Do you know there are ways to help individuals with their abuse of opioids? Have you ever heard of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)? MAT is provided for individuals who want help with their drug use. MAT comes in various forms. From oral tablets to injections. Let me say it does not matter how you get clean if it comes from MAT to using a 12-step program.

Several different forms of medication can be used to help individuals. The first that most are familiar with is methadone and suboxone. Several others can be used. You need to go with your doctor and see what will be best for you. Other options for MAT are buprenorphine, naltrexone, and zubsolv. 

Do not be afraid to open up to your doctor. I can tell you it is the best thing that I ever did. I decided I had had enough, went to my doctor, and got the medication I needed to beat my drug addiction. Medication is not the only thing I used; I also chose to do counseling and look for effective treatment support. I can tell you it was the best thing that I did. Remember this, just because you use a medication does not mean you are sober.

Also, remember that you might not need to take this medication for life. It depends on the work you put in for your recovery.  

You are worth your recovery, and someone is cheering you on. One day at a time. Let us take the first step!

References:

CDC. (2021). https://cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm 

Written By: Melissa Pena

Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you.

In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million.

If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills.  

Lately, I have been watching people I love who are in recovery slip back into their old habits. It is sad to watch the ones you love slip away. Since my recovery, I watched seven lose their lives and tons fall. Some that fall come back quickly, realizing this is not what they wanted, whereas others are still out there.

Statistics alone have shown an increase in drug abuse and drug disorders. Since 2000 there have been 700,000 drug overdoses. Individuals need to be aware that several different and scheduled drugs are available. Some drugs can come from the counter to drugs like fentanyl, which can kill you.

In 2022 there were 37,309 million individuals that were actively using within the last thirty days, including children as young as twelve. So, if you have not had that talk with your children, think about it. This might or might not surprise you, but 47% of juveniles will use drugs before graduation. In the last thirty days, 5% of eighth graders, 20% of tenth graders, and 24% of twelve graders are using. If you are wondering what number of individuals have used in a lifetime, were looking at 138.543 million.

If you think addiction is not out there or on a decrease, we are far from that. Realize that some states run a drug dispensary on every corner, and not everyone abides by the state law. Adults and kids are getting a hold of every drug, from marijuana to fentanyl to fake pills.  

Reference:

National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). (2023). https://drugabusestatistics.org

Written by: Melissa Pena

For myself, I decided that I wanted to start detoxing at home, and the first few times, it was a failure. The withdrawal symptoms were terrible, and I felt like I was dying. I had become a 24-year habit of multiple types of drugs. The one drug that held on for a long time was methamphetamine. Finally, in October 2014, I decided this was the time and would fight for my life.

Coming down at home was the worse feeling. I can remember the pain I felt. I can remember yelling at my kids and treating them terribly. Some acute symptoms I experienced were fatigue, bad irritability, and lack of energy. I can remember just wanting to get up and feel normal. I now felt like death and wondered how long these effects would last. I went from an addict with no sleep to a hypersomnia person. I was oversleeping and lacking any hydration or food. Today, if I had to redo this walk, I would have checked myself into a facility to help with these acute symptoms.

I still have post-acute symptoms today, but I would not change my life for anything. Today, I struggle with depression, anxiety, and mood swings. I also look at myself and hate the weight I have gained, but on the other side of the weight gain, I am now a much healthier person. I am more beneficial for myself and my children.

Just know that if you are struggling, there is help, and you do not have to do detoxing as I did. Find you an inpatient facility and make the change. Recovery has a much more peaceful mindset.

If you or someone you know needs a drug detox facility or interested in detoxing, please visit www.Sober.com for all your addiction recovery resources.

Written by: Melissa Pena

Upon entering, I was assigned a room and given a schedule. I was also assigned a therapist that I was to meet with once a week and a psychiatrist that managed the psych medication I needed to detox. The addiction treatment facility had the capability to detox in house, which may not be found in other addiction programs. I also had mandatory groups to attend on a daily basis and it was the first time in my life I was introduced to having a daily regimen that was healthy.

In active addiction I would stay up for days at a time or sleep all day so I could stay up all night. If it were not for the strict guidelines created by this rehab facility, I would have the same schedule today. This addiction treatment center helped to assist in me living life on my own. There were many life skills that I learned without realizing it later on that they taught me such as making my bed, being on a set schedule, and learning how to interact with other humans, and so much more.

If you have never been to an addiction treatment facility, and need help staying sober, I would suggest giving yourself a break and getting admitted. You never know how much of an impact it could make within your life and it may be exactly what you need. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or a loved one, please visit www.Sober.com to find facilities nationwide.

In this program, they offer up two men’s homes and one for females. While this program requires 90 days, the clients are welcome to stay longer. The facility works through a level program that starts at level one and continues through level four. The program facility offers a 12-step program that is located on-site. Each occupant is required to do chores and attend all meetings. Once a month, they have a guest speaker who shares their testimony so that residents can see what they can look forward to. Residents are also encouraged to look for a job with the help of the facility.

This specific facility has two specific goals.

• To teach our clients how to get sober.
• To teach our clients how to be financially and emotionally independent.

I reached out to a previous client and asked what they learned by attending addiction rehab.

Per Client:

This facility saved my life. I do not know where I would be had I not stepped through the doors of this inpatient addiction rehab. I learned that all my bad decisions were my fault and not others. I started to see how the cycle of drug abuse kept starting over and getting worse each time. I learned how to make amends for the hurt I have done. I also was able to find God.

Please, if you are looking for help, please find help at an addiction treatment facility. You deserve to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.

Written by: Melissa Pena

Life was a mess during active drinking. The pain and suffering wasn’t going any where even while I was using. I hear a lot of people saying the drink or drug freed them from pain but for me the pain was there just allowed me to do lots of negative things. I never wanted to get sober, it was a painful and fun time while active. There wasn’t anything good happening in life everything was just going down hill. When facing life on life’s terms during my active using I would go and drink until I blackout and get real violent. I didn’t know how to handle life or even myself. Once I became honest and accepted the fact I really had a problem that nobody could help me stay sober the door started opening a little. Being patient was a hard one for me I was that angry little boy running and running my whole life and couldn’t stay still. They say if you willing to go to go to any length to stay sober and once I agreed on that I started having hope. Having someone that believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself open my eyes. The darkness was still there but the digging stopped. I had to change everything. I had to ask for help listen to others that been sober for a few 24 hours and start actually living in the day. Gain some courage to do uncomfortable things to get comfortable in my own skin. The guidance of a sponsor through some work of 12 steps and prayers to a higher power helped me take life serious. I am so Grateful that today one day at a time, prayers, reaching out to people asking for help and staying spiritually fit in my program I have a chance today to stay sober. Being in recovery is something new to me but also is a big part of my life today. I have had a few real tough times in my recovery with deaths in my family. Thankful I have tools today that allow me to do something different instead of picking up that drink or drug. When I lost my step dad it put me in a bad place and all I did was cry and cry. I am so glad I have grew up and learned that I am going to have bad days and good days but I as long as I pray to my higher power and talk to someone in recovery that has been there I can survive the day. That is all I have is 24 hours to stay sober. I have hope today faith and love and as long as I keep it in the day and stay humble I have another chance for the next day. So if you are new to the recovery life prayers meditation asking for help going to meetings and doing some action you have another chance to stay sober. If nobody has told you I believe in you. If I can do it you can do it also. Thank You for allowing me to be apart of recovery and service to you.

Let me say this we can reduce stigma if we change the way we think or the way we respond. Do you remember what I wrote up top? I was called a junkie. A person who is walking through recovery is far from a junkie. You might want to say there goes that addict. You could rephrase that by saying Melissa has a SUD. Another phrase heard a lot is abuse. Melissa was abusing those drugs. Instead, you could have said Melissa is misusing or using. How about the individuals who report and come back to talk to their friends? They possibly had a positive test. Instead of saying you were dirty, you could have tested positive. There are many other phrases we could change, but we also must think and process before responding. I can tell you firsthand that words matter, they are hard to hear, and we already feel bad. We must stop the stigma on drugs and individuals.

Written by: Melissa Pena

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO: Dr. Harold Jonas PHD

The year started with little fanfare but much anticipation. We spent resources updating all the software of our various platforms and focusing on our newest project, the Sober Podcast. Momentum is growing and listeners were demanding new content. The Sober Network is determined to carve out leadership in our niche.

Kerry, our now producer started as host and soon found a professional voice in Howie Marlin. His professionalism pushed us to improve. We soon outgrow him to find our current host, Jamie Brickhouse. Jamie is a published author and professional book editor who is heavily invested in “giving voice to recovery.” 

Our coach training platform thrived, making inroads into the criminal justice system in Idaho. We have our second and third classes starting to train peer coaches in the newly created Forensics Coach model of prisoners assisting prisoners.

Sobercoin thrived under the leadership of James Costello. We moved from the Stellar blockchain onto the Binance Network, pegging the value of Sobercoin to a stable crypto currency with a proven track record. It is holding near $5.00 earned through signing up and checking in daily on our SoberSystems App.

We have users earning with the intent to buy coaching services or training to be a coach. Participants gain the opportunity for trading their Sobercoin for educational modules and services. 

No other platform has created their own SOBER ECONOMY!

Only in the SOBERVERSE can you earn RECOVERY CAPITAL, it is the place to get and stay better!!

Administrative Department: Heather Oister

Hello!  The last few years have definitely changed the world and how we all live our lives.  Our social habits were altered and the way we interact with the world has changed.  Some agencies haven’t even returned to working in the office and still have people working from home.  However, even if we do not leave the house, people still need help with recovering from addictions, disabilities, emotions, mental health issues, and more!  This creates an interesting opportunity for the increase in needs of help from home.  It is a great time to seek out the help of a Recovery Coach or become one yourself!

Sober Network has been providing online Recovery Coaching (or Sober Coaching) education for years now and we are just getting started!  Recently, we have received an influx in coaching education requests from various parts of the United States, inside prisons and even a few foreign countries!  Exciting changes are coming about, and Sober Network is evolving to meet the demands.  Our newest educational course is The Forensics Peer Specialist Prep Course.  (You did read that right earlier by the way.  We have put education in the hands of inmates to give them a career path when they exit the prison system.  How cool is that?)

And, as always, AJ has been busy making tons of biscuits sending smiles and hope to those who need it.  Thanks for a great 2022 and here is to an even better 2023!  May we all take a moment to be thankful for what we have and live in the moment with gratitude.  

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Social Media Manager: Crissy Sinople

It’s that time of year! Time to reflect on the year that was and look at our social media performance. Here at Sober Network, we are proud to say we saw significant increases across the board. Here’s a rundown of how we helped people on our social media platforms this year.

Helped cultivate each platform to increase engagement: We want people in recovery to know that they’re not alone and that a supportive community is waiting for them online. That is why we prioritize posting engaging, creative, and on-brand content and staying active in comments and conversations. We also work hard to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Met expected goals: Our number one goal is always to help as many people as possible, and we are proud to say that we met all our goals this year. From increasing our followers to aiding people in finding resources for addiction treatment, we made a difference in the lives of countless people.

Helped the sober community: One of my favorite parts of this job is interacting with the sober community online. I love seeing people celebrate their sobriety milestones, sharing their stories of recovery, and offering support and encouragement to others. I feel privileged to be a part of this community, and we look forward to continuing to grow it in the years ahead.

Successful promotion of our SoberVerse rewards program: SoberVerse offers a rewards program designed to incentivize people in recovery to stay engaged with our site and active in their recovery. This year, we promoted the program extensively on social media and are thrilled with the results. I am excited to see even more growth in the year ahead.

Helped people find addiction resources for treatment facilities: One of our main goals at Sober Network is to make available resources for addiction treatment. This year, we promoted our directory of treatment facilities and connected people in need with resources they might not have otherwise been able to access. We are proud of the difference we made this year and look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.

It has been a fantastic year here at Sober Network, and I am grateful for everything we have accomplished as a team. Be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms so you get all the announcements and updates!

I wish you a happy holiday and a prosperous new year. See you in 2023!

Crypto Manager: James Costello

Over the past few years, we have been constantly tweaking Sobercoin to develop the best recovery-based currency currently available. When I started, we were still utilizing the Stellar Network. We tested and modified the token countless times on the Stellar network. We did a few airdrop campaigns to try to maximize engagement with the community. At the time, Stellar did not have AMM’s (Automated Market Makers). Due to this, we could not efficiently maintain order book flow. AMM’s allow for two parties to swap into and out of different crypto’s without the need for a traditional order book.

We decided it was best to move the entire project back over to ERC20 standards created and reissued the token on the Binance Smart Chain. We then created a liquidity pool for potential clients and customers to be able to easily access the tokens. AMM’s and the matching algorithm allows for quick swaps with low slippage.

Next, we began to educate people about decentralized wallets and how to access the tokens. We actively engaged with CoinGecko and CMP to have our token listed. We have been able to successfully manage the move and have been slowly integrating clients to our wallet.

Sobercoin continues to grow. We will continue to build out our existing blockchain to fit the needs of our customers. Currently, we are working with smaller exchanges to get to the bigger ones. We are working on a way now that may allow us to offer promotions directly at time of token sale.

Brand Engagement: Michael Ewing

We started putting together the Sober Network several years ago. It started very slowly as we built the foundation and then the individual pillars of the network. Then, we deployed each one as we learned and evolved. Finally, we were testing how to integrate it all into one powerful network. The goal is to build an integrated network that combines practical behavioral tools with technology and engagement. All this is to drive better outcomes by advancing the current protocols using new modern technology platforms that align with how people today communicate and engage. In 2022, we saw the efforts paying off and the network coming together into a truly integrated program. The Sober Network Brand Vision is coming to life, ready to make a real difference in the lives of many. 2023 here we come!

Sober Podcast Host: Jamie Brickhouse

A jumbo gift of 2022 is a life beyond my wildest dreams as host of Sober Podcast. Back when I was drinking, I did have a wild dream that I’d be host of TV talk show or at least conduct a radio gabfest. But those dreams were commonplace, not wild. I couldn’t have conjured my current lucky lot in life interviewing writers, electricians, artists, lawyers, fashion designers, ex-cons, business owners about their recovery journeys. The guests I flap jaws with weekly have opened my eyes to recovery in all its permutations and knowing that it’s opened the ears to all our listeners is an even greater gift of 2022. 

Recovery Coaching: Stephanie Weiss

We are delighted to announce the addition of wellness entrepreneur Stephanie Weiss to our team. She is currently working towards a Master of Science in addiction studies; Stephanie is fresh on the scene and ready to take action. Under the supervision of Dr. Harold Jonas PhD, she is acting as a clinical intern. Stephanie is excited to use this position as an opportunity to learn from and contribute to the ever-growing and impactful Sober Network. 

Director of Sales and Marketing: Kerry Donahue 

The marketing department has been an exciting journey this year! Our growth has been tremendous, and I will be forever grateful for the growth we’ve achieved as a team. 

On the sales front, we’ve partnered with Beond, Cleveland House, and have worked with some sponsored submissions on our Sober.com blog throughout the year. 

We hired Crissy Sinople – our Social Media Manager who has brought a tremendous amount of skill and help to our social media reach. Our numbers have consistently grown over the year on all platforms, and we have had the pleasure of getting to work with many of our followers through various outlets such as our Sober Podcast, our Recovery Coach program, and through marketing aspects via Sober.com. 

Finding our Soberlebrity Host, Jamie Brickhouse has been a marvelous addition to the Sober Podcast. He is an absolute delight and executes his tasks professionally while bringing an award-winning personality to our show. It has been an honor to work with such an accomplished author, actor, and TikTok extraordinaire! 

As the producer of the Sober Podcast, I’ve had the opportunity to initiate the new format for our Sober Podcast! Please tune in to hear our new How To format on maintaining sobriety through various real-life events. We have started achieving great success with our Google placement ranking 2nd on the 1st page with our SEO efforts. 

We have had many outstanding additions to our team this year including Melissa Peña our blog writer. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know and work with everyone who has made a difference for Sober Network and the addiction industry worldwide. 

Thank you to all who have supported our many projects in 2022. We look forward to bringing you more of ‘All Things Sober’ in the upcoming year.

Follow Us!

IG: @sobervers, @sobercoin, @soberdotcom

Twitter: @soberverse, @soberdotcom

FB: https://www.facebook.com/sober.com3216, https://www.facebook.com/SoberVerse, https://www.facebook.com/Sobercoin 

TikTok: @soberverse

Linked In: SoberVerse

Sober Network Sites

www.SoberNetwork.com – Welcome to the Sober Network! A family of all things sober.

www.Sobercoin.com – Start earning rewards with the 1^st crypto currency of recovery! Get involved, maintain accountability, and work your way towards obtaining goals.

www.RecoveryCoaches.com – Get a coach, be a coach! We have 24/7 online virtual courses available to work towards being a recovery coach and a network of certified coaches nationwide.

www.SoberPodcast.com – Sign up for our mailing list to get weekly releases of the hottest addiction podcast available! Tune in to hear people working towards sobriety and sharing their message of hope with our amazing host, award-winning author Jamie Brickhouse out of NYC!

www.Sober.com – our well established online directory of resources to help those in need. Search facilities and providers specializing in addiction recovery.

www.SoberSystems.com – Our award-winning technology rewards app. Earn rewards (Sobercoin) by maintaining accountability and reach out to others in recovery.

www.SoberVerse.com/community – a FREE interactive social media platform. Share your thoughts, feeling, pictures, and much more with like-minded people. It’s a SAFE space for SOBER!

More sites for All Things Sober: BabyBoomerAddictions.com, ChristianRehabs.com, DuallyDiagnosed.com, EatingDisorderRehab.com, ExecutiveRehabs.com, ExclusiveRehabs.com, FaithBasedRehabs.com, Soberlebrity.net, SoberHouses.com, & HalfwayHouses.com.

Gathering a support network, getting your finances in order, practicing self-care, and setting new goals are just a few of the many ways to help you get your life back on track. There may be a few bumps in the road, but staying positive and continuing to grow will only benefit you in the long run. If you’re wondering what’s next, below are four helpful ways to start fresh and continue on your sobriety journey.

Gather a Support Network

Building a supportive network of people around you is one of the best ways to help you stay accountable. Whether you navigated outpatient or inpatient treatment, you more than likely had support from others in the same program. After treatment, it may be more challenging to face the triggers, stressors, and temptations alone. This is why it’s crucial to have a supportive group of people that you can trust and lean on.

Before you took the steps to gain back control of your life, you may have not had the best circle of friends. If they’re not supportive of your recovery, you may want to consider finding a new group of friends that are trustworthy and cheer you on. Making amends with those you’ve hurt is also a great step in your sobriety journey. When struggling with your sobriety the most, you might want to consider exploring resources to help you through the tough times. A great resource to download is a sobriety app as an additional tool for strengthening your recovery commitment and assisting you during your weak points. This interactive app helps reduce relapse and allows you to monitor your success along with personal development. The last thing you want is to be alone during tough times, so building a supportive circle and finding the necessary tools to help you is key.

Get Your Finances in Order

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Drugs can alter important brain areas that are necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug use that marks addiction. For this reason, people may spend most or all of their money purchasing drugs or alcohol.

When starting over, learning how to be financially stable and smart with your money is vital. Start by creating a weekly and monthly budget. This could include things like groceries, transportation, hobbies, and entertainment. Monthly items to include in your budget are insurance, phone bills, subscriptions, debt you might owe, and rent or mortgage payments. If your current living situation is not helping your sobriety, you may want to consider moving to a new place. This can feel overwhelming especially if your current financial situation is not the best. Start by being realistic about what you can afford. The first step is to estimate how much you can afford to pay for a house. To determine your price range, enter your location, yearly income, monthly debts, and how much money you have for the down payment and closing costs into a mortgage calculator. Knowing your budget and sticking to it will make the process of searching for a new home much easier. The last thing you need is to add more stressors to your daily life, so getting your finances in order is important to help you become more financially responsible.

Practice Self-Care

Now that you’re sober, it’s important to find new ways to keep yourself motivated, nurtured, and happy. Practicing self-care is one of the most beneficial things you can do in your sobriety journey. It’s also a great way to help you prioritize your mental and physical health. Eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and setting new routines for yourself are all great ways to help your physical and mental health. You should also explore new hobbies that you enjoy, such as yoga, painting, music, baking, cooking, reading, or journaling. Journaling for your mental health is a great way to write down your feelings, thoughts, and worries to help you better understand them more clearly. It can also help you gain back control of your emotions and improve your health.

To avoid temptations, try avoiding social gatherings or outings for a while. Instead, do things for yourself such as cooking a nice meal, going for a walk, watching a new series, or taking a relaxing bath. Prioritizing yourself is the first step to taking care of yourself and taking back control of your life.

Set and Accomplish New Goals

To help hold yourself accountable, try setting goals to accomplish and big milestones to work towards. By having something in your life to look forward to, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment once you get close to reaching your goals. Bucket lists are also a great way to keep yourself motivated by working towards exciting things that you hope to do someday. Although you may want to achieve every goal right away, it’s important to take each day one step at a time. Accomplishments won’t just happen overnight and will take time to work towards. Although things take time, don’t forget to celebrate every accomplishment with your support network, loved ones, or even find a group celebration location near you.

For more help with your recovery management, find a sober coach to help guide and improve the quality of your life.

Do you know what Kratom is? Have you heard how it can affect your life? The next question is, do you realize that your friends who walk with you in recovery and taking Kratom? Reach out to the people that are struggling. They might need to hear that what they are taking is dangerous. For many years, I was that person who was using other drugs to eliminate the pain. Why would I want to do this again? We must overcome the thought of self-medicating our emotions, pain, or troubles. When is enough; enough? 

Kratom is known to be an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree. This tree is in Southeast Asia. While Kratom is sold in stores throughout the United States, it can also be purchased online. 

Kratom is believed to act on our opioid receptors. While in small doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant and fills us with energy. In more significant amounts, it helps to remove the pain a person is feeling. Also, in high doses, it works as a sedative and causes drowsiness. There are safety concerns for people using Kratom. While Kratom only takes five to ten minutes to work, the effect lasts up to five hours. A person is being boosted with energy, which helps their mood and relieves pain. Do you stop to think about what else Kratom is doing to your body? 

Kratom is known to cause weight loss, dry mouth, chills, and liver disease. Please do not forget what it is doing to your mind and nervous system. People hallucinate and have delusions, seizures, comas, and death. From 2011-2017 1800 reports included death and seizures. Also, it was stated that five to seven infants are reported to have been exposed to Kratom and went through a withdrawal. 

My question is, why put your body through any drug that can affect our bodies? I worked hard to overcome a methamphetamine addiction; why would I take this pill sold over the counter that causes the same reaction? I have said this through other blogs; you are worth recovery! Your family and children deserve to have a sober and sober-minded parent.