Articles & Reflections

Every March, St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, bringing talk of luck, four-leaf clovers, and pots of gold at the end of the rainbow. Many people in recovery hear things like, “You’re lucky you got sober” or “You’re lucky you made it through addiction.” While it may feel like luck plays a role in recovery, the…

March is known for March Madness, the thrilling, unpredictable college basketball tournament where underdogs rise, giants fall, and last-second shots can change everything. It’s a time of intense emotions, unexpected challenges, and high stakes—a fitting metaphor for early recovery. Just like in the tournament, the beginning stages of recovery can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and even…

Valentine’s Day often brings thoughts of love, romance, and connection. But for those in early recovery from addiction, relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—can be both a source of support and a potential challenge. Understanding how to navigate relationships in early recovery is crucial to maintaining sobriety and fostering healthy connections. The Importance of Personal Healing…

The arrival of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and hope. For many, it’s a time to set resolutions, reflect on personal goals, and make meaningful changes. For those in addiction and recovery, the new year can be an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to sobriety and build a healthier, more fulfilling…

The first step involves admitting that we are powerless over a substance and that our lives have become unmanageable. If you have spent any time in recovery, you have likely encountered these words, particularly the term “powerless.” But what does this really mean, and how does it apply to us as individuals struggling with addiction?…

Seeking out this article is a valuable first step in determining whether you may have an addiction problem. People who do not struggle with substance use typically do not question if they have an issue, but your circumstances may be different. Recognizing an addiction can be challenging because, often, ignorance is bliss. If we choose…

Holidays can be stressful for many people, and being in recovery during this time can bring additional challenges and worries. You might feel lonely due to a lack of family support or experience unresolved tensions. Some families have a culture of heavy drinking, while others may refrain in consideration of your sobriety. It’s important to…

No one wants to admit they have a problem. It can be incredibly embarrassing to acknowledge that we are addicts and different from others. It feels like admitting we lack control over our lives, and that loss of control can make us feel weak. This raw vulnerability is terrifying because we fear how others will…

Stress doesn’t stop just because we decide to get sober. Life continues, and challenges will still arise. Sobriety can sometimes feel even more stressful, as the primary outlet we used for stress is now something we’re trying to avoid. If we don’t learn how to cope with stress, it can affect our ability and desire…

Returning to recovery after a relapse can feel overwhelming. It’s common to feel embarrassed facing those you had promised to stay sober. Remember, you are not alone; relapse can happen in recovery. While you can’t control how others will react, being aware of certain warning signs might help you avoid a difficult restart and potentially…