Entering treatment can seem like a vast and mysterious process, which is why we’re here to break it down for you. We want you to feel confident and knowledgeable when it comes to your treatment plan and overall health. Here’s what you can expect when you come to The GateHouse for an initial assessment. Why...
Category: General
How to Recover from a Relapse
Going through a relapse can be crushing on the human spirit. Although we wish relapses wouldn’t occur, that’s unfortunately not always the case. Many people relapse after treatment, and while not ideal, you can find comfort in knowing you’re not alone and that there are plenty of ways to recover from a relapse and continue...
Jodi’s Story
To look at Jodi O’Reilly, the first thought that comes to mind is, Here’s someone who’s got it all together. Attractive, intelligent, and charming, Jodi is the mother of two daughters, the executive director of one of Pennsylvania’s top recovery and behavioral health organizations, and a natural leader–with a sense of humor and an expressive...
Staying Healthy in Recovery: Are there Alternatives to Drugs and Alcohol?
After entering recovery, one of the hardest things to do is fill the leftover space in your mind and in your daily life. Spending so much of your time using drugs or alcohol can leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied throughout recovery, and it can often lead to relapses and addictive behavior. This is why...
Tim’s Story
Tim’s Story: Overcoming Addiction and Helping Others in Recovery “Although I knew the amount I was using was lethal, that thought wasn’t scary enough to stop me.” Tim G., Counselor at The GateHouse Many would never assume that Tim has struggled with addiction. Currently a Counselor at The GateHouse and pursuing a degree in social...
Overcoming the Stigma of Drug Addiction from Family and Friends with Education
You’re working hard to overcome your addiction, and you need the support of family and friends. There’s a stigma surrounding substance abuse, and people in your life may not understand addiction. Knowing the causes of alienation, how to educate family and friends, and how to break away from the stigma will help you throughout your...
How to Set Boundaries in Recovery
The failure to set boundaries in recovery is one of the biggest threats to those with a history of substance use disorder. Loose boundaries can allow others to negatively influence your behavior or take advantage of your situation. Setting boundaries early on in your recovery will help you stay on track and let your loved...
What is K2 and How is It Impacting Lancaster County?
While K2 has been on the market for several years, it recently attracted major media attention when over 100 people overdosed on the synthetic marijuana product in New Haven, CT, earlier this month. Sadly, this wasn’t the first instance of mass overdoses on K2, but it did serve to intensify the discussion surrounding the deadly...
Addiction and Choice: What Truly Causes Addiction?
There are so many misconceptions surrounding addiction that it can sometimes be easy to make incorrect assumptions about the people who struggle with it. Falling into this trap is only intensified by people’s inexperience with the causes of addiction and the corresponding inability to understand that no one chooses this kind of life. The reasons...
Staying Healthy in Recovery: How to Identify Triggers and Overcome Them
Staying healthy in recovery is a process that affects everyone differently. One of the biggest concerns people in recovery face is avoiding triggers that could result in relapse. People, places, activities, and other things can bring back memories of past drug or alcohol use and result in intense cravings. Knowing how to identify triggers and...