Before getting sober, I vividly remember wondering how other people were so happy living “boring,” sober lives. I couldn’t fathom spending one second sober. In fact, I often made fun of the friends who gracefully declined to party with the rest of us. The sober individuals in my life never pressured me to evaluate my ... Read More
How to Address and Overcome Past Holiday Guilt
The holidays typically evoke images of family bliss: —Uncle John carving up a big turkey for a traditional family dinner, Grandma bestowing her precious gifts, and Aunt Mary gracing the family with the hilarious stories of her childhood. The reality is that this dreamy scene usually is nothing more than that—a ... Read More
5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned in Recovery
I know we often hear people say hindsight is 20/20 - and let me tell you this has never been more relevant than it is now. If I could go back and change how everything played out, honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am constantly reminded that everything is exactly as it should be. Life is an ever-evolving journey ... Read More
Overcoming Grief and Triggers Over the Holidays
There is no doubt that the holiday season is a favorite time of year for many people. Glistening lights garner undivided attention and ease the stressors of the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Rosy cheeks, illuminated by a comforting fire, snuggle up on the couch and indulge in the laughter creating the perfect ... Read More
How to Embrace the Holidays Without Sacrificing Your Sobriety
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The holidays are supposed to be filled with lots of family, tidings, and good cheer. However, the holiday season can be a difficult time for anyone, especially for someone in recovery. Holiday schedules are often riddled with trigger-filled parties, over-commitment, painful ... Read More
5 Tips to Help Navigate Early Recovery
Many people say the first year is the most important and I would have to agree. The first year of recovery is when we are most vulnerable but also where we get the opportunity to lay down the foundation for our new, sober lives. Looking back at the first year of my sobriety, I realize that hindsight really is 20/20. ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: 5 Ways to Manage Stress in Recovery
Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction generally includes rebuilding our lives, clearing the wreckage of our past, making amends, and more often than not -- dealing with an unwelcomed amount of anxiety and stress. Stress is an unavoidable and natural side-effect of being human, but especially for those of us who ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: How To Mend Broken Relationships With Your Children
Addiction is a chronic disease that negatively affects the individual struggling as well as destroying every relationship in its path. One of the most heart-wrenching casualties of the battle with addiction is the trail of damaged relationships with children left in its wake. With proper treatment and professional ... Read More
