Substance Use Disorder is not just bad for your health, relationships, and professional life; it’s also deadly. Consider the three NYC professionals who died from a fentanyl overdose in March 2021; they all thought they were ordering cocaine through a delivery service, but the dealers laced it with fentanyl. We cannot stress enough that drugs…
A huge source of frustration for those who have firsthand experience with the opioid crisis is that no one seems to care. Officials say they will “do more” but often fail to elaborate. This is a topic Scott Silverman discusses during a recent appearance on The Opioid Matrix podcast. He once used the analogy of…
There is an excellent billboard on the highway in New Jersey that says: “Addiction can happen at any age. So can recovery.” It is never the wrong time to explore addiction recovery. New Year’s resolutions have become a bit cliché and often backfire. Resolutions like “I’m going to eat healthier” or “I’m going to run…
The Rotary Club is a network of more than one million people who want to create lasting change in people and the world. Larry Kenmore is a club leader and head of the action group for addiction prevention in North America. He believes having multiple programs in one (1) Project to combat addiction is essential,…
Family Crisis Coach Scott H. Silverman has served the population of San Diego for decades and has witnessed firsthand the struggles that Veterans face. He is the principal Founder of The Veterans Navigation Center, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Veterans Navigation Center connects Veterans to expert case managers familiar with the complex landscape of Veteran benefits…
If you wait for your teen to begin exhibiting signs of addiction, it may already be too late. The DEA launched the “One Pill Can Kill” initiative in September 2021 to battle the increase in illegal opioid distribution and use, with fentanyl being the top priority. In just four months, they seized more than 10…
In August, Scott Silverman had the opportunity to get involved in the Living Undeterred Tour. Organized by Jeff Johnston, this mental health initiative travels the country, attempting to change minds—and maybe even lives. In short, Living Undeterred shares the goals of every advocate for ending the opioid crisis and raising mental health awareness: End the…
Scott H. Silverman’s influential book, The Opioid Epidemic: What You Don’t Know Will Destroy Your Family and Your Life is available via audiobook from Amazon, and directly from Audible here. As we’ve mentioned before, one of the best ways to help solve the opioid crisis is by educating yourself. Learn the signs of addiction, why…
“I could not manage all the stuff I do now if I were still in that dark place shackled to a bottle.” This is what Mary Burt-Godwin, host of Biz TV’s America Trends, told Scott and Fredd during a recent podcast. Scott has been a guest on Mary’s show several times to discuss addiction, recovery,…
September is National Recovery Month. Recovery Month is a national observance held each year “to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.” Scott H. Silverman was recently interviewed for the…
Scott Silverman has been hosting The Happy Hour Podcast since February 2020. You can look through his backlog of episodes to discover resources for drug addiction, hear stories from people in recovery, and learn how addiction affects loved ones. Scott’s podcast on addiction and recovery offers a different kind of happy hour, one that doesn’t…
Scott H. Silverman wrote his latest book, The Opioid Epidemic, in response to the public health crisis surrounding these powerful, whether legal or illegal, drugs. When he published the book in 2021, he was already aware that opioid overdoses had skyrocketed during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, but he had no idea that the problem would…
Replacement is a standard method for people trying to quit anything from drugs to overeating. When quitting cigarettes, doctors recommend patients chew gum or suck on hard candy. Virgin drinks or soda and lime are common alternatives to alcohol. Instead of junk food, eat an apple. When making a lifestyle change, you have to replace…
The opioid crisis is only getting worse. Drug overdose deaths are on the rise, and factors like Covid-19 and the introduction of fentanyl are responsible for the jump from 46,802 deaths in 2018 to 68,630 deaths in 2020. But that’s not even one percent of the population. It’s nothing to worry about, right? The biggest…
Raising children is not for the faint of heart. Each child is unique, with their own mind, yet most parents can’t help feeling as if their child’s choices and behavior directly reflect their parenting. Experts (and grandparents) constantly disagree on how different household dynamics, disciplinary tactics, education, nutrition, etc., affect children, which makes parenting the…
Fredd Carroll is a man who is “good at many things.” He’s an author, screenwriter, podcaster, producer, and more. He’s also familiar with what it’s like to deal with stigma. On paper, Fredd has an eighth-grade education. Growing up, he didn’t have a great support system, but he fell in love with movies. Fredd knew…
The most valuable advice on addiction and recovery often comes from those who have experienced the struggle. We’ve discussed the importance of peers before, especially when considering Scott Silverman’s journey. He turned his experience with alcoholism, drug addiction, and suicidal thoughts into a powerful catalyst for change. Now, his life revolves around helping others as…
Why should you confide in a crisis coach? Why should you make that call? No one can fix your addiction except for you, and what makes this person think they can motivate you, help you, and connect you with resources that will actually work? Scott Silverman can help because he knows what you’re going through.…
It can be hard for those with substance use disorder to realize they are on a path of self-destruction. However, every once in a while, someone is self-aware enough to recognize the signs they are headed towards a future they don’t want. They come to a fork in the road. In June of last year,…
Curious about the best way to embrace sobriety? Just be strong. Have self-control. And don’t forget that good attitude! It’s that simple. Wouldn’t it be nice if that were true? Unfortunately, getting sober, staying sober, and embracing sobriety are very different and complicated processes. Imagine telling someone with type 2 diabetes to buck up and…
Scott Silverman’s podcast co-host, Michael Glenn Moore, hosts his own semi-monthly podcast, called In a City Like Yours. In his October 4, 2021 episode, he interviewed John Orlando, who gave insight into how death and loss can affect a young person. John lost his father when he was eighteen years old. By that point, John’s…
When you hear the term “drug addict,” you might picture gangsters and residents of Skid Row. You might think of actors and musicians. Drug use is only something that afflicts the very poor or the very rich—isn’t it? The truth is, of course, that anyone can fall victim to addiction. In the wake of the…
The opioid epidemic is real. If it has not impacted you or your family, you’re one of the lucky ones—but know that it doesn’t mean you’re safe. A child, a loved one, or a good friend could become addicted at any time. Perhaps they already are, and you don’t know it yet. Our goal by…
Fentanyl has become a major player in the opioid epidemic. Originally prescribed for managing pain in cancer patients in the early 1960s, it made its way to the streets in the early 2000s. From there, it found its way into the bodies of addicts and unsuspecting teens looking to have some “fun.” Unfortunately, not all…
Scott Silverman has done a lot to help those dealing with substance use disorder, but Confidential Recovery is his pride and joy. This plain, brick recovery center in San Diego is ideal for those who want to keep their affliction private. As much as Scott works to end the stigma against addiction, it still exists.…
A supervised consumption site is where drug users can get clean supplies for pre-obtained substances and, if necessary, a dose of naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan). As with every new idea, there are two opposing outlooks. Does this kind of resource encourage drug use and crime? Or does it save lives and help outcasts reconnect with society?…
Valentine’s Day may look different for a marriage recovering from substance use disorder. A card and chocolates aren’t enough to repair a bond damaged by addiction. Instead, what your spouse needs is proof that addiction won’t control your life, or theirs, any longer. Studies have shown that substance use disorder is responsible for the deterioration…
Almost everyone is aware of the #mentalhealth crisis we are facing as a result of the pandemic, let alone the substance abuse epidemic that grips our nation.But, did you know that psychiatrists have increasingly been decreasing the amount of talk therapy they facilitate? It’s true, read my article in the South Florida Reporter which discusses…
An epidemic is a widespread, infectious disease that takes hold of a community in a short time. By this definition, opioid addiction can only be called an epidemic. In the twenty years since the U.S. began collecting data in 1999, 930,000 people have died due to overdose. The first major player in the opioid crisis…
Scott doesn’t call himself an addiction coach; he is a crisis coach. This phrasing is intentional. After all, most people don’t turn to addiction without first facing a mental health crisis. Some professions cause more mental strain than others. We’ve talked about first responders, but it’s been a while since we’ve discussed mental health in…
The crisis that grips our nation is killing almost 300 a day and is the leading cause of death for adults between 18-45. Scott frequently appears in the media to discuss the dangers of fentanyl, the symptoms of opioid use, and most importantly: what to do if someone you love is at risk. Watch Scott…
There is a big difference between legalizing marijuana and decriminalizing marijuana. People who smoke weed probably shouldn’t be sitting in jail for years. However, its use should not be encouraged. While weed is less harmful than opioids and alcohol, it is not harmless. It contains THC, which causes short-term and long-term side effects. Some short-term…
In May 2018, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a report concerning mental health problems and substance use disorder in first responders. The report showed that first responders are at a much higher risk than most of the population to suffer from mental health issues—including substance use disorder (SUD). Take a…
The holidays are a source of joy for many people. For others, they are a reminder of everything they don’t have – material and otherwise. The result is a higher rate of stress, depression, and relapse. In a 2014 poll, the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 64% of people struggling with mental health…
During Scott’s October 17th KUSI interview, journalist Elizabeth Alvarez mentions that we sometimes get too caught up in thinking of veterans as heroes. We forget that they are people, too—people who have experienced unimaginable trauma. In fact, they do it for the rest of us so that we never have to go through it. Make…
The desire to fit in is part of the human condition. We think of it as a tween and teen problem, but even adults struggle to find their place. Once we find where we fit, we get comfortable and want to stay there—even if it means buying things we can’t afford and trying things we…
As Scott mentions in his book, The Opioid Epidemic, overdoses claim more than 200 lives every day. That’s the equivalent of a plane crashing every day and killing everyone on board. In 2020, that number rose to 250. Many substance abusers use their substance of choice to cope with stress and personal problems, and the…
After months of hearing about fatal overdoses soaring to record heights, it can be very discouraging. Well, this Saturday, October 23rd is “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” We’ll feel better by taking this significant and symbolic action. Why Do We Do “Take Back Day?” Do you think that just because you don’t have drugs…
Kenan Thomas is a high school student and dedicated Girl Scout. She is also a huge proponent of safe drug disposal. 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…
If anyone knows Scott H. Silverman, they know he’s not one to beat around the bush. His frankness keeps his life and recovery on track. Often, it’s what keeps others’ recoveries on track. Back in June, he shared the story of how he began the nonprofit organization Second Chances with The San Diego Union-Tribune. It…
On August 31st, we recognized International Overdose Awareness Day. The Times of San Diego published an opinion article by Scott in which he called upon San Diego citizens to help save lives. If you don’t think you have that power, you’re wrong. Often, community is the key to a person’s success or failure when it…
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a day to remember without stigma those we have lost to overdose. It also focuses on education as a means of prevention. 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,…
Substance use disorder does not discriminate. It does not make exceptions. Everyone knows this, but somehow, it’s still a shock when celebrities and politicians admit to struggling. Addiction is also common in athletes, whether they are rookies or veterans. Addiction in sports can come in the form of prescription pain medication, performance-enhancing drugs, and alcohol.…
This blog often focuses on substance abuse. Scott has spoken numerous times about the increase in opioid overdoses since the COVID-19 pandemic began. He also addresses the issue in his book, The Opioid Epidemic. However, it’s important to note that addiction isn’t the only crisis facing our community. On his April 7th podcast, crisis coach…
In 2012, doctors wrote 255 million opioid prescriptions. Thanks to updated information about opioid addiction (and stricter guidelines for prescribing chronic pain medication), that number dropped to 153 million in 2019. Unfortunately, prescription medication abusers are compensating with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. During an April interview with Fox 2 Detroit, Scott mentioned that Southern California…
As I mentioned in an April interview with California Insider, almost half of the homeless people in the United States can be found in California. As of 2020, 70% of those people were unsheltered. With so much money dedicated to the problem, why is it still a problem? Chances are, you’ve heard about the tent…
Scott H Silverman’s Happy Hour recently featured an episode with Summer Stephan, San Diego County’s District Attorney. Summer Stephan has devoted her life to protecting children and families, providing justice to the most vulnerable, and is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Summer is focused on advancing public safety…
Four Good Days, starring Mila Kunis and Glenn Close, tells the heartbreaking story of an addict trying to get clean for the fifteenth time. The addict, Molly, goes to her mother, Deb, and Deb is unsure of how to help her daughter. She worries about enabling her. She makes a few decisions while trying to…
I began drinking hard liquor at just fifteen years old. In fact, the vanity plate on my first car read “SOCOMF.” By my mid-twenties, I was using meth, cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. I still believed I had everything under control. Life certainly would have been easier if I’d never picked up that bottle during my…
Being California Sober means abstaining from all ‘hard drugs’ (re: opioids) and using ‘recreational’ amounts of marijuana. This phrase was popularized by singer Demi Lovato, who has been very open about her recovery. Her willingness to share her wounds and healing in recovery has done a lot to reduce the stigma around substance use and…
This was written after interviewing Dr. Jaynee Paulson on Scott H. Silverman’s Happy Hour Podcast. In her TEDx talk, Jaynee Poulson refers to the famous line from The Princess Bride: “Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” She suggests we own our pain because pain has a purpose. “If you are never…
Lying is a necessary part of the addiction cycle. Addicts lie to employers, friends, families, and (perhaps most devastatingly) themselves. Honesty would mean owning up to actions, admitting you have a problem, all of the things that seem so very hard until you hit rock bottom. It’s easy to forget that some addicts who hit…
We wanted to share these reviews recently received for Scott H. Silverman’s new book, “The Opioid Epidemic.” The book is now available and you can grab your copy here. Its been years since i picked up a book that kept me engaged. Scott H. Silverman’s book The Opioid Epidemic is an engaging read. It shines…
Today Scott received this message from a family that he has worked with. We are sharing it with their permission to serve as a reminder that there is help and hope. Scott Silverman saved our relationship with our daughter. We knew she needed help, but we had no idea how to help her. We saw…
The crime of the century is at your door and it’s growing. Are your kids dabbling? Using marijuana? Do you know how much they can be in harm’s way? Do you know the telltale signs that someone is addicted? Why are high schoolers falling down the rabbit hole of opioids? Addiction is a killer disease…
Scott H. Silverman’s Happy Hour is an inspirational and educational podcast, through which we meet many of the people who are leading the battle against addiction – many of whom have been affected by addiction and are in recovery. The two most recent episodes feature sports personalities Aaron Taylor and Brett Boone. Bret Boone, as…
The American Rescue Plan was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden this week. While the legislation’s chief focus is to eradicate COVID-19 and restore the American economy, some provisions will greatly benefit the Recovery Community. Over $4 billion will be invested in mental health and substance use disorders as we seek…
Are You Stuck? We all face crises in our lives. You … Me … All of Us. No two crisis situations are the same. They vary by family, individual, and relationship. They can encompass complex family dynamics, emotional distress, anger issues, and entitlements and often involve substance abuse. Are you stuck, scared or unsure of…
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a global event focused on raising awareness of overdoses, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledging the grief felt by families and friends. Your Crisis Coach Scott Silverman joins KUSI to tell us more. Watch the KUSI story here. And don’t forget, if…
(PHOTO: Saige and her son Julian EARLEY FAMILY)Watch full CBS story. Every year, about 5 million Americans, most of whom are adolescents and young adults, have their wisdom teeth removed. Many of them are prescribed opioids for the pain during recovery. The American Dental Association said that after updating its guidelines advising against prescribing opioids, dentists wrote…
“I destroy homes, tear families apart – take your children, and that’s just the start. I’m more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold – the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. And if you need me, remember I’m easily found. I live all around you, in schools and in town. I live…
A three-letter word: yes. So short and small, yet so powerful. And, Scott Silverman said it. In 1984, in San Diego, Scott H. Silverman was an alcoholic, a drug addict and dealer, and was depressed. He had grown up as a rebellious troublemaker who was told by doctors and teachers that he was stupid and…
Don’t start talking until you have your child’s attention. Don’t repeat yourself. Use fewer words. See it from his point of view. Engage cooperation. Stay calm. Set up routines. Listen. Watch for understanding. Pare down your orders to what’s really non-negotiable.
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The time has come where many parents are now sending their kids off to school. Behavioral health consultant and family navigator Scott Silverman joins KUSI with an important message about drugs in school. Watch KUSI Video
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Kids have a lot on their mind during the Summer months. Unfortunately, listening to their parents may not be high on their priority list. Crisis Coach Scott Silverman joined Good Morning San Diego with some tips on how you can get your children to listen. Silverman told KUSI one of the…
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The holidays are just around the corner, and they’re typically associated with social drinking. Scott Silverman CEO of Crisis Coach joined us earlier to tell us how you can still have an awesome holiday while choosing sobriety. For more information, please visit his website at www.confidentialrecovery.com. If you have an issue or any questions…
Jason Austell sat down in studio with Scott Silverman, CEO of Confidential Recovery, to discuss how audiences can help a loved one with an addiction problem. Scott is a Crisis Coach, behavioral health advisor, and leads the team at Confidential Recovery—an intensive substance abuse recovery program for adults. As the author of Tell Me No, I Dare You:…
If your new year’s resolution is to cut drugs and / or alcohol out of your life, Scott Silverman is here to show you how to get started. Watch Video
Scott Silverman gives safety advice to parents whose children are on Spring Break. Watch the full segment from KUSI Good Morning San Diego here.
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Scott Silverman discusses substance abuse and mental health problems of First Responders. Read the full article for successful intervention services and how to treat addiction among First Responders.
In this episode of ASK ME HOW, Scott Silverman and Eric Martin Koppelman talk about drug addiction. Dawn makes a special call in to talk about her road to recovery. Listen to the full podcast here.
In this episode of ASK ME HOW, Scott Silverman and Eric Martin Koppelman discuss dramization and how addiction affects families. Listen to the full episode here.
Listen to Scott Silverman on ERIC MARTIN KOPPELMAN of WLINY Radio for a discussion on the drug crisis in America here.
Watch Scott Silverman’s Wellness Weekly for 06-26. Guests include Dr. Larry Emdur, Rania Fakhourly, and Dr. Phil Milgram with Tom. Listen to the full podcast here.
Scott Silverman presents Barriers to Treatment & Long Term Recovery. Join this free event on Tuesday, July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict is a documentary made by the FBI and DEA. It showcases the dangers of perscription drug and heroin abuse. If you would like to be educated about these dangers, watch the full documentary here.
Welcome to Wellness Weekly. In these segments, Scott Silverman interviews the director and founder of the Help Together Foundation, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and a former major league baseball player. All of these individuals have profound stories and advice when it comes to prescription drug abuse. Listen to these two podcasts for…
In honor of National Recovery Month, which started on September 1, we’re featuring personal photos submitted from people in recovery showing what their sobriety means to them. Check out this inspiring photo and others in our series. Click to View
Scott Silverman has started a new exclusive business with a respected clientele. But you won’t find any address listing. You won’t see a sign over the door. And no one will brag about going there. His business is advertised primarily by word-of-mouth because privacy is paramount. As New Year’s resolutions were launched, Silverman’s enterprise no doubt…