Tackling Opioids by Sarah Keir

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a major, non-psychoactive component of marijuana, but can also be extracted from hemp. Most CBD oils are legal in New Jersey and has recently become a new fad that a lot of people are engaging in.

According to Healthline, CBD is said to relieve pain. We naturally have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies that helps to regulate everyday functions like sleep and pain by producing cannabinoids, a neurotransmitter. CBD enters this system and enhance the natural neurotransmitters.

Aside from pain, CBD has been said to assist in treatment with those with anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that even animals have found reprieve while using CBD. The advantage of CBD is that it is found to be less addictive than the average anti-anxiety medicine and antidepressants.

But is CBD really safe? Not all CBD is legal. If it is derived from marijuana, it is only legal in states where marijuana is legal, but if it is derived from hemp then it is legal in every state and can sold be almost anywhere. CBD has been known to interact with certain medications, also, so make sure to check with a doctor before taking.

Some additional side effects include diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue. There are also not many regulations, leading a lot up to the discretion of the company in regard to sourcing, what concentration, and what else is in it.

Towards the end of 2018, the  North-American Interfraternity Conference banned alcohol above 15% ABV in fraternities. This ban apparently is for all students, regardless of if they are over 21. This means that no fraternity that is associated with NIC can have parties with hard liquor, in order to alleviate some of the alcohol related issues that have been seen across campuses over the past several years. Unfortunately, though, there is no real way of fully enforcing this enactment. At NJIT, the majority of frat houses are private houses off-campus, which limits the schools ability to intervene.

While the majority of fraternities in this region are associated with NIC, there are still ones not associated with NIC that would not have to abide by these same rules. The hope, though, is that this enactment will encourage universities to create harder lines on alcohol consumption. As this ban goes underway, other laws are staying to take place. Some fraternity chapters are starting to adopt “dry campus” laws, where they are not allowed to drink, at all, on campus. And, if not full bans, other chapters are adopting dry spaces or common areas, where there will be no alcohol.

With NIC’s new policy, it seems like there will be many major changes to come. Hopefully, these bans will decrease underage drinking incidents on and off campus and will lead to less alcohol-related injuries.

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‘Tis the season of glad tidings and good cheer, but for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, the holidays can be an especially trying time to stay healthy and sober.

Unrealistic expectations, over-commitment, unhealthy eating, financial strain and fatigue can fray emotions. Travel complications and busy schedules can add to the stress, as well. You might be spending your holidays away from your addiction recovery support system and sober routines, which can make you more vulnerable to relapse. Holiday customs, childhood memories and annual gatherings that are closely associated with drug or alcohol use can also tug at your emotions and put your recovery at risk.

But there are ways you can prepare for this challenging season and safeguard the greatest gift you’ve ever given yourself and those you love: Your sobriety. Here are seven practical tips to help you avoid relapse and stay sober during the holidays and beyond.

1. Have Sober Strategies in Place

Develop a plan to protect your sobriety ahead of any holiday event and activity that could potentially trigger relapse to substance abuse. This may mean going to a Twelve Step meeting before or after the event, attending the festivities with your sponsor or a sober friend, or making sure you can leave the gathering at any time and are not dependent on someone else for transportation. Your plan to stay sober could also include “bookending” the event with before-and-after telephone calls to someone in recovery. Feel empowered to limit your time in stressful situations or around difficult people—and always have an escape plan. Much of relapse prevention is having an awareness of the people, places or things that could trigger trouble and planning strategies for staying sober given those inevitable situations.

2. Adjust Your Attitude

Talk with your sponsor, a friend who understands addiction recovery, or a professional counselor about the emotions and expectations you have wrapped up in the holidays—especially if you find yourself replaying childhood experiences or memories during this time of year. This is called “calculating reality.” Remember that your loved ones, coworkers and friends are probably feeling tired and stressed during the holidays, too. This realization alone will help you adjust your attitude, lower your expectations and be forgiving of yourself and others. Instead of showing up at a holiday event feeling on edge or defensive, orient your thinking to be open, accepting and positive: Ask yourself, what is the next right thing for me to do in this situation?

It’s also important to be aware that some people in addiction recovery are vulnerable to substance abuse relapse after the holidays. The buildup of stress and resentment that might come with the holidays can lead to rationalizations, denial and relapse. In other words, we can convince ourselves that, considering what we’ve been through, we are entitled to drink or use. Sometimes, as alcoholics and addicts, we manage things better when we’re in the midst of a crisis than afterwards. Remember, the disease of addiction is as powerful the day after a holiday as it is the day of and the day before. As we learn during addiction rehab and in the meeting rooms, recovery is a one-day-at-a-time endeavor, no matter the season.

3. Be of Service

The holidays offer powerful opportunities for spiritual growth by sharing your gratitude and joy with others. Connecting with others in this way can be a new experience that takes courage. But because you’re in recovery from active addiction, you’ve already demonstrated the capacity for tremendous courage and change. So keep strengthening your recovery. Look for ways to be of service to others: Serve a meal at a homeless shelter, reach out with hospitality to a newcomer at a meeting, spend time with a neighbor who is confined. There are a million different ways to give back, pay it forward and be of service.

4. Be Mindful of What You’re Drinking—and Thinking

At social gatherings, it might be helpful to always have a beverage in hand so people aren’t constantly offering you a drink. When you order a beverage, pay attention to how it is being made. If you ask someone to get a beverage for you, he or she may not know your situation or might forget your request and bring you an alcoholic drink. If you accidentally pick up the wrong drink and swallow some alcohol, this doesn’t mean you will automatically relapse. But watch for any rationalizations that could creep in: “Hmm, I guess I can handle alcohol in social situations after all. Perhaps my period of abstinence taught me how to control my drinking.” Do not go down that road. Instead, tell someone who understands recovery from drug or alcohol addiction about your experience as soon as possible. A mistake is not a relapse—but it can lead to one if kept a secret.

6. Avoid Known Risks

If you know Aunt Lucy is going to grill you about rehab, avoid her. If Uncle Bob will try to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him. If the office New Year’s party is really all about drinking or other drug use, make a brief appearance or don’t attend. It is unrealistic in all of these scenarios to say, “I can soldier through.” That’s what Step One of the Twelve Steps teaches us, right? That we don’t have the power. So, why put yourself in the position of having to “power through” an obstacle course of relapse triggers? Staying sober and safeguarding your recovery must always come first.

6. Practice Self-care

Celebrate the holiday season and the fullness of your sober life by taking time for yourself. Proper nutrition, gentle exercise and restorative sleep can do wonders for your well-being. The better you feel physically, the stronger you will be emotionally. Nourish your spirit, too, through personal reflection and connection with those you love. Find some quiet time each day for relaxation and meditation—if only for a few minutes, no matter how busy you are. Let your spirit be your guide.

7. If You Need Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Consider Going to Rehab During the Holidays

Some families might consider the holidays an inappropriate time to help a loved one get into addiction treatment when, in fact, it could be an ideal opportunity. For many of the reasons mentioned above, substance abuse tends to ramp up over the holidays. Addiction treatment initiated during the holidays could be the best gift you give to your family, your friends and yourself.