Addiction, Recovery and Mental Health: A Podcast by WAISMANN METHOD® Opioid Treatment Specialists

Recovery can be a challenging and exhausting process, leading to burnout. In this episode, our podcast hosts,  David Livingston, LMFT , and  Dwight Hurst, LPC  discuss burnout and how it relates to addiction recovery. Burnout can occur in any profession or personal life, and it often results from a lack of balance and self-care. When people are in the midst of addiction recovery, they may become s...

Our expert panel,  Clare Waismann, M-RAS/SUDCC II ,  David Livingston, LMFT , and Dwight Hurst, LPC discuss the role of spirituality in addiction recovery. They explore the definition of spirituality, how it differs from religion, and its potential benefits in mental health and addiction treatment. They discuss the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness, and how these practices can lead to a...

WAISMANN METHOD's founder,  Clare Waismann, M-RAS/SUDCC II , Domus Retreat's clinical director,  David Livingston, LMFT , and Dwight Hurst, CMHC discuss the various obstacles that can prevent someone from seeking addiction treatment, such as financial and geographical constraints, stigma, fear, and ambivalence. They also highlight the importance of medically assisted detoxification and treating ad...

Clare Waismann, M-RAS/SUDCC II , Waismann Method® and Domus Retreat founder, and  David Livingston, LMFT  talk about how to effectively ask for help when struggling with addiction or dependency, emphasizing the importance of accepting one's needs and prioritizing personal well-being. They discuss the obstacles that may prevent people from seeking help, such as feelings of isolation, overwhelming s...

Preparing for substance dependence treatment can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Establishing and maintaining sobriety can be challenging, and navigating the details of life during treatment can be overwhelming. However, by undergoing effective medical detoxification, individuals can remove drug dependence from the equation and focus on other areas, such as mental health, to sustain recove...

Opioid dependence can harm both physical and mental health in complex ways. Overcoming this dependence offers a chance for long-term improvement in both physical and mental health, as substance abuse affects both the body and mind. However, it's important to understand that the two are interconnected and cannot be treated separately. Ignoring this connection can lead to serious consequences. >>> E...

The road to sobriety and recovery brings with it many positive, life-altering changes; however, individuals must also be aware of, accept and manage the residual health effects from previous years of drug dependence. Clare Waismann, M-RAS / SUDCC II of Waismann Method® Advanced Treatment for Opiate Dependence and David Livingston, LMFT specializing in addiction therapy discuss the difficult transi...

Relapse is a major fear for those in the addiction and mental health field. It can be difficult to define what relapse is, and there are often unrealistic expectations around it. This can lead to an unspoken sense of risk for those working in this field.  Clare Waismann,  M-RAS / SUDCC II, a registered addiction specialist and  David Livingston , LMFT specializing in addiction therapy, discuss the...

The fentanyl poisoning crisis has taken a grave toll on American families. When someone dies from such an unexpected death, their loved ones are left behind to grapple with the aftermath. For young children, the loss of a parent can be especially devastating. They may feel isolated and traumatized, leading to future struggles with mental health issues for years to come. The ripple effects of pain...

Throughout history, people have sought out ways to alter their state of consciousness. Whether it's through the use of psychoactive substances or other methods, the desire to escape reality is something that has been with us for centuries. There are a number of possible explanations for why we seek out intoxication, but one of the most common theories is that it helps us to cope with the stresses...

August is Overdose Awareness Month, with August 31st being International Overdose Awareness Day. Waismann Method has joined forces with the organization Facing Fentanyl to promote National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21. The national Fentanyl overdose crisis is growing, and there is a need to differentiate between overdose and poisoning. The importance of this terminology and w...

June is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, and in this podcast addiction specialist, Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC and psychotherapist David Livingston, LMFT are discussing the relationship between PTSD and substances like alcohol and opioids. Listen as they discuss the causes of trauma, symptoms, available treatments, and when alternate coping mechanisms such as substance use come...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC   and  David Livingston, LMFT   are discussing the need for a greater mental health focus in our culture. Mental health is an incredibly important part of our overall health and it is time to come together and raise awareness on mental health issues. For too long, mental health has been shrouded in stigma and taboo, preventing ma...

With so many crises happening in the world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress overload, emotional fatigue, and hopelessness can be huge triggers for substance abuse and relapse to symptoms of dependence.  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC   and  David Livingston, LMFT  discuss the emotional and psychological impact of exposure to crisis-related trauma, and ways to process these feelings in a heal...

One of the most alarming trends in the rising amount of drug overdose is the increase of deaths among young people. Middle-schoolers, typically aged 10-14, are experiencing higher rates of drug overdose than ever before, due to the presence of fentanyl in recreational drugs.  David Livingston, LMFT , Clinical Director,  Domus Retreat  and  Dwight Hurst, LPC , discuss this growing danger, the prese...

Today's question is an old one in the world of addiction. Does an individual need to abstain from all substances for recovery success? Are addictions to all substances connected, and is there some universal definition for "recovery" and staying "clean"? Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT  discuss these questions, addressing the importance of understanding the dangers of labelin...

This is the first year that there have been more than 107,000 verified opioid overdose deaths in US History, a likely grossly underestimated number. In this episode,  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT,  discuss this ongoing health crisis, the rising presence of Fentanyl in illicit drug use, and the threat this poses to our society and generations to come. Full Episode Transcri...

It's been 23 years since Waismann Method was first introduced. In this podcast, founder  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  discusses how she has seen opioid treatment evolve throughout the years, especially rapid detoxification, from its inception as an overnight process to today's comprehensive, effective and individualized form of medically assisted opioid detoxification. Full Episode Transcript ------...

Most people think of the holidays as a season of joy and celebration with friends and family.  However, for some, the holidays are a time of stress, precipitated by the prospect of difficult family gatherings, financial pressures, and an array of demands which can bring sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and intense feelings of depression.   In some cases, these unwanted and troubling feelings are so o...

Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT focus today on the question of essential parts of awareness in the early stages of addiction recovery, and how important it is to manage expectations of what is possible.  Full Episode Transcript -------  Email your questions about addiction, recovery, and mental health to  info@opiates.com  and have them answered on our next episode! WAISMANN...

In this episode,  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT  address a listener's question, "What do I do if 12 step groups do not work for me?" The answers to this question involve treatment planning, self-advocacy, goal-setting, and much more. Full Episode Transcript -------  Email your questions about addiction, recovery, and mental health to  info@opiates.com  and have them answer...

As the opioid epidemic rages silently alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is facing a worsening drug-related overdose and death crisis, particularly with drugs laced with Fentanyl.  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT  discuss the substance use disorder crisis and ideas for increasing safety and awareness. Full Episode Transcript -------  Email your questions about addiction...

Do people use mental health issues as an excuse for poor behavior?  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT  address this question on our podcast today and discuss the delicate balance between recognizing mental health issues and labeling people with limiting or destructive stereotypes. Full Episode Transcript -------  Email your questions about addiction, recovery, and mental healt...

This is the second part of our 2-part discussion with  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC  and  David Livingston, LMFT . When your loved one is battling substance abuse issues, the worst thing you can do is support their addiction. Learn the signs of enabling behavior vs. helping your partner in their recovery. Full Episode Transcript -------  Email your questions about addiction, recovery, and mental heal...

Are you enabling or empowering your child? The desire to help those who mean the most to us is one of the most remarkable human instincts. But often, our determination to help ends up crossing healthy lines, especially when talking about addiction. In this podcast,  Clare Waismann, RAS/SUDCC , registered addiction specialist, and  David Livingston, LMFT , clinical director for Domus Retreat, will...