Journaling as an Act of Self-Care

By Christa Banister While it’s probably buried in a landfill somewhere after a number of big moves over the years, one of my 10-year-old self’s most treasured possessions was, hands down, my tomato-red journal with a heavy-duty gold lock. There was something incredibly liberating about being the only one who… Read More

The Devastating Effects of Addiction

By Beau Black How does addiction affect you? Substance use disorder impacts all of us, directly or indirectly; the effects of addiction may be physical, relational, financial, or societal. The effects of addiction on those around us, like family, friends, and co-workers, are wide-ranging, but what about… Read More

Family Roles in Addiction and Their Impact on Recovery

By Wesley Gallagher Addiction and recovery are extremely personal experiences. If you’ve experienced either, you know how isolating they can be. No matter what outside forces affect you, ultimately, you are the one responsible for your actions.  However, we are relational beings, and we require the company and support of… Read More

The Importance of Community in Recovery

By Beau Black Substance use disorder affects us all, in a multitude of different ways. The impact goes beyond the addict and his or her family, extending into the community. In our society we may face significant costs as the result of addiction. These costs can come… Read More

National Recovery Month: Recovery Is for Everyone

By Anna McKenzie What Is the Goal of National Recovery Month? National Recovery Month is as much about celebrating individuals in recovery as it is about generating awareness of the need for addiction and mental health treatment.  The opioid epidemic is one example of how addiction has significantly affected… Read More

Pursuing Post-Traumatic Growth

By Melissa Riddle Chalos There’s nothing like a full-on, worldwide pandemic to bring life as we know it to a crashing, hard stop. We were moving along at a nice clip, working our jobs, going to school, raising our families and then, boom! The entire world stopped on a dime. Read More

5 Ways to Practice Self-Forgiveness in Recovery

By Wesley Gallagher Forgiveness is a powerful act. If you’ve ever been forgiven for something you did that hurt someone, you know just how effective forgiveness can be. And if you’ve ever been deeply hurt by someone, you also know how hard it can be to extend forgiveness. But… Read More

My Mental Health: An Affirmation

“I have always believed, and I still believe that whatever good fortune or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something else.” -Hermann Hesse Just as I wear a mask to protect myself and others from an airborne virus,… Read More

A Return to Uncertainty: Tips for Staying Safe and Sane During COVID’s Second Round

Summer has been a welcome reprieve for many. We’ve had a moment to catch our breath, enjoy the soothing world of nature, and have some socially distanced fun. But as businesses and institutions open up again, uncertainty inevitably returns. Sending children to school in masks and not knowing when a… Read More

Accepting the Past as an Asset in Recovery

What if I were to tell you that all aspects of your past would be used as an asset? Would you believe it, or would you instantly regret it and want to change it? I have a love/hate relationship with the word “acceptance.” As a stubborn addict, I am… Read More