In-network with Medicaid & major commercial insurance

Recovery library

Learn every option,
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Plain answers to the questions people ask us on the phone, written by the counselors who answer them. No sales pitch, and nothing you need to sign up for to read.

Treatment

Naltrexone and Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder: How They Work

Naltrexone is a non-addictive, FDA-approved medication that helps many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) drink less by reducing cravings and blunting the pleasurable reward of alcohol. It comes in…
October 12, 2026 · 7 min read

Talk to someone today

When you call, we answer.

Reaching out does not commit you to anything. It means you asked a question.

Latest articles

The full archive

Every article we’ve published, by date

How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in Your System hero image of a person thinking.
Drugs

How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in Your System? Urine, Blood, Saliva, and Hair Detection Windows

If you or someone you care about uses methamphetamine, one of the most common questions is how long methamphetamine stays in your…
August 28, 2026 · 9 min read
Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive hero image of a woman with muscle pain.
Drugs

Are Muscle Relaxers Addictive? Which Ones Pose Real Dependence Risk

Yes, some muscle relaxers are addictive, but the risk varies dramatically between medications.
July 9, 2026 · 6 min read
Greened Out hero image of a man who has taken too much THC, and crouches down.
Drugs

Greened Out: What It Means, How Long It Lasts, and When to Worry

Greening out is primarily linked to consuming more THC than the person can comfortably tolerate. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate mood, appetite,…
April 28, 2026 · 13 min read

Treatment

Treatment

Naltrexone and Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder hero image of a needle being filled with fluid.
Treatment

Naltrexone and Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder: How They Work

Naltrexone is a non-addictive, FDA-approved medication that helps many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) drink less by reducing cravings and blunting…
October 12, 2026 · 7 min read
What Happens After IOP hero image.
Treatment

What Happens After IOP? Aftercare, Step-Down Programs, and the Continuum of Care

Finishing an intensive outpatient program is a real accomplishment, but it often comes with an unexpected question: now what? After weeks of…
August 17, 2026 · 7 min read
Suboxone vs Methadone How do MAT Options Compare hero image of a man on a couch meeting with his addiction care team.
Treatment

Suboxone vs Methadone: A Clinical Comparison of MAT Options for Opioid Use Disorder

Choosing between Suboxone vs methadone is one of the most important decisions a person can make when starting treatment for opioid use…
July 29, 2026 · 14 min read

Recovery

Recovery

the link between nutrition and addiction recovery is an often overlooked factor in treatment
Recovery

Nutrition and Addiction Recovery: How Diet Supports Healing the Brain

Proper nutrition helps the body heal from chronic alcohol use and drug addiction.
March 26, 2026 · 5 min read
what does recovery mean for your future a man smiling thinking about how far he has come from addiction
Recovery

Defining the Journey: What Does Recovery Mean for Your Future?

Identifying internal and external triggers is an essential part of preventing relapse and maintaining sobriety.
March 24, 2026 · 11 min read
How Building Self-Esteem Strengthens Long-Term Sobriety
Recovery

How Building Self-Esteem Strengthens Long-Term Sobriety 

Building self-esteem supports long-term sobriety by shaping identity, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Strong self-worth reduces relapse risk, helps manage stress, and reinforces…
December 16, 2025 · 4 min read
alcoholic liver disease hero image of a man thinking about the possibility of it.
Alcohol

Alcoholic Liver Disease: Signs, Stages, and What Can Be Reversed

Alcoholic liver disease, also called alcohol-associated liver disease or alcohol-related liver disease, is the damage that builds up in the liver from…
October 5, 2026 · 7 min read
alcohol and anxiety hero image of a person who is experiencing anxiety.
Alcohol

Alcohol and Anxiety: Understanding the Two-Way Connection

Alcohol and anxiety are closely linked, and the relationship runs in both directions. Many people drink to calm anxiety, and in the…
September 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Alcohol Blackouts hero image of a man with his head down.
Alcohol

Alcohol Blackouts: Why They Happen and What They Mean

An alcohol blackout is a gap in memory for things that happened while a person was drinking, even though they were awake…
September 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Addiction

Addiction

stages of denial in addiction
Addiction

Understanding the Stages of Denial in Addiction

Denial in addiction shields individuals from reality and delays recovery. By understanding its stages—minimization, rationalization, blame, and resistance—families and individuals can recognize…
September 15, 2025 · 4 min read
brain rewiring recovery
Addiction

How Long Does It Take To Rewire Your Brain From Addiction?

Rewiring the brain from addiction is a gradual process that can take months to years. Learn how the brain heals, what affects…
August 6, 2025 · 6 min read
Are Some People More Prone to Addiction?
Addiction

Are Some People More Prone to Addiction?

Why are some people more vulnerable to addiction than others? Learn how genetics, environment, and mental health contribute to addiction risk—and how…
June 12, 2025 · 4 min read
Purpose of an Intervention service
Family

When Is the Right Time to Stage an Intervention?

Knowing when to intervene in substance use can affect safety and recovery outcomes. This guide explains warning signs, risks of waiting or…
January 6, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Talk to an Addict in Denial
Family

How to Talk to an Addict in Denial

Denial in addiction can block treatment and strain families. Learn practical strategies to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and guide loved ones toward…
December 17, 2025 · 6 min read
How Family Involvement Strengthens a Solid Aftercare Plan
Family

How Family Involvement Strengthens a Solid Aftercare Plan

Family involvement strengthens aftercare by supporting routines, reducing relapse risks, and reinforcing treatment goals. With shared awareness and clear communication, loved ones…
December 9, 2025 · 4 min read

Inhalants

Inhalants

Inhalant Abuse Treatment A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Help
Inhalants

Inhalant Abuse Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Help

Inhalant abuse treatment focuses on safety, structure, and long-term recovery. Learn how stabilization, therapy, and the right level of care work together…
February 19, 2026 · 7 min read
Is Galaxy Gas Dangerous
Inhalants

Is Galaxy Gas Dangerous?

Galaxy Gas may look harmless, but inhaling nitrous oxide carries serious risks. Learn how it affects oxygen and vitamin B12, warning signs…
February 17, 2026 · 8 min read
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Why Inhalants Cause Sudden Death
Inhalants

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome: Why Inhalants Cause Sudden Death

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can cause fatal cardiac arrest after just one use of inhalants. Learn how common household products trigger deadly…
February 12, 2026 · 7 min read

Recovery library

The full archive

Every article we’ve published, by date

Person writing in a journal
Recovery

Why Structure and Routine Are Important in Recovery

Addiction disrupts daily life, creating chaos and unpredictability. A structured routine fosters stability, self-discipline, and effective time management, while helping manage triggers…
October 29, 2024 · 4 min read
A Guide to Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol

A Guide to Alcohol Withdrawal

Choosing sobriety is a courageous step that begins with understanding alcohol withdrawal. This guide outlines withdrawal symptoms, risks, and treatment options, offering…
October 23, 2024 · 4 min read
What Is Addiction Replacement
Addiction

What Is Addiction Replacement?

Addiction replacement occurs when individuals in recovery substitute one addiction for another, like gambling or overeating. Identifying and addressing these behaviors is…
October 18, 2024 · 4 min read
How Long Will It Take Me to Work Through All 12 Steps?
Recovery

How Long Will It Take Me to Work Through All 12 Steps?

The 12-step program is a unique journey of self-discovery and healing that unfolds at its own pace. While some complete it in…
October 16, 2024 · 5 min read
Addiction vs. Dependence: What's the Difference?
Addiction

Addiction vs. Dependence: What’s the Difference?

Addiction and dependence, though often used interchangeably, represent different aspects of substance use disorders. Dependence refers to the body's physical adaptation, while…
October 15, 2024 · 4 min read
12 Step Sponsorship: Do You Need a Sponsor in Recovery?
Recovery

12 Step Sponsorship: Do You Need a Sponsor in Recovery?

Many facing addiction contemplate the value of having a sponsor in a 12-step program. This article explores the benefits and challenges of…
October 14, 2024 · 4 min read
Listing factors for Right Rehab Facility
Treatment

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Rehab Facility

Choosing the right rehab facility involves evaluating key factors like treatment approaches, staff qualifications, location, and aftercare support. A facility should not…
October 9, 2024 · 4 min read
How Journaling Helps in Addiction Recovery
Recovery

How Journaling Helps in Addiction Recovery

Journaling aids addiction recovery by promoting self-awareness and emotional release. It encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and tracks progress, helping individuals confront triggers and…
September 30, 2024 · 5 min read
Different Types of Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
Treatment

Different Types of Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs

Outpatient addiction treatment programs provide essential support for individuals seeking recovery while managing daily responsibilities. This article explores various types of outpatient…
September 25, 2024 · 5 min read
6 Coping Skills for Addiction Recovery
Recovery

6 Coping Skills for Addiction Recovery

Incorporating effective coping skills into recovery strengthens your ability to maintain sobriety and enhances your overall well-being. From mindfulness to building support…
September 23, 2024 · 5 min read
Why Mindfulness Is Essential in Long-Term Recovery
Recovery

Why Mindfulness Is Essential in Long-Term Recovery

Mindfulness has become increasingly popular in therapeutic settings due to its effectiveness in enhancing emotional regulation, reducing stress, and promoting a deeper…
September 13, 2024 · 4 min read
The Role of Family in Addiction Recovery
Family

The Role of Family in Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a widespread issue that can severely disrupt family dynamics, causing emotional and psychological stress for everyone involved. However, families also…
September 11, 2024 · 4 min read

Your team

Meet the counselors who answer the phone and guide your treatment.

Neal Schmidt, BS, LADC-S, Clinical Director

Neal Schmidt, BS, LADC-S

Clinical Director
A substance use counselor since 2012. Tailors counseling to the person in front of him, not the diagnosis.
Emily Hongslo, LADC, Counselor

Emily Hongslo, BS, LADC

Counselor
Works with people at every stage of change, with an emphasis on client-centered care.
Mari Anderson Fairchild, MA, LADC, Substance Use Counselor

Mari Anderson Fairchild, MA, LPCC, LADC

Substance Use Counselor
Believes every client deserves to feel seen and heard, and that autonomy is part of the treatment.

Getting started

How to get started: four steps, no waiting eleven days.

Reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything. It means you asked a question, and we answered it.

01

Call

We listen to what’s going on and where you are in the process. No script, no pressure.

02

Chemical use assessment

A comprehensive assessment to determine diagnosis and the level of care that fits.

03

Referral to the right care

Ideally with us. If another program fits you better, we’ll connect you to it.

04

Intake

Programming starts immediately after intake. Already have an assessment? Send it over and we’ll review it.

Northwoods Haven Recovery exists to make treatment accessible quickly to those that need it, from personal experience of having to wait to help a loved one.

It once took eleven days to get one person into treatment. He only made it because someone put him up in a hotel. That wait is the reason this program exists, and the reason we answer the phone.

Take the first step

When you're ready, we're here.

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’ve committed to anything. It means you’re asking a question, and we’ll answer it honestly, even if the answer points somewhere else.

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No commitment to ask

Outpatient only

Referring professionals

Send a comprehensive assessment, plus treatment plan reviews, discharge summary, med list, and insurance information if applicable. A list, not a portal.

Visit us in Hopkins

Northwoods Haven Recovery

5900 Green Oak Drive, Ste 306
Hopkins, MN 55343

In-network with Medicaid & major commercial insurance

What we treat

Treatment

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