by Beth Wilson I attended the Kitsap County Drug Court Graduation last Friday, partly out of duty and partly for myself. As a temporary instructor for the Life Skills class, I wanted to stand in solidarity with my Phase 1 students, who were required to be there. But I also knew what the ceremony would…
Tag: SUD Treatment
Michelle Lamb: A Transformative Voice in Recovery
“Being a part of a program like the ones I went through — Kitsap County Drug Court, working with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and now West Sound Treatment Center — is my way of giving back to the programs that saved my life.” This is Michelle Lamb’s statement when I ask her about her…
Vernalisa Colon: A Voice in Recovery
In a world where the struggles of addiction and homelessness often go unnoticed, Vernalisa (VL) Colon is a voice in recovery in the Kitsap community. Her journey from a childhood marked by hardship to a leading advocate for recovery is nothing short of inspiring. Through her leadership, she has touched countless lives, demonstrating the power…
Let’s Make Some Holiday Magic With WSTC’s Toy Drive!
You can make a difference here! West Sound Treatment Center’s annual toy drive is back, and it’s all about spreading joy to kids whose parents are on the road to recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). These families are in a tough spot, focusing on rebuilding healthy lives — and let’s be real, holiday gifts…
Save a Life
Rescue Breaths Rescue breaths can save a life during an overdose because drugs such as fentanyl and xylazine slow or stop a person’s breathing. Rescue breaths are a good idea in an overdose situation even if naloxone has already been administered. In fact, someone may not begin to breathe on their own until two to…
Staying Sober on Independence Day: Top 10 Recovery Tips
With fireworks, barbecues, and celebrations all around, it’s important to have a plan to keep your recovery on track. Here are our best tips to help you enjoy the holiday while staying sober. 1. Plan Ahead Just like you wouldn’t host a barbecue without a shopping list, don’t go into the Fourth of July without…
Reentry Simulation Reveals Surprising Systemic Breakdowns
by Beth Wilson “You’re being released from jail. All of your resources are in this packet, including your Life Card, which tells you your obligations and what services you need. Each table in this gymnasium represents a location you may need to visit, and you must use one transportation ticket to get to each one.…
Understanding Your Hangover
The Morning After If you feel sick the morning after binge drinking, you may wonder, what exactly is this thing called a hangover? And more importantly, is there a cure? The answers to those questions aren’t so straightforward, though. Alcohol affects every body differently, so your combination of symptoms may be unique. Here are the…
Embracing Joy
The Vital Role of Fun in Addiction Recovery One element that you don’t want to overlook in your recovery journey is the infusion of fun into the addiction treatment process. Including fun activities isn’t a luxury but a powerful tool for holistic healing. Embracing fun can transform the landscape of addiction recovery, offering hope, resilience,…
Unlocking Healing
The Transformative Power of Journaling in Recovery Recovery is overwhelming. Recovery is full of hope. Among the daily challenges and triumphs, one treatment tool stands out: journaling. The act of putting pen to paper goes beyond words; it’s a pathway to healing and self-discovery. Journaling serves as a guiding light, offering comfort, insight, and empowerment…
