The Science Behind How Drug Use Becomes Addiction
Casual drug use and addiction are not the same, but one can become the other. Learn what the science says about how and why that line gets crossed.
Casual drug use and addiction are not the same, but one can become the other. Learn what the science says about how and why that line gets crossed.
When I arrived at Country Road I was terrified. Full of guilt, shame, and resentment. In other words I had nothing of value left to offer those around me.
I was welcomed with open arms and I slowly began the healing process.
Now, as the Executive Chef I have been blessed with the opportunity to literally serve and feed people who are just like I was when I first got here! Now, I have plenty of love, and light, (and food) to share with those around me! For this, I will forever be grateful.
John earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently working towards his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has been working in the mental health field for several years. John has worked as a Therapeutic Assistant here at country Road Recovery, after graduating he moved on and became a Case Manager for children and adolescents. However, John believed he found his passion for working with people in addiction when he arrived at Country Road Recovery. His personal experience with family members that have struggled with addiction allows him to care for clients with compassion and understanding.
Thomas Fleming has been working in the field of recovery for over eight years and brings a deep passion and personal commitment to his role as Continuing Care Coordinator at Country Roads. Being in recovery himself, Thomas understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of the recovery journey, and he is dedicated to supporting clients as they transition into the next phase of their lives. His personal experience allows him to connect with clients on a meaningful level, providing guidance, encouragement, and hope.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Thomas has a strong connection to the community he works with. In his free time, he enjoys working on cars, a hobby that reflects his love of rebuilding and restoring — much like the work he does every day in helping others rebuild their lives.
Katelyn Bigbie is a registered nurse at Country Road Recovery Center. With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade she obtained her nursing license in 2012 and has since honed her skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
Despite her diverse background, Katelyn has always felt a strong calling to the mental health field. Her unwavering commitment to supporting those struggling with addiction is rooted in her genuine passion for helping others on their journey to recovery. At Country Road Recovery Center, Katelyn combines her extensive nursing expertise with a deep understanding of mental health to provide the highest quality care for our patients.
Jessica Johnson has been a part of our Country Road’s mental health treatment team since 2018. She has been a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for over 5 years, but has worked in the mental health and addiction treatment industry for over 20 years. Working in hospitals, residential treatments, outpatient clinics, detoxes, and jails has made Jessica adept and highly skilled in not only treating addiction, but working with people in a caring manner. Jessica graduated from Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas in 2016 with a Post Masters Degree.
Jessica has a great passion and love for treating both mental health and substance use disorders due to growing up in an unhealthy home environment where mental health and pain were treated with drugs and alcohol, leading to the death of her father by suicide. Jessica’s goal is to always help people reach their full potential, feel healthy, and functional with the least amount of medication possible.
Dr. Christopher Snyder is Board Certified in Psychiatry and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He grew up in Edmond, OK and earned a full scholarship to the University of Central Oklahoma while serving on the President’s Leadership Council and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Minor in Chemistry. Dr. Snyder attended Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences where he earned his Medical Degree.
He pursued residency and fellowship training at The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During his residency training at OU, he was awarded “Outstanding Senior Resident in Clinical Care” and “Excellence in Teaching”. Dr Snyder has worked in various avenues in mental health and addiction.
He has served Adults and Adolescent patients in inpatient settings, intensive outpatient, has worked as Medical Director in Detox and Rehabilitation and Partial Hospitalization programs in the Oklahoma City metro area. Dr. Snyder engages in a holistic approach to patient care treating the mind, body and spirit. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, attending OKC Thunder basketball, working out and traveling.
Cameron is a member of the Admissions and Outreach team. He grew up in the foster care system before being adopted and moving to Oklahoma. As a young teen he fell into a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and legal trouble. After years of this cycle he finally reached out for help. In 2020 he arrived at Country Road Recovery Center, where he learned the value of a healthy community and skills which would help him in his journey though recovery.
He is passionate about helping others who are also struggling with addiction. He started working for Country Road in 2022 and since then has been able to do what he loves.
Amanda (McGee) Brown is the newest addition to the Admissions Team.
Amanda grew up and graduated from a small town in Oklahoma then joined the Army at the age of 22. Her struggle with mental health and behavioral issues started in her early teens, only to be exacerbated by alcohol and drug addiction.
In 2022, she reached her breaking point causing her to seek treatment at Country Road Recovery Center. While in treatment, with help from her counselors and peers, she learned how to stand in her truth and consistently show up for herself and others.
She now advocates that while recovery can often be difficult, this way of life has given her a strong sense of purpose with a fierce desire to help others overcome addiction.
Born and raised in Norman, OK, Ashley faced early struggles with addiction and mental health even as she pursued her loves for music and martial arts. In 2022, she reached a turning point and began her recovery at Country Roads Recovery Center—an experience that changed her life.
Shortly after treatment, Ashley found her passion for outreach in a nonprofit role, where she saw how connecting with others could create meaningful impact. Now, as Director of Outreach at Country Roads, she is dedicated to giving back to the place that saved her life.
Ashley is committed to expanding outreach efforts, building community partnerships, and helping others find hope in recovery—just as she did.
Michael Lacy is passionate about working with the substance abuse population because he was able to find recovery after seeking residential addiction treatment himself.
He feels residential treatment offers him a daily glimpse of the profound restorative power of recovery and he considers it a privilege to watch people find purpose, leave hopelessness behind, and become unfettered by the shackles of addiction at Country Road.
As Executive Director, he loves to be of service to our patients and staff, and is grateful to help those suffering from this terrible disease.
Many people arrive here exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to begin. We understand because many members of our team have walked their own recovery journey too.
We aren’t a call center, and we never treat you like a number.