Articles & Reflections

The holiday season can be full of lights, music, and moments of joy, but it can also bring stress, busyness, and emotional triggers, especially for those in recovery. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and packed calendars, it’s easy to lose your sense of balance. Staying grounded during this time doesn’t mean avoiding the holidays. It…

One of the most difficult challenges in recovery is being around people who are still using drugs or alcohol. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable and maybe it’s a family member, roommate, co-worker, or long-time friend. In other cases, it’s a social situation you didn’t expect to be triggering. No matter the circumstances, staying sober while others are…

Fear is a natural part of being human. It can protect us from danger, help us make thoughtful choices, and push us to prepare for challenges. But fear can also hold us back by keeping us stuck in old patterns or avoiding situations that help us grow. In recovery, fears often feel bigger and closer…

Money worries can be one of the most powerful stressors a person faces and in the context of addiction and recovery, those pressures can carry extra weight. Whether it’s not having enough to cover rent, living paycheck to paycheck, or dealing with mounting bills, feeling short on money doesn’t just affect the wallet. It can…

As summer winds down and the routines of fall begin to take shape, this seasonal shift offers more than just cooler weather—it presents a valuable opportunity for reflection and recommitment. In recovery, milestones aren’t just measured in days of sobriety, but in the personal growth and clarity that come with regular self-assessment. The end of…

As fireworks light up the sky and families gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s a powerful time to reflect on the meaning of freedom—not just as a national ideal, but as a personal experience. For those in recovery from addiction, independence takes on a deeper, more personal meaning. It’s not just about freedom…

Father’s Day is a time to honor the role fathers play in our lives—but for dads in recovery, it can also bring up complex emotions. Feelings of guilt, lost time, strained relationships, and the desire to make things right can all surface. Yet, this day is also an opportunity—a chance to reflect on progress, reaffirm…

Summer is a season of sunshine, celebrations, and social gatherings. For people in recovery, however, this time of year can also bring a unique set of challenges. BBQs, festivals, and casual get-togethers often revolve around alcohol—and for some, drugs may be present too. These environments can stir up old cravings or put pressure on someone…

Recovery isn’t just about putting down the substance—it’s about healing what lies beneath. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to talk about something many people in recovery silently struggle with: mental health. Whether you’re in early sobriety or have years of recovery behind you, tending to your emotional well-being is…

As spring rolls in with its mix of sunshine, rain, longer days, and shifting routines, it’s a powerful reminder that change is constant. For those in recovery, seasonal transitions—especially the one from winter to spring—can bring unexpected emotional and psychological triggers. The shift in weather, social expectations, and daily rhythms can stir up feelings, memories,…