Coronavirus, global pandemic, COVID-19, social distancing, quarantine, mask mandate - the hot topic of conversation seems to revolve around these ever-evolving terms. Separated from our loved ones, prohibited from gathering in a group of more than ten people, unable to attend funerals, church services moving online, ... Read More
The Power of Words: How to Handle and Respond to Ignorant Comments About Addiction
Words have the power to make or break us. Kind words can make us feel on top of the world, while hurtful words can destroy our self-esteem and take us down a dark path. Words have the power to shift our perception of the world. As a content writer, I understand the importance of the language I use. The words we use can ... Read More
5 Ways to Embrace a Spiritual Connection with Nature
Modern living is consistently packed with the hustle and bustle of too many tasks, unrelenting technological advancements, too many people to please, too many fears, and seemingly not enough time. Add on the complexity of living in recovery from addiction and it can be overwhelming, frustrating, and absolutely ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: Faith, Fellowship, and Finding a Higher Purpose
There is no question that spirituality is a vital component of recovery. However, the topic of religion and a Higher Power is most certainly a taboo for individuals struggling with addiction and recovery. I'll speak for myself and say that when I first got sober, I was thoroughly convinced that I had fallen too far ... Read More
Overcoming the Stigma of Therapy
Understanding the complicated relationship between addiction and mental illness has been a debatable topic for quite some time. In fact, many people refuse to correlate the two and view addiction and even mental illness as an “excuse” for moral failing and lack of “willpower.” Let me give a little firsthand experience ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: The Importance of Counseling in Recovery
I remember the first time I was introduced to recovery and how ignorant I truly was. It was no secret that my life was unmanageable, and I was powerless over drugs and alcohol. However, I was uneducated on what the disease of alcoholism actually entailed. I assumed that alcoholics were a group of unfortunates who had ... Read More
Overcoming Codependency and Finding Independence in Relationships
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 was a significant part of my story. In fact, codependent, toxic relationships were my solution - until they weren't anymore. There ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: How to Identify Toxic Relationship Red Flags
If I am completely honest, I was nervous about writing on the topic of toxic relationships. Keeping up with total transparency, I have been a glutton for chaotic, messy, most toxic relationships for as long as I can remember. Many of us that come into recovery feel like we have a degree in these unhealthy ... Read More
