Author: BO ALLAIRE, M.D. – MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Allaire received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, as Valedictorian of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and his Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He is the medical monitor for the Physician Counseling Committee of the Harris County Medical Society and the Medical Director of Serenity House Detox. Dr. Allaire specializes in medically assisted detox cases, treating patients in recovery from addiction or other mental health disorders, the medical assessment and monitoring of patients with addictive disorders, medical care related to eating disorders and the medical treatment of patients with mental health conditions.

Collective Trauma: The Triggering Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Trauma is a loaded word, and we can talk about it in several different contexts, but for the next few minutes, let’s talk about trauma as it relates to what’s going on right now with the COVID-19 pandemic and how this experience could complicate addiction and recovery. One way of looking at trauma is this: […]

The Risk of Overstimulation While Practicing Social Distancing

In our last post, we talked about the importance of staying connected even as we started moving toward social distancing measures. Time has passed, and many cities and states are observing Shelter at Home Orders, more social settings and events have been shut down, and we are being encouraged to stay at home and stay […]

Developing and Communicating Boundaries

Boundary work is one of my favorite subjects. My rock-solid belief is that living a life with healthy boundaries leads to greater joy, fewer resentments, and more compassion all the way around. I also know that many people, myself included, were not raised with healthy boundary-setting skills. The truth is, most of the people that […]

The Spiraling Path of Best-Self

“Growth is a spiral process. Doubling back on itself, reassessing and regrouping.” —Julia Margaret Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way “Life is a journey up a spiral staircase; as we grow older we cover the ground we have covered before, only higher up; as we look down the winding stair below us we measure our […]

The Body in Recovery Part III: Body-based Practices for Emotional Healing and Discovery

Welcome back to our Body talk. So far, we’ve looked at the consequences of long-term substance abuse and important body-oriented considerations in early recovery, and we’ve talked about the body’s role in healing and forward motion in recovery. Today, our focus is on specific body-based activities that can support you in ongoing healing and discovery. […]

Houston, we have a problem — with chemical addictions

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM—WITH CHEMICAL ADDICTIONS If Houston rarely appears on “ten best places to live” lists, the Bayou City nonetheless has much to offer: mild winters; good spring and fall weather; regular intercultural exposure; an active parks and recreation system; and opportunities in every industry from energy to hospitality to higher education to […]

Spectrum 2016: Learn your “ABC’S of addiction”

SPECTRUM 2016: LEARN YOUR “ABC’S OF ADDICTION” October should be designated National Conference Month. In the lull between the schedule adjustments of September and the days the winter holidays descend in full force, organizations everywhere seize the opportunity to promote their missions, share their dreams, and stoke enthusiasm for their causes. Houston’s recovery community is […]

A Moment in Time: The Gin Craze

Something happened in London in the early- to mid-18th century. It was called the Gin Craze. It represents a moment in time, perhaps a first moment, that illustrates how the wider social context plays a key role in substance use disorders. London’s reaction to the Gin Craze and those impacted is also an early picture […]