Williams and Associates, Inc.

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

There has been a rapid increase in Medetomidine (“Rhino Tranq”) samples in the Saint Louis Area Drug Supply. Medetomidine (also called “rhino tranq”) is a non-opioid, veterinary sedative similar to xylazine, but 200 to 300 times more potent. In human medicine, medetomidine is similar to dexmedetomidine (Precedex).

Medetomidine has been added to illicit drug samples as a drug adulterant alongside xylazine and other active drugs.

Medetomidine has been identified in powders, capsules (“beans,” “caps”), and pressed tablets.

04/27/2026

Medetomidine is found in the U.S. illegal drug supply, primarily mixed with illegally made fentanyl.

Medetomidine is dangerous and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when someone stops taking it.

Medetomidine is found in the US illegal drug supply, primarily mixed with illegally made fentanyl.

04/23/2026

RIP Ross Harris

"Ross was such a loving, caring and compassionate person. He deserves justice," said one close friend.

04/22/2026

Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health illness, and a substance use disorder.

People living with co-occurring disorders often face significant challenges in daily life, made even more difficult by the stigma surrounding both mental illness and addiction. This stigma can delay help-seeking, impair recovery, and hinder acceptance—both self-acceptance and societal understanding.

04/22/2026

Recovering from addiction can be somewhat of a challenging process especially in the early stages.

Beyond freeing oneself from dependence on mood altering substances, a greater challenge lies ahead in having to acknowledge difficult experiences which led to the reliance on substances as a means of coping in the first place.

t is through encountering adversity that one’s view of the world, others and especially him or herself is often negatively impacted.

Loving oneself at this point almost seems like an impossible task

04/21/2026

Getting all essential amino acids on a plant-based diet is simple 🌱

Foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and seeds all contribute to your daily needs.

You don’t need to combine proteins at every meal—just eat a variety of whole plant foods throughout the day and your body does the rest

04/19/2026

Self- love is an appreciation and regard for oneself which is demonstrated by actions intended to support one’s wellbeing. It is the type of love that becomes tainted by the vicious cycle of addiction and a negative perception of the self.

04/19/2026

The Forgotten Deep South: Midwifery and Maternal Health in the Black Belt. Check this informative read here

Guest Blog Post By Tanya Smith-Johnson, Midwife, Visionary, Strategist Introduction: A Story of Erasure When Americans talk about the Gulf Coast, the conversation almost always turns to New Orleans. We talk about jazz, parades, Mardi Gras, and, of course, Hurricane Katrina. The storm’s devastation...

04/18/2026

Why Working the 12 Steps is Essential

The 12 Steps are a roadmap for personal and spiritual growth, helping individuals heal from the root causes of their addiction. Each step builds upon the last, guiding people toward self-awareness, amends and a commitment to a new way of life.

Admitting Powerlessness –
Step 1 is the foundation of recovery, acknowledging that addiction is unmanageable without help.

Building Faith –
Steps 2 and 3 encourage trust in a higher power or a guiding force greater than oneself.

Self-Examination –
Steps 4 and 5 involve deep personal inventory and sharing with another person, often the sponsor.

Making Amends –
Steps 6 through 9 focus on character growth and repairing past harms.

Spiritual Maintenance –
Steps 10 and 11 emphasize ongoing self-reflection and connection with a higher power.

Helping Others – Step 12 is about carrying the message forward and helping others on their journey.

Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances—it’s about transforming one’s life. Having a sponsor and working the 12 Steps fosters accountability, emotional healing and a sense of purpose.

Those who actively engage in this process often find not only sobriety but a deeper sense of fulfillment, connection and peace.

If you are on this journey, seeking a sponsor and committing to the Steps may be the most life-changing decision you make.