TYR Updates
 
Unite to Face Addiction
 
October 4, 2015 will go down in history as "the day the silence ended." Thousands of friends, family, allies, and people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder descended on the National Mall to let their faces be seen and voices be heard; even hurricane Joaquin could not stand in the way.   
  
The October 4th rally was a star-studded event with speakers including the Surgeon General, Dr. Oz and our very own Ivana Grahovac, to musical acts which included Steven Tyler, The Fray, and Sheryl Crow. People traveled from all corners of the nation with the message "we do recover!" 

Eating Disorders: When to Take Action 

The transition to college can be exciting but is not always smooth sailing for everyone. Between adjusting to a new schedule, trying to make new friends and living away from home for the first time, the transition can be tough, even emotionally overwhelming at times.
 
For some, especially those without positive coping skills, turning to food can be a way to manage the anxiety and stress they are experiencing.
 
"It is very common for those with pre-existing disordered eating behaviors to get worse once they go to college, and for others to begin developing disordered eating behaviors once at school," said Dr. Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., the Clinical Director of the Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in Arizona.
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Navigating Social Situations

We often hear that overcoming addiction can be an ongoing, lifelong journey. Navigating the holidays, group celebrations, going back to school, or just an everyday get together can be very difficult for those in recovery - especially when everyone around you seems to be having a drink or dabbling in behaviors that might be tempting for someone battling addiction. 
 
There are so many questions to be answered. No matter what the situation may be, there are a number of helpful and empowering reminders that can enable you to maintain a fulfilling social life, while prioritizing a healthy and happy recovery.
 
Below are a few tips for those overcoming addiction

Social Justice, Collegiate Recovery, and the Recovery Movement 

By A.M. Brown

The recovery movement is gaining momentum, these last few months in the recovery field have seen huge increases in national solidarity. The sense of gratitude this instills in the hearts of those of us in recovery is incredible. At long last, we are beginning to be heard. On October 4th, thousands in recovery will have mobilized and descended on Washington in the first ever march on Washington to advocate for recovery. From the dark shadows, to the Washington Mall: we have come so very far.

A theme began to emerge last spring at the ARHE national conference- ideas of recovery identity as it relates to civil rights. Access to treatment, access to supports, and the ability to be someone afflicted by the disease of addiction, and to not be ostracized, or marginalized, or otherwise moralized; this has been a literal dream for those of us living in recovery for decades past.

Peak Months for Drug Abuse in College

By Raul Ruelas
 

Dorm room decorations, mini refrigerators, and school books, these are all common items college freshman purchase, but what about marijuana, cigarettes, inhalants, prescription pills and alcohol? The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health recently examined data to see when specific drugs were used during a student's first year in college. The results found from the study were a correlation between specific activities of the month that can cause stress and drugs that alleviate these stresses. Parents should be attentive of the pressures that college presents along with the activities their students' partake in so they can prevent any impartial judgments that can damage academic achievement and disrupt a students' success.