Believe it or not, that is really a great question.  Most people with the disease of substance abuse certainly don’t intend to become an addict.  But what happens over time, sometimes a very short time and sometimes over months, a “switch” is activated.  And that switch leads to a compulsive need to take or use […]

People who don’t have addiction or understand how addiction works have trouble understanding why someone who compulsively uses substances that brings harm to the user and brings hurt and destruction to all those around them.  You know, you would think someone who hits their thumb with a hammer while pounding nails wouldn’t keep doing it […]

When most of us have done something we know is the wrong thing to do/that hurts someone, we  feel guilt – that voice of our conscience telling us of our wrong doing.  It is important to notice guilt comes about from our actions – something I didn’t do that was the right thing to do […]

In the treatment of addiction/substance use disorders, there are the terms “relapse” and “recovery.”  And in everyday English, the words have the gist of relapse meaning “a return to a worse condition” and recovery means “returning to a normal state.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Commission (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of […]

In my first blog, I had mentioned that the concept of “addiction” often carries a negative connotation.  Some people regard addiction as a moral failing instead of a chronic brain disease.  So in an effort to help de-stigmatize addiction, the medical definition has been changed to “substance use disorder.”  And substance can refer to several […]

We are beginning a new service for our patients and anyone who is struggling with addiction.  The word addiction often caries a negative connotation.  For someone who doesn’t have an addiction, it only seems reasonable to believe the person who is using the substance could “just quit.” or “could “just try harder to stop using.”   […]

Duncan Regional Hospital is fortunate to have many passionate people serving on its boards who are willing to share their time and talent. We are pleased to announce the addition of Tanya Case and Scott Stone to the DRH Board of Directors. Tanya received her BA degree from the University of New Mexico, and her […]

You find it hard to concentrate and feel tired all the time. You have been losing or gaining weight without even trying. Are these indications you are getting older, or do you have a thyroid problem? The thyroids’ primary function is to take the iodine found in many foods and convert it into thyroid hormones […]

1. Balance those sweet treats with a healthy snack. 2. During this busy time, remember to give yourself time to rest both physically and mentally. 3. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water throughout your day. 4. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Stop the spread of germs! 5. Don’t […]

Duncan Regional Hospital promotes men’s health through No Shave November Duncan Regional Hospital is proud to be participating in No Shave November. The month-long journey encourages participants to forgo shaving and grooming to highlight men’s health and raise cancer awareness. The goal of No Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, […]