I tend to cringe a little when I hear people use the word ‘spirituality.’ That’s not at all a knock against the practice, I believe I am a very spiritual person, but I found in early recovery it was a term used so much for way too many things. I include myself in that statement. I used it too much. When I got out of ... Read More
Alumni
At FHE we are very proud and supportive of our Alumni community. They are the proof of our clinical program and when they come to us with a desire to share their story of hope, we love to recognize them. We regularly reach out to alumni and ask them to share their perspective on: what they wish they knew before rehab, their treatment experience, and their thoughts on life in recovery. There is power in relatable experiences, and through their stories we hope you will identifiy with their messages.
The Modern Man’s Guide to Spiritual Health
Overcoming Codependency in Relationships and Finding Independence
Codependency. This subject, in particular, invokes painful memories from not only my childhood but even well into my recovery. Long before I ever picked up a drink or a drug, codependency in relationships was a significant part of my story. In fact, codependent, toxic relationships were my solution - until they weren't ... Read More
No More Shame: Marlee B.
Marlee was 18 when her mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. “My mom was my best friend,” Marlee said in an interview. “We did everything together.” Not long after her diagnosis, Marlee’s mother moved in with Marlee’s grandparents and Marlee left for college. Journeying Through Grief and Anxiety as a ... Read More
Finding Your New Routine in Early Recovery
Before venturing down the road to recovery, my daily routine consisted of one primary focus: consuming the next drink. I was submissive to one master, and I had no real sense of stability, discipline or structure. My drinking and drugging led to a life filled with chaos and no real sense of identity. Fortunately, my ... Read More
No More Shame: John C.
“It started in my late 20s. In hindsight, I can see blips on the radar during my teenage years.” 47-year-old John C. was talking about when he first developed a substance use disorder. What Triggered the Substance Use Issues Was there one event that triggered it or multiple causes? “I believe I was born an ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: Do Men “Cry for Help?” How to Spot The Signs
Growing up, I always heard about ‘what a man should be.’ My dad would talk about it, TV and movies would preach it, and other kids in school would talk about it. Generally, a man should be the strong, silent type who never complains and takes care of their own personal problems. This was an ideal that was widespread ... Read More
What Being Sober Really Feels Like
Updated April 24, 2020 When you're addicted to drugs or alcohol, the notion of getting clean and then staying sober over the long haul can be frightening. One reason for this is the understandable and very common fear of what being sober feels like. Life in the absence of the self-medicating highs and euphoric ... Read More
Alumni: How to Respectfully Set Boundaries to Maintain Sobriety
Whether it’s a new job, a new apartment, tax season, family in town, or the holidays, certain moments or events are often accompanied by higher rates of stress. For some, these moments can become a potential trigger for relapse. But the good news is that with thoughtful boundaries, these whirlwind experiences become ... Read More
