Author name: Dr. Beth Dunlap

Licensed Physician and SurgeonDr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.

addiction recovery stages and process

The Stages of Addiction Recovery

Addiction Treatment, Recovery / By
Addiction recovery is a long process. It begins when something motivates the addict to change and ends when the individual has regained their financial, physical, emotional, and relationship health and positively changed their behavior. Two University of Rhode Island psychologists, James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente, broke the process into five stages. Those stages of recovery

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painkillers on a table symbolizing the 4 dangers of mixing alcohol and meds

4 Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Painkillers

Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment / By
If you are suffering from an alcohol use disorder, the risk of abusing other substances is often high. Most people who binge drink also abuse prescription painkillers, such as opioids. Individuals often engage in polysubstance abuse to enhance the euphoric or sedating effects of other drugs. At Northern Illinois Recovery, we can help you overcome

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group of people at a party using 3 of the most dangerous party drugs

3 of the Most Dangerous Party Drugs

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Information / By
Partying and clubbing is a long-held American tradition, especially for teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, most parties involve party drugs (mostly psychoactive substances) to heighten the enjoyment. Party lovers and parents of teenagers need to gather substantial knowledge about such drugs. It can help maintain safety at parties. In Northern Illinois Recovery, we can help

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woman enjoying autumn leaves outdoors staying sober during the holiday season

How to Maintain Your Sobriety During the Holiday Season

Addiction Treatment, Sobriety, Substance Abuse / By
Every December, many American families get together and make merry. It is a month of glad tidings, and alcohol is often part of having fun. However, if you are in recovery from substance abuse, the holiday season can be difficult to maintain sobriety. The holidays can bring reminders of drinking escapades, family conflicts, past trauma,

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The Impact of Opioids on the Brain

Addiction Treatment, Drug Addiction Treatment, Drug Rehab Centers, Opioids / By
Due to their availability in the prescribed form, opioids are among the most abused drugs in the United States. Health professionals use opioids as medicine due to their capacity to relax the body and relieve pain. Opioids affect the brain’s reward system to make you feel “high,” which has led to their non-medical use. You

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anger management in addiction recovery

5 Ways to Reduce Anger in Addiction Recovery

Addiction Treatment, Recovery, Rehab / By
The journey to recovery involves emotional lows and highs. During your addiction recovery, you will have both your triumph and down moments, and one of the emotions you will experience is anger. The primary reason for dealing with anger in recovery is that it is associated with relapse. Patients direct anger at themselves, specific people,

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