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Improv in Recovery: A Tool for Connection, Healing, and Growth
One emerging and powerful tool in this journey is improvisation. Improv — a playful, collaborative form of theater — is gaining traction in recovery settings for its ability to unlock creativity, break down barriers, and promote essential recovery principles in an engaging, supportive way.
By Frances Soto-Valentino, LCSW, CASAC-M
13 minutes ago3 min read
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Behind the Hype: The Real Risks of Kratom
By now, most of us have heard of Kratom — whether from patients, social media, or simply seeing it in stores. But concerns about its safety and effectiveness remain. Kratom is an herbal extract from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, Kratom leaves have been consumed through smoking, chewing, or tea. Kratom contains both opioid-like properties and some stimulant-like effects.
Carolyn Vella, Advanced CASAC, BS
Jul 305 min read
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Clinical Work in an AI World: A Practitioner’s View
The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is upon us, and by all accounts, its impact is — and will continue to be — astounding. Revolutionary may not be too strong a word. We are already seeing major changes across the workplace (automation), healthcare (diagnostics), education (learning platforms), creativity (AI-generated art), scientific discovery (accelerated research), and more. The political, economic, and ethical implications could fill volumes — and they have.
Lynn Doris, MBA, LCSW, M-CASAC
Jul 12 min read
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Marijuana Today: A Familiar Playbook With New Risks
It was 1954. Big tobacco companies — despite denials — were marketing to young people. The Surgeon General had not yet issued any warnings about the risks of smoking. Negative studies were actively refuted by the tobacco industry. I was 12 years old and already addicted to nicotine.
Fast forward to today...
Michael R. Delman, MD, FACP, FACG, DFASAM
Jun 62 min read
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Galaxy Gas: A Deadly Resurgence
Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, sweet air, or whippets, has seen a significant resurgence.
Jo Venturelli
Feb 252 min read
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