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Archives for Author: Olivia Gillespie

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Olivia Gillespie

Liv Gillespie is an AI-fluent copywriter and editor with master’s degrees in Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language. Her work spans behavioral health, insurance, and personal finance, with clients including American Express.

Articles by Olivia Gillespie

An orange prescription bottle labeled Fentanyl lies on its side with white tablets spilling out. The label includes a warning about addiction and overdose risks. The background is black.

Where Does Fentanyl Come From?

Olivia Gillespie April 6, 2025

You may be hearing about fentanyl all the time now—in the news, on social media, and in heartbreaking stories of loss. What you might not realize is that fentanyl has been around since the late 1950s. Before it was a national threat, it helped people manage severe pain after surgery or during cancer treatment.  Today, fentanyl is both a powerful medical tool and a dangerous street drug. Understanding where fentanyl comes from, how it gets

A man with brown hair and a beard sits on a couch with his eyes closed, pressing his fingers to his temples, appearing to have a headache or to be stressed.

The Body’s Recovery Time After Heavy Alcohol Use

Olivia Gillespie March 6, 2025

Watching yourself or a loved one struggle with alcohol use can be heartbreaking, especially when you see glimpses of who the person was and what they looked like. Maybe you’ve noticed changes in their energy, memory, or overall health, or perhaps you’re wondering if your own drinking habits have started taking a dangerous physical toll. No matter the case, understanding how and when the body recovers from alcohol use can provide clarity, hope, and a

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Chronic Pain Management in Recovery

Olivia Gillespie February 21, 2025

At Waypoint Recovery Center, we know that pain goes beyond the physical. Neverending pain, from debilitating migraines to intense muscle aches, may feel like an endless, distracting burden that makes even the simplest tasks overwhelming. Whether it stems from past injuries, a health condition, aging, or stress, chronic pain can affect every part of your life. It may even drive you or a loved one to cope with substances like marijuana, alcohol, or opioids.  For

A healthcare worker in blue scrubs stands in a hallway, holding glasses and rubbing his eyes, appearing tired or stressed.

Relapse Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Olivia Gillespie January 30, 2025

A relapse rarely occurs on a whim. There are signs or symptoms that present days, weeks or even months before falling back into substances.

A smiling woman sits on a couch, talking to another person whose back is to the camera, in a bright room with plants and shelves in the background.

Potential Questions To Prepare For in Recovery Therapy

Olivia Gillespie January 9, 2025

Recovery involves asking yourself hard questions and giving honest responses. But what happens when asking and telling painful truths triggers an outburst or sparks overwhelming feelings in individual therapy sessions?  Waypoint Recovery Center has the tools to guide you or your loved one through challenging therapy sessions. We customize all therapy sessions to fit the individual’s needs and pacing. We’re careful not to overwhelm you, but we’re determined to ask the necessary questions for your

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The Best Coping Mechanisms For Cravings

Olivia Gillespie January 2, 2025

If you’re in recovery, you know exactly what cravings can feel like—intense waves of desire that can come out of nowhere, especially when you’re dealing with difficult emotions.  You’re not alone in this experience. Research shows that cravings are one of the biggest challenges in recovery, and they’re a natural part of the healing process. But here’s the good news: how we respond to these cravings can make all the difference. Think of cravings like

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Constructive Indoor Hobbies To Enrich Recovery This Winter

Olivia Gillespie November 18, 2024

At Waypoint Recovery Center, we’re interested in the science behind sustainable sobriety and effective relapse prevention. With the arrival of cooler temperatures and shorter days, you might wonder if being inside more could jeopardize your sobriety. We share our clients’ concerns and curiosity about the topic. If you’re in addiction recovery treatment and looking to keep busy this winter, keep reading.  While some studies suggest  that exercising in nature provides more benefits than exercising indoors,

Two women sit outdoors; one appears sad with her hand on her face, while the other gently touches her shoulder, offering comfort. Both wear denim jackets and have curly hair, with blurred buildings in the background.

How to Talk to Your Family About Going to Treatment

Olivia Gillespie November 13, 2024

Addiction is everywhere, and it can be incredibly challenging to treat it and convince others to get help for it. While it might seem like having a substance use disorder (SUD) and entering an addiction treatment program has become fairly normalized, addiction stigma can still be a huge roadblock to sobriety.  The best way to overcome stigma is through education. Exposure to recovery narratives or stories may have the potential to break down addiction stigma,