He talked about his 37 years of recovery, shared his wisdom and insights that has helped him to facilitate the sobriety of hundreds of others. He also talked about the dangers of marijuana, which is more potent than ever before, and of course, the “plane crash per day” of opiate overdoses in the United States.

Watch the entire segment here: https://youtu.be/BfiL_h0XlJ4

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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His segment on August 11^th, 2021 discussed his background, recovery, and talked about how he approaches his work in helping those with a SUD by “meeting them where they are at” to reduce the stigma of addiction, which is a huge hurdle that we need to overcome as a society in order to make progress in the battle against the opioid epidemic.

Watch the entire segment here: https://youtu.be/TV2_3uTDNQ4

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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Scott also shared insight from his own 37 years of recovery and gave recommendations on how to help a family member who may be struggling with an addiction.

Watch the entire segment here: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/983818.

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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In May 2021, Scott had the opportunity to interview Kenan about her reasons for wanting to end the opioid epidemic. Like everyone else in San Diego, she’d been watching the number of opioid overdoses climb during the pandemic. When she had her wisdom teeth removed, it became clear to her why opioid use was out of control.

Kenan’s doctor prescribed her opioids for pain. She used a few, but she didn’t know what to do with the leftovers. Her doctor hadn’t offered guidance. Kenan did some research and learned how to dispose of her leftover meds properly. 

However, she recognized that most kids her age would take a different route. They might toss them in the back of the medicine cabinet. They might continue taking them until they were gone. They might decide to give them away—or sell them.

To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout must create a sustainable “take action project” for the community. Kenan had found her project in working to put an end to opioid overdoses, and she found some interesting facts along the way:

1. 9 out of 10 addicts begin using during their teen years.

Kenan believes the reason may be that teens are too trusting of their doctors and medicine to believe the drugs could be harmful.

2. It takes just a couple of weeks to become addicted to oxycontin.

If your doctor prescribes you thirty pills and you take them all, you may be at a higher risk of developing an addiction.

3. Many unused opioids also remain undisposed.

If you hold onto your prescription meds, your family, friends, or even faux house hunters may gain access to them.

4. Flushing or trashing prescription opioids can harm the environment.

The drugs can contaminate the waterways and landfills, harming aquatic life and scavengers.

So what could Kenan do to help? She decided to look to the SD Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force, which directed her to the Safe Homes Coalition. This organization provides prepaid envelopes for people in the San Diego community, allowing them to dispose of unused prescription medication in a safe way.

Kenan started with the same doctor that removed her wisdom teeth. She asked him if he would consider talking to his patients about proper disposal, and so far the practice has handed out over two hundred envelopes. She’s expanding her reach to other healthcare professionals, and she hopes to make safe disposal education a common discussion in doctors’ offices everywhere.

The goal is similar to that of Madeleine Baudoin Ghorashi (the government public affairs manager for American Medical Response). Madeleine ensures every AMR ambulance carries the envelopes in case they come across someone who needs them, and she has been very supportive of Kenan’s work.

The DEA organizes an event called “National Take Back Day” twice per year. Kenan wants everyone to know that you can safely dispose of unused medications any day. Find an organization like Safe Homes Coalition or check with your pharmacy.

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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Back in June, he shared the story of how he began the nonprofit organization Second Chances with The San Diego Union-Tribune. It all sprang from his desire to help people and his penchant for real talk.

Helping people, whether it’s as a crisis coach, family navigator, or simply as a member of the community, is a big part of Scott’s recovery journey. Getting out and aiding those dealing with the same challenges he faced three decades ago serves as a constant reminder of what it would mean to go back to that place.

His work in the community also provides Scott with purpose and motivation.

In the 1990s, he could be found satisfying this need by feeding the homeless every Sunday at St. Vincent de Paul. He met a man there named Frank, and Frank talked with Scott about his struggle to find work. Scott’s response?

“Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

It’s no secret that homelessness is a vicious cycle. Even when you take substance use disorder out of the equation, the cycle exists. The homeless don’t have money to invest in their appearance, and they need to look presentable to land a job. They need a job to make money. It’s why community movements like Streets of Hope and Dress for Success are so important.

Scott decided to create his own movement. You may have already guessed that he helped Frank get a job. Every Sunday after that, people asked him to help them.

First, Scott tried to serve this group of job seekers by getting nonprofit organizations involved. However, no one was interested. True to form, Scott decided to start his own nonprofit. He named it Second Chance.

Second Chance remains in full swing today, and its purpose hasn’t changed. Whether the people of San Diego need a second chance after addiction, poverty, or incarceration, the staff and volunteers at Scott’s organization are here to help. Some adult services they provide are reentry court, job readiness training, housing, and job centers. They also focus on community youth with programs like Youthful Offender Rehabilitation Program (YORP), Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Youth Program (WIOA), STRIVE Future Leaders, and a Youth Garden.

The only requirements for the program are that the participants stay clean, sober, and motivated.

Second Chance has come a long way from the original establishment of a six-person house. By the early 2000s, the organization had nine properties and 45 employees—and, yes, many of those employees were graduates of the Second Chance Program. In 2019, the program saw 2,000 participants.

It all happened thanks to a jobseeker named Frank, a community helper named Scott, and one simple question.

If you are struggling with homelessness or addiction, give Scott a call at 619-993-2738. Second Chance might be the solution to your problems.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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As he usually does, Scott discussed the 240 people who overdose fatally every day in the United States. And as always, he reminds that there is hope and help available, urging anyone who is struggling with a substance use disorder, or cares about someone who may be, to get help.

Listen to the entire segment here:

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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Often, community is the key to a person’s success or failure when it comes to recovery. As Psychology Today points out, we follow the crowd. We trust products based on popularity; we look to others when determining right from wrong (a.k.a. “social proof”); our views gain strength when we are around others who have the same ideas.

The fact that so many people view addiction as a “moral failing” is the reason that stigma remains so prevalent. It’s the reason that those suffering from substance use disorder are afraid to ask for help. The best way to save lives is to change your way of thinking.

Reducing stigma is one of the goals of International Overdose Awareness Day.

If enough people stop judging addicts and start helping them, the tide will turn. More addicts will seek help, and more addicts will get help.

Scott believes that every day should be dedicated to stopping stigma, educating our youth, and ending the opioid epidemic.

On August 31^st of this year, President Biden declared the theme for National Recovery Month: Recovery is For Everyone:  Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.

It’s no secret that his son, Hunter Biden, struggled with alcohol, cigarette, and cocaine addiction. Hunter described addiction as “a never-ending tunnel.”

No matter which side of the fence you’re on politically, the Bidens know what the long road of recovery entails. That’s just a fact. Joe stood by Hunter despite the criticism and stigma that his very public relapses brought about. He is the loved one of an addict, and we must admire his unwavering support.

The Bidens understand that the recovery process lasts longer than a day. It lasts longer than a month. Having a national leader personally invested in reducing the stigma surrounding SUD is a huge step in the right direction. Putting money towards mental health and substance abuse services is a step in the right direction. Drawing attention to SUD with International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month is moving in the right direction.

However, we have to put effort into ending the opioid epidemic every day. We have to support those who have been personally affected by addiction and loss every day.

If you aren’t sure where to start, there are some excellent resources available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website to learn more about addiction. Visit FindTreatment.gov to find a treatment center near you. Or, if you’re local to San Diego, there are options closer to home.

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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On International Overdose Awareness Day health experts are shining a light on the problem that has gripped the U.S. and Clark County for years.

Crisis Coach and author of The Opioid Epidemic, Scott H. Silverman appeared on ABC 13 Las Vegas to commemorate the day and compared the death rate in the U.S. to a plane crashing every day as 240 people are lost to overdoses every 24 hours.

Silverman says occasions like Overdose Awareness Day are important to shine a light on the problem.

“We’re probably not hearing about 90% of it right now,” Silverman said. “Between COVID and what’s going on in Washington, and now globally, and now these huge storms, it isn’t a topic that unfortunately makes the news right now, and I know it’s happening because I hear about it daily.”

Silverman also says the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to the increase in overdose deaths as stress and isolation lead people to self-medicate and in-person recovery groups are driven apart by social distancing.

He said people should use Overdose Awareness Day as an opportunity to reach out and seek help, and he’s offering 15 minutes of free consultation to direct people to resources in their area.

The Southern Nevada Health District reports overdose deaths have risen by 39% in the first months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department blamed the powerful opiate Fentanyl for five deaths in 24 hours on Aug. 12.

 Watch the entire segment here.

If you are facing a situation with a loved one, spouse, or even a child that has started to spiral, please call me at 619-993-2738.

Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time.  Contact Scott by calling (619) 993-2738 or visit Your Crisis Coach to learn more about Scott’s work and public appearances.  You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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After thirty-five years of sobriety, of involving myself fully in the role of crisis coach and family navigator to help others struggling with addiction, I hoped things would get better. Instead, they’re getting worse.

I believe there are a few factors at fault here—first, the pandemic. No one was prepared for this. People are stuck at home, feeling hopeless. Turning to that bottle of pills or alcohol feels like a no-brainer. Not to mention, many facilities designed to help addicts weren’t able to operate during the shutdown. According to Reuters, U.S. overdose deaths rose by 30% in 2020.

Another issue is one I’ve always found particularly frustrating: stigma. People with substance use disorder (SUD) are made to feel ashamed for their problems. In fact, your first reaction when reading about International Overdose Awareness Day might have been a roll of the eyes. They did it to themselves, didn’t they? That is stigma, and it keeps people from seeking help.

The third issue is the rise of synthetic opioids. First, there were prescription opioids. Next came heroin. Now, there is fentanyl.

In 2019, San Diego officials reported 152 fentanyl-related deaths. By June of this year (2021), that number had already reached 131. Fentantyl was developed to help cancer patients with pain management. It is one hundred times stronger than morphine and fifty times more potent than heroin. Some people put it in their bodies on purpose, as a recreational activity.

They are that lost. They are that desperate. Or worse, they may not know what they’re taking.

The number one weapon we have for fighting substance use disorder is education. Talk to your children. Start them young. Make sure they know exactly how harmful drugs can be and how easily an accidental overdose can occur.

Some people lose all self-control and take too much of a drug because it feels good, and they aren’t thinking. Others hit rock bottom and do it on purpose. Many users, however, overdose accidentally. They believe they are taking one drug, and it’s cut with another, more potent substance. They believe each pill contains the same amount of “product,” but there is no quality assurance when it comes to drugs. They try something new, and it ends badly.

This kind of stuff happens every day.

The CDC estimates that around thirty-eight people died every day in the U.S. due to synthetic opioid overdose in 2019. If you consider the fact that overdose rates in San Diego County rose by 400% last year, you can imagine how high that number is today.

Tell your kids. Tell them now, before they return to school and the peer pressure that comes with it. Fentanyl can be in marijuana, alcohol, vape juice, anything. A lethal dose of fentanyl starts at around 3mg. Imagine the size of the tip of a pin. That’s all it takes. While they are trying to get high, your children may ingest something they don’t mean to.

The drug dealers won’t educate your kids. The drug companies won’t educate your kids. You have to do it. You have to do it, and—this is the hard part— you have to do it without judgment.

Saying “I have a problem. I need help.” is hard for most adults. It’s even harder for kids and teenagers, who crave their independence so badly.

Now imagine saying “I need help,” knowing there is a very high chance the other person in the conversation will judge you, berate you, feel ashamed of you. This is the stigma that people with substance use disorders face. I wouldn’t ask. Would you?

This year, in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, let’s commit to reserving judgment. Let’s commit to educating our kids. Let’s commit to saving lives.Scott H. Silverman has been helping addicts and their loved ones navigate the road to recovery for more than twenty years. His book, The Opioid Epidemic, is available now on Amazon.

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Addiction in sports can come in the form of prescription pain medication, performance-enhancing drugs, and alcohol.

In March, Scott had the opportunity to speak with former major league second baseman, Bret Boone. Bret has been open about his struggle with alcoholism and is now in his third year of recovery.

If you played sports for any length of time or know someone who has, his story probably sounds familiar. He drank socially in high school and started drinking more after his career took off. He once asked a more experienced player how he handled the pressure of a professional baseball career, and the athlete responded that he worked hard, played hard, and drank hard.

Bret fell into a similar pattern. Drinking became routine. Two or three beers became four or five, and he began throwing vodka into the mix. Alcohol helped him “flip the switch” and turn off the noise in his head. He was functioning and experienced no repercussions, which meant he had no motivation to quit.

His major spiral came after retiring. He began hiding his drinking from his family. He’d drink five beers at the golf course, come home and have another, and it would seem like he was cutting back. To some degree, he was aware he had a problem. He checked himself into rehab several times, only to restart his old pattern.

Bret wasn’t ready to work on himself until he met a fellow golfer who was in recovery. The man was kind, professional, and Bret could relate to him. He asked for help. 

During the podcast, Bret made a compelling statement: “Sobriety is remarkable.”

He’s become a more reliable friend and a more present father. He is able to help others like himself.

However, he remains frustrated at the amount of enabling that occurs in professional sports. People want to keep the athletes happy; they want to stay on their good side. There aren’t many people willing to dole out the “tough love” that addicted athletes need.

How To Help Someone Who You Fear is Abusing Alcohol

When asked how friends and family can help loved ones who are facing addiction, Bret had two pieces of advice:

1. Don’t be an enabler.
2. Remember that you can’t make them choose recovery.

Just be there for them when they’re ready.

To this day, Bret can’t say for sure whether or not his alcoholism was the reason he retired from baseball. He stopped playing because he’d lost his passion for the game—but he admits that he didn’t feel passion for anything until sobering up.

In 2014, 44% of male student-athletes reported binge drinking, while 33% of female student-athletes admitted to engaging in the same activity. The 2015 book Drugs in Sport cites anxiety and peer pressure as significant factors in alcohol use among professional athletes.

Major League Baseball is trying to step up to the plate by providing more mental health resources and updating its drug policy. For now, however, most of the help athletes receive seems to be from peers who have battled the same demons.

And don’t forget, if your situation with a loved one, spouse, or child has started to spiral, call me at 619-993-2738. Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient addiction treatment program in San Diego.

(c) 2021 Scott H Silverman. All Rights Reserved.

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