are not wrong. But by bringing awareness of
Playing sports on a regular basis will boost your overall health and offer many other benefits. You might enjoy playing sports because you can spend
Codependency is a dysfunctional relationship dynamic where one person assumes the role of “the giver,” sacrificing their own needs and well-being for the sake of
At its root, self-criticism is a protective mechanism. Its function is to save us from social and professional failures. Our critical voice is trying to
NAVAGATING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER SYNDROME (SADS) Winter is a difficult time for many people – dark mornings, early sunsets, and of course, the frigid temperatures.
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in children that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome causes damage to the brain
Many woman that are pregnant struggle with some form of addiction or substance abuse issue. Research shows that use of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs,
Communication makes up most of the way we express ourselves to everyone around us including our families, our friends, our co-workers and even people we
Challenges and setbacks are part of our lives. The ability to rise above obstacles and overcome unexpected hardships is an important quality. While it isn’t
Nearly everyone hides their feelings from time to time. There are many scenarios that this can happen such as, your partner reveals something at a
Maintaining a positive frame of mind is beneficial both, mentally and physically. Although it sounds appealing and seems the obvious and proper choice in which
California, with its diverse beauty and vibrant communities, faces unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health and intervention services. For families seeking support
Regular cannabis use can be linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. But most research seems to have a focus on the link between psychosis
Regular cannabis use can be linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. But most research seems to have a focus on the link
The holiday season is often synonymous with joy, warmth, and togetherness. However, for many, it can also amplify feelings of loneliness. Remember, the holiday season
Alcoholism, or addiction to alcohol, is an increasing problem for women. In general, women are more prone to alcoholism compared to men based on their
While autumn is full of beautiful colors in many parts of the world, it’s also the bringing in of shorter days and colder weather. Combined,
For many people, gambling can be a pleasant, controlled activity that they can casually take part in. However, other individuals need to be careful, as
Denial is a type of defense mechanism that involves ignoring the reality of a situation to avoid anxiety. Defense mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope
Healthy eating behaviour is based on two sensations: hunger and satisfaction. Eating disorders disrupt this mechanism. This disturbance is a physiological consequence of malnutrition and
Negative thoughts are a very normal occurrence in human nature. Some experience this and can overcome it seemingly easy compared to others. But many of
Inner peace. It sounds like a pipedream doesn’t it? How is it possible to find an oasis of calm when our lives have become so
One thing that connects us as human beings is our ability to feel pain. Whether that pain is physical or emotional, we all have experiences
Introduction:Embarking on a journey to enhance mental health and facilitate early interventions, Can Am Interventions stands as a beacon of support in California. Specializing in
Having narcissistic tendencies — like bragging or making yourself the center of attention — are normal when they occur occasionally. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is
Have you ever woken up feeling like you’re just going through the motions?Maybe you’ve caught yourself staring into space, wondering what it’s all about.You’re not
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy tries to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive
Scientists are finding “convincing evidence” that marijuana can damage DNA and even cause certain forms of cancer. These revelations are more than alarming, considering that
Mental health or psychiatric conditions are common. Many times, it can come from family generational trauma. Some of the most common mental health conditions are
Emotional health is an important part of your overall health. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Theycan
People with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Imaging
Introduction:In the bustling heart of California, where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge graces the skyline, residents seeking top-tier intervention and mental health services need not
For many young people, using alcohol, drugs, or other substances, such as cigarettes, is just part of growing up. Many of them try these substances
Helping a loved one who is struggling with substance use isn’t easy, and there’s no magic formula that will get your loved one to stop
When someone is addicted to alcohol or drugs, they will often need to go through a detoxification (detox) process, as an important first step in their
Meditation Practices: Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. But many
When breaking free from a life of addiction, sobriety takes center stage in your life. Recovery takes all your time, energy and focus. While this
Drug addiction is a substance abuse disorder. Many people who have directly witnessed this in family, friends or even work colleagues, understand the many challenges
Everyday life can wear you down. This can be even more difficult if you are already dealing with issues such as mental health or, chronic pain
At first, it may be difficult to imagine illicit psychedelic drugs such as, “magic mushrooms”, being used in clinical settings. But following recent research, this
Everyone has at least one bad habit. Whether it’s being chronically late, tapping your feet, chewing gum too loudly, eating sloppily, over sharing on Facebook, or eating
Trauma denial is a way to put distance between you and an overwhelming experience. It can be one of the many ways your brain tries to
Addiction is a disease of the brain. It is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment, just like any other chronic medical condition. As researchers
Introduction to Narcotic Anonymous James Patrick Kinnon, known as “Jimmy K.”, is commonly credited with founding Narcotics Anonymous (N.A) in 1953 in Los Angeles, California,
In the bustling heart of California, where the sun kisses the coastline and dreams reach for the sky, Can Am Interventions stands as a beacon
Losing a loved one to suicide is one of life’s most painful experiences. The feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after the death of
When alcohol, or drugs, are being abused on the job it affects the health and safety of those employed at the company, and those using
Coca is a plant that produces cocaine, In the past, cocaine was used for different medical applications, but then people became addicted to it and
Discover why Can Am Interventions offers the best intervention services in California. Learn about their comprehensive approach to recovery.
If you feel like you lack confidence, there are some commonly suggested ways to build it up. Many of these have evidence to back them
STUDIES ON RELAPSING ON DRUGS AND/ OR ALCOHOL Unfortunately relapse rates for individuals who enter recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction are quite high.
Many people think that medications like adderall are solutions to many problems and increase productivity. The original purpose of Adderall was to treat (ADHD), but
What is the role of an Interventionist? A Certified Intervention Professional is a highly trained specialist who specializes in substance abuse disorders and other addictions
Statistics Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Substance addiction can be an all-consuming struggle that affects every aspect of an employee’s life, and it doesn’t stop
TYPES OF RELATIONSHIPS: Relationships in our lives vary from, the person that delivers your mail, family or friends, and romantic relationships. We learn at a
A Brief History of Cannabis Cannabis, also known by different names such as marijuana, weed, and pot has been a hot topic in recent years
Discover why Can Am Interventions offers the best intervention services in California. Learn about their comprehensive approach to recovery.
In the fast-paced world we live in, facing personal challenges, addiction issues, or mental health concerns can be overwhelming. It’s in these moments that intervention
Many of us experience loneliness at some level. Most of us will experience what is known as “normal loneliness”, which is quite normal, and is
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drugs produce their effects by changing the ways the brain’s neurons process information via neurotransmitters. These
The numbers surrounding trauma, which includes physical and emotional trauma, are extraordinarily high in the United States — more than 223 million people have experienced at least one
Healthy eating is often associated with looking and feeling good. But healthy eating serves other important purposes such as, mental health. There are many foods
History on Al-Anon: Founded in 1951, by Lois W and Anne B, in Virginia Beach VA, Al-Anon is an organization that was created as a
Running has played an important role throughout our history, in how we have evolved, to the way it helped shape our societies. Humankind developed the
In a world where diversity is respected, it can be difficult to acknowledge that drug addiction is not a medical or psychological problem but also
Someone who suffers from borderline personality disorder will probably feel like they are on a roller coaster- not solely based on their unstable emotions or
Why is it important to face your fears? As fear is such an uncomfortable emotion to deal with, it’s easy to avoid it rather than
Self-care means taking the time to do the things that help you live well, and improve both your physical, and mental health. Mental self-care can
When you hear the term “psychedelic drugs” most people associate that with drugs like LSD, or magic mushrooms. You may also know them as hallucinogens.
UNDERSTANDING MARIJUANA ADDICTION, ITS CONSEQUENCES, AND THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Cannabis, or marijuana, is a psychoactive plant that has been used for both medicinal
How to Find Recovery from substance abuse or mental health diagnoses is a difficult issue that affects more than just individuals; it also has far-reaching
Addiction is a complex and pervasive problem that impacts not only the individual battling with it, but also their family members. Addiction’s repercussions can pose
Anxiety is a normal part of life. Occasionally, we all experience those feelings to some degree or another and can easily be triggered by any
The Opioid Crisis and the Role of Fentanyl The introduction of Fentanyl has intensified the opioid problem, which has become a public health emergency. Fentanyl
Emotional Dysregulation may not be a familiar term in your home, but it is a very common mental health symptom that involves trouble controlling your
Addiction is defined as a complicated and chronic condition marked by compulsive participation in a gratifying stimulus despite negative consequences. It is characterized by a
Addiction is a complicated and chronic disease defined by compulsive behavior or substance use despite negative consequences. It is characterized by a loss of control
Addiction is a condition in which a person gets compulsively involved in a specific activity or substance usage, typically despite negative consequences. It is characterized
We all know what anger is, and we’ve all experienced it: whether as a fleeting annoyance, or as a full-fledged rage. Anger is a very
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop in people who experience a dangerous, shocking, or scary event. When people go through a
Service dogs (or animals) help people with mental and physical disabilities to lead more independent lives. These animals are individually trained to assist the person
Ketamine is a fast-acting anesthetic used in medical and veterinary surgeries. Ketamine is classified as a dissociative drug, producing a sense of mind from body
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common disorder, and a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how
In everyday life, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. This kind of anxiety can be beneficial and alert us to dangers and help us
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder. It is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Some symptoms of ADHD
Fentanyl, similar to other commonly used opioids (e.g heroin, morphine) produce effects. Some of these effects are intended for therapeutic and/or medicinal purposes. Other times,
What is the definition of an Alcohol Intervention?Alcohol intervention describes a situation where an individual has a drinking problem, unable to stop drinking, consequences from
CanAm Interventions facilitates Young Adult Interventions both in the U.S. and Canada. We have extensive experience with a high success rate of supporting adolescents into
What is the definition of A drug intervention?A drug intervention describes the situation of a person that is having some type of addiction to drugs
Sex addiction is based on a person’s compulsion and need to have dysfunctional sexual relationships and/or find ways to act out on their sexual drive
CanAm Interventions facilitates Young Adult Interventions both in the U.S. and Canada. We have extensive experience, with a high success rate of supporting adolescents into
What is the definition of an Alcohol Intervention? Alcohol intervention describes a situation where an individual has a drinking problem, unable to stop drinking, consequences
What is the definition of A drug intervention? A drug intervention describes the situation of a person that is having some type of addiction to
I see the damage and Shame of addiction. Last month I was in the Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, BC. One of the worst hit areas in
Another way to look at Chronic Relapse for substance abuse disorders can be based on an Attachment disorder. Attachment disorders is a psychological model attempting
Marijuana is the most used illicit drug in the United States. It acts by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce a variety
What is Case Management? Providing professional provide accountability for individual struggling with addiction and/or mental health challenges and supporting their families. This will help minimize
Family Assessment Meeting: develop a thorough assessment and intervention treatment plan.Intervention Preparation Planning Meeting: educate the intervention team. Treatment Referrals: the treatment placement process includes
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and
Interventions 101 Training Courses are beneficial for those working in the addiction, mental health, medical, legal and first responder fields. Interventions 101 gives a broad
Intervention 102 Supervision Course is an eight-week virtual training providing a professional framework for those wanting to become interventionist. To start their own business, obtain
Many people live with mental health problems for their entire lives, never seeking support. Help your loved one overcome their illness and get their life
The complexity of mental illness can be more challenging at an intervention, it is incredibly important the intervention process is handled by a trained professional
Too often, sufferers of mental illnesses don’t seek help because of a fear of being labeled as “crazy”. The perpetual negative stigma surrounding mental illness
Mental health problems are much more common than people realize. Mental health issues can affect everyone, from young children to the elderly. It is often
What are boundaries and why do we need them? Boundaries are just as defined for mathematics, they are limits. However, in recovery they are emotional,
CanAm Interventions was established to provide something rare in the world of addiction intervention. Founded by Patricia Pike, CanAm Interventions has become the lifesaving conduit
A significant factor in the vicious cycle of addiction is relapse. Like depression or PTSD, addiction is a co-occurring disorder that can be triggered by
Detoxification when applied to addiction is defined as the natural process that occurs in the body as it attempts to rid the system of waste
Substance Use Disorders can affect the family. Substance abuse can wreak havoc on a family in many ways, whether it be lack of trust, poor
Gratitude Too often people fixate on what is wrong in their life and all the things that irritate them. This contributes to stress, anger and
Often, after one has been abusing substances for a while, they lose sight of the healthy things that previously brought them joy. Finding hobbies is
During the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world shut down causing a lot of people to be out of work and sheltering in place.
I personally haven’t had the experience to parent an adult child in recovery, but I know many people who have including my own parents. I
The addict is their own worst enemy, yet they lash out at everyone else especially their family. Addicts tend to lie, cheat and steal. As
The pandemic and shelter-in-place order brought uncertainty about the future, but it also helped shine a laser focus on what is most important in life.
Not to mention the different health risks, users of Methamphetamine tend to have many different traits such as visibly faster speech, poor hygiene or tooth
Many people consider trauma to be the gateway drug to various addictions. Although it is not guaranteed that someone who has experienced trauma in their
The addict is their own worst enemy, yet they lash out at everyone else especially their family. Addicts tend to lie, cheat and steal. As
Choosing the right treatment center for a loved one or yourself ca n be stressful and may seem like a daunting task. There are many
When you know someone is going through a difficult time, it can b e a sensitive issue to approach. What is the best way to