An NHL Legend, A Doctor & a Dog Help Addicts Find Hope
[ad_1]
Aug. 19, 2022 — Among hockey fans, Kevin Stevens is a legend. A member of several teams, including the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, the now 57-year-old was especially known for being a Pittsburgh Penguin during the team’s Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992.
But the Bostonian is also a recovering addict whose life changed dramatically when he was 28 years old and made “one bad decision” one night.
“I had never done drugs in my life, but someone stuck cocaine in front of me,” he says. “I didn’t know what it was, but I tried it and that changed my life for the next 24 years.”
Stevens forged a long and often well-publicized battle for sobriety with many challenges along the way, including an opioid addiction due to a massive hockey injury (as well as continuing to use cocaine) and an arrest for dealing oxycodone in 2016.
When he entered a guilty plea in 2017, he vowed to turn his life around. Ever since, he has dedicated his life to help others through Power Forward, a nonprofit he started in 2018 that’s focused on raising awareness about addiction.
Bring on the Dogs
Today, Stevens, who currently works as a National Hockey League (NHL) scout, and one of his board members, Michael Hamrock, MD, a primary care and addiction medicine doctor at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston, have introduced a unique healing method to the list of offerings for people in recovery.
Called the DOER (Dog Ownership Enhancing Recovery) program, a trained support dog — in this case, a golden retriever named Sawyer — will be sent to live with 12 men living in a sober home in the Boston area, in a program that’s the first of its kind in the U.S.
“For the entirety of my practice, my patients have told me over and over again how much their pet dogs have improved their physical and mental health, so I thought we should add this to one of our offerings,” Hamrock says. “I know this will help.”
The day Sawyer was introduced to the residents as part of a pilot program was a joyful one, Hamrock says.
“We brought Sawyer to the backyard and, while on a leash, he went to each resident individually,” he says. “They started patting him and playing with him. I could see the tremendous delight in their eyes.”
The goal: To add more dogs to the program, over time.
“I believe meetings, medications, spiritual care and having a sponsor help with recovery,” he says. “But dogs can provide safety, prevent loneliness, help you reestablish relationships, help you find purpose and value and offer unconditional love.”
And with overdose deaths in the U.S. reaching record levels last year, Hamrock says the time is now to continuing innovating.
“We know the risk factors for heart disease, but we need a better understanding of the brain disease of addiction,” he says, noting that the acronym GAMES offers a good way to quantify the five risk factors: G (genes), A (age of first drug use), M (treated or untreated mental health issues), E (exposure to opioids as a treatment for, say, chronic pain) and S (stress, especially from adverse childhood events) is a good way to quantify risk factors.
But a well-trained dog can mitigate some of those factors.
“We know dogs can reduce stress and enhance mental health,” he says. “We also know that pet dogs can help with accountability, create a caring environment, and fill the void of nurturing. We can really see a difference.”
Ask Stevens and he’ll tell you he’s excited about how service dogs might play a role in helping addicts stay in recovery.
“I think what Michael is doing is pretty neat,” he says. “When he brought this idea to the table, it made sense. Dogs are so great for people and they’re that bright spot in your day. Offering these residents the chance to take care of something will make all the difference.”
[ad_2]
Source link
prednisone buy canada – https://prednisonesale.pro/#
ivermectin buy https://ivermectin.today/# ivermectin 3 mg
top erection pills https://edpillsotc.store/# – best ed pill
pharmacy website india https://indianpharmacy.life/# – india pharmacy
economy pharmacy https://drugsotc.pro/# canadian pharmacy online ship to usa
medicine in mexico pharmacies mexican rx online mexico drug stores pharmacies mexicanpharmonline.com
is minocycline an antibiotic https://stromectol24.pro/# ivermectin for humans stromectol24.pro
valtrex 1g price https://valtrex.auction/ buy valtrex canada
paxlovid pill https://paxlovid.bid/ paxlovid india
order viagra https://viagra.eus/# cheapest viagra
Kamagra 100mg https://kamagra.icu/# – Kamagra 100mg
Levitra 10 mg best price https://levitra.eus/# Levitra 20 mg for sale
Cialis without a doctor prescription https://cialis.foundation/# – Generic Cialis without a doctor prescription
Kamagra 100mg price https://kamagra.icu/# – super kamagra
world pharmacy india https://indiapharmacy.pro/# – indian pharmacy online indiapharmacy.pro
deep web links free dark web dark markets
amoxicillin from canada https://amoxicillin.best/ can you buy amoxicillin uk
purchase zithromax online https://azithromycin.bar/ generic zithromax azithromycin
ciprofloxacin order online https://ciprofloxacin.men/ ciprofloxacin mail online
lisinopril for sale online https://lisinopril.auction/ lisinopril 2.15 mg
migliori farmacie online 2023 https://farmaciait.pro/ comprare farmaci online all’estero
farmacia online più conveniente https://kamagrait.club/ farmacia online migliore
ed medications online ed treatment review ed pills for sale edpills.tech
reliable canadian pharmacy best rated canadian pharmacy cheapest pharmacy canada canadiandrugs.tech
escrow pharmacy canada https://canadiandrugs.tech/# best canadian online pharmacy
prednisone tablet 100 mg https://prednisone.bid/ prednisone 12 mg
buy cipro cheap https://ciprofloxacin.life/ cipro for sale
buy misoprostol over the counter https://cytotec.icu/ buy cytotec pills
mexico drug stores pharmacies https://mexicanpharmacy.win/# mexican rx online mexicanpharmacy.win
canadian pharmaceuticals online safe https://canadadrugs.pro/# – superstore pharmacy online canadadrugs.pro
real viagra without a doctor prescription https://edwithoutdoctorprescription.pro/ viagra without a doctor prescription
pharmacy website india https://medicinefromindia.store/ top 10 online pharmacy in india
diflucan uk price https://diflucan.pro/ where can i get diflucan
should i take tamoxifen https://nolvadex.guru/ tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention
abella danger video https://abelladanger.online/ Abella Danger
aviator game bet: https://aviatorghana.pro/ aviator game online
aviator pin up https://aviatorjogar.online/ – aviator game
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. It was exactly what I needed to enjoy reading!
I’m so grateful for the information you’ve shared. It’s been incredibly enlightening!
sweet bonanza 90 tl https://sweetbonanza.bid/ – sweet bonanza yasal site
pin up casino indir: https://pinupgiris.fun/ aviator pin up
Your creativity and intelligence shine through this post. Amazing job!
Your post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
mexican mail order pharmacies: mexican rx online best mexican online pharmacies mexicanpharmacy.shop
Appreciate the balance and fairness, like a judge, but without the gavel.
This post is packed with useful insights. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
You’ve opened my eyes to new perspectives. Thank you for the enlightenment!
Thank you for shedding light on this subject. Your perspective is refreshing!
This is a brilliant piece of writing. You’ve nailed it perfectly!
I admire the way you tackled this complex issue. Very enlightening!
Your post resonated with me on many levels. Thank you for writing it!
You’ve got a way with words that’s as enchanting as a full moon. I’m bewitched.
Beautifully written and informative, making the rest of the internet look bad.
Reading The work is like gazing at a masterpiece; every detail contributes to a breathtaking whole.
The posts are like a secret garden of knowledge. I’m always excited to see what’s blooming.
Your blog is a constant source of inspiration and knowledge. Thank you!
casino trực tuyến việt nam https://casinvietnam.com/# – casino trực tuyến
Incredibly informative post! I learned a lot and look forward to more.
This is one of the most comprehensive articles I’ve enjoy reading on this topic. Kudos!
Your passion for this subject shines through your words. Inspiring!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. It was exactly what I needed to enjoy reading!
I appreciate the unique viewpoints you bring to your writing. Very insightful!
This article is a perfect blend of informative and entertaining. Well done!
This article was a joy to enjoy reading. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
Your post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
Your dedication to quality content is evident. Keep up the great work!
I learned a lot, and now I’m curious about what else you could teach me. The intelligence is as captivating as The prose.
A gift for explaining things, making the rest of us look bad.
You navigate through topics with such grace, it’s like watching a dance. Care to teach me a few steps?
Joy to read and contagious enthusiasm? I thought I was immune, but you proved me wrong.
The Writing is like a secret garden, each post a path leading to new discoveries and delights.
The insights have added a lot of value to my understanding. Thanks for sharing.
The article was a delightful read. It’s clear you’re passionate about what you do, and it shows.
The work is truly inspirational. It’s as if you’ve found a way to whisper sweet nothings to my intellect.
This post was a breath of fresh air, like a surprise message that brightens The day. Thank you for the lift.
The ability to distill hard to understand concepts into readable content is admirable.
The clarity of The writing is like a perfectly tuned instrument, making hard to understand melodies seem effortless.
I’m impressed by The ability to convey such nuanced ideas with clarity.
I’m in awe of the way you handle topics with both grace and authority.
Both informative and thought-provoking, as if my brain needed the extra workout.
The passion for this subject is infectious. Reading The post has inspired me to learn more.
The unique perspective on this subject was enlightening. It’s refreshing to see someone so passionate about their topic.
A go-to resource, like a library but without the late fees.
The approach to topics is like a master painter’s to a canvas, with each stroke adding depth and perspective.
The post was a beacon of knowledge. Thank you for illuminating this subject.
Stumbling upon The article was a highlight of my day. It was just what I needed to read.
“I must commend you on the outstanding quality of your post. The balance of well-researched information with your personal insights made it incredibly rewarding to read. Your dedication to excellence is evident in every word. I’m so glad I found your blog!”
Both informative and thought-provoking, as if my brain needed the extra workout.
The research depth is so evident, I almost thought this was a thesis defense.
I learned a lot, and now I’m curious about what else you could teach me. The intelligence is as captivating as The prose.
You write with such passion and clarity, it’s like listening to a love song for the mind.
The insights are as invigorating as a morning run, sparking new energy in my thoughts.
The voice shines through The writing like a beacon, guiding us through the darkness of ignorance.
Testament to The expertise and hard work, or The ability to make me feel utterly unaccomplished.
The ability to convey hard to understand ideas so effortlessly is as attractive as a perfectly tailored suit.
The knack for making hard to understand concepts readable is something I greatly admire.
A masterpiece of writing—you’ve covered all bases with such finesse, I’m left wanting an encore.
Handling topics with grace and authority, like a professor, but without the monotone lectures.
The post touched on things that resonate with me personally. Thank you for putting it into words.
Compelling read with well-presented arguments. I almost felt persuaded. Almost.
A refreshing take on the subject, like a cool breeze on a hot day. I’m all ears for what you have to say next.
Incredibly helpful post, like a GPS for my lost thoughts.
This article was a joy to read. The enthusiasm is contagious!
The post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
The perspective is like a rare gem, valuable and unique in the vastness of the internet.
https://bfme.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=2304100
http://79bo.cc/space-uid-3937108.html
https://www.google.com.ag/url?q=https://notes.io/wkn4y
https://thegadgetflow.com/user/dohnwolf323
http://wecan.skybbs.biz/home.php?mod=space&uid=1720356
https://my.desktopnexus.com/gasport24
https://www.google.co.cr/url?q=https://zenwriting.net/hopehall62/shattered-no-more-a-guide-to-auto-glass-replacement
https://maps.google.mw/url?q=https://blogfreely.net/peonydeath55/clear-as-glass-the-ultimate-guide-to-auto-glass-replacement
https://www.521zixuan.com/space-uid-770613.html
http://bbs.lingshangkaihua.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=1508104
https://www.demilked.com/author/prisonbeet54/
https://linkagogo.trade/story.php?title=shattered-reflections-the-ultimate-guide-to-auto-glass-replacement#discuss
Provoked thought and taught me something new, as if my brain needed more exercise.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. It was exactly what I needed to read!
The clarity and thoughtfulness of The approach is as appealing as a deep conversation over coffee.
Adding value to the conversation, because what’s a discussion without The two cents?
Engaging with The work is as thrilling as a spontaneous road trip. Where to next?
I’m genuinely impressed by the depth of The analysis. Great work!
The warmth and intelligence in The writing is as comforting as a cozy blanket on a cold night.
I’m bookmarking this for future reference. The advice is spot on!
Every piece you write is like adding another book to my mental library. Thanks for expanding my collection.
The unique perspective is as intriguing as a mystery novel. Can’t wait to read the next chapter.
This is the most thorough piece I’ve read on the topic. The dedication to research is admirable.
You’ve opened my eyes to new perspectives, as if you knew the way to my curious heart.
The creativity and intelligence shine through, blinding almost, but I’ll keep my sunglasses handy.
Thank you for the hard work you put into this post. It’s much appreciated!
Opened my eyes to new perspectives, and here I was thinking I’d seen it all.
The attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed. I really appreciate the thoroughness of The approach.
You navigate through topics with such grace, it’s like watching a dance. Care to teach me a few steps?
A masterpiece of writing! You’ve covered all bases with elegance.
Presented a hard to understand topic engagingly, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
The work is both informative and thought-provoking. I’m really impressed by the high quality of The content.
Handling topics with grace and authority, like a professor, but without the monotone lectures.
Incredibly helpful post, like a GPS for my lost thoughts.
Always excited for The posts, because who else is going to make me feel this inadequately informed?
The ability to connect with readers is like a secret handshake, making us feel part of an exclusive club.
The post has broadened my perspective in ways I didn’t expect. Thank you for that.
The analysis had the perfect mix of depth and clarity, like a perfectly mixed cocktail that I just can’t get enough of.
The passion is infectious, or maybe that’s just my enthusiasm trying to match Thes. Inspiring, nonetheless!
This Writing is a treasure trove of knowledge. Thank you for The contributions!
Each post you write is like a letter I’ve been waiting for. Always delivered with care.
What a refreshing take on this subject. I completely agree with The points!
Beautifully written and incredibly informative, The post has made a lasting impression on me. Thank you for sharing The thoughts.
Glad I stumbled upon this article. It’s like finding a $20 bill in a pair of old jeans.
The insights add so much value to the conversation. I always learn something new from you.
Distilling hard to understand concepts into readable content, or what I like to call, a miracle.
I was truly impressed by how deeply you delved into this topic. The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!
The blend of informative and entertaining content is perfect. I enjoyed every word.
I appreciate how you’ve explained things so clearly. It really helped me understand the topic better.
What a refreshing take on this subject. I completely agree with The points!
The post was a beacon of knowledge. Thank you for illuminating this subject.
The attention to detail is as attractive as it is thorough. I appreciate a person who notices the little things.
Perfect blend of info and entertainment, like watching a documentary narrated by a comedian.
Always learning something new here, because apparently, I didn’t pay enough attention in school.
This post is a testament not only to The expertise but also to The dedication. Truly inspiring.
The writing style is captivating! I was engaged from start to finish.
The insights have added a lot of value to my understanding. Thanks for sharing.
The finesse with which you articulated The points has me captivated. It’s as if you’re speaking my language.
Nicely put, Appreciate it.
writing a response essay writing essay services how to make yourself write an essay
The article was a delightful read. It’s clear you’re passionate about what you do, and it shows.
The perspective is incredibly valuable to me. Thanks for opening my eyes to new ideas.
Remember, the key with flirtatious comments is to keep them light-hearted, respectful, and ensure they’re taken in the spirit of fun and admiration.
Joy to read and contagious enthusiasm? I thought I was immune, but you proved me wrong.
The insights add so much value, like an unexpected compliment that brightens one’s day. Thanks for sharing.
A perfect blend of informative and entertaining, like the ideal date night conversation.
This was a great read—thought-provoking and informative. Thank you!
The fresh insights were a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing The unique perspective.
The voice shines through The writing like a beacon, guiding us through the darkness of ignorance.