An Updated Definition of Recovery From SAMHSA

Last December, SAMHSA announced it’s working definition of recovery, along with a set of guiding principles. The definition was the result of a lengthy process that involved service providers, recovery advocates, and other stakeholders. For reference, the original definition looked like this: Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders:  A process of change through…

Defining Recovery + a New Recovery Center in Portland

SAMHSA recently announced a new “working definition” of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders. The definition comes from a year-long effort that involved SAMHSA and several members of the behavioral health care community and beyond. The definition reads as follows: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live…

Maine Tops States for Unwanted Prescription Drug Collection

Mainers turned in more than 7 tons of unwanted prescriptions drugs during National Drug Take Back Day on October 29th. 14,140 pounds to be exact. According to the Bangor Police Department, that is more unwanted drugs per capita than any other state during the Drug Enforcement Administration-sponsored national event. Good news considering all the talk…

Painkiller Addiction in Maine, a Series from the Portland Press Herald

Painkiller addiction has hit the state of Maine hard. Ten years ago, the issue was deemed “the greatest criminal problem and possibly the greatest social problem facing Maine.” Today, Maine doesn’t seem to be in any better place when it comes to the addiction and abuse of prescription painkiller medication. The cost of this addiction…

Gender Matters in Treatment Services: Dr. Covington’s Maine Visit

Dr. Stephanie Covington, a nationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant and lecturer, visited Maine on Tuesday, September 13. She spent the day at the Black Point Inn in Scarborough as a guest of Crossroads for Women. In the morning, Dr. Covington gave the keynote talk “Why Gender Matters: Creating Services for Women and Men” to…