Sooner or later, it’s bound to happen. A snarky comment here. A condescending look there. We all know the benefits of healthy support in recovery, but not everyone is capable of providing that. Read More
In my therapy practice, I have worked with hundreds of clients struggling with the deathly grips of addiction. Age, sex, socioeconomic status- the details on paper don’t matter. Substance use is one of the greatest equalizers in our society. Read More
When you think of vulnerability, what images come to mind? Do you picture revealing your deepest and ugliest secret? Are you imagining how it would feel if someone could read your diary- and then look you in the eyes after? Read More
When a relapse happens, it’s normal to feel like your entire world has been shattered. You may feel angry and ashamed of yourself. You may believe that you’ve let both yourself and your loved ones down, and you’re probably worried that you won’t be able to regain back the trust you worked so hard to build. Read More
When it comes to unleashing our fullest potential, fear is the greatest obstacle stunting our growth. Fear is the nagging voice telling us we can’t do something. It’s the sinking feeling warning us that we’re about to make a catastrophic decision. Read More
Travel is an enriching, stimulating experience that shouldn’t be stunted due to sobriety. Luckily, most people reap much greater benefits when they actually have the mental clarity to enjoy their trip. Read More
It’s not the infamous curse word- it’s fear. Fear is the ultimate emotion; the stabilizer that defines us as conscious humans. It’s what makes us vulnerable, and it’s what also makes us pause, think, and react (or not). Fear runs through us mercilessly, and it rarely adheres to wisdom or logic. Read More
While there is extensive information available to parents who have children struggling with addiction, there is scant advice for when the situation is reversed. If you are an adult with a parent facing addiction, you may feel angry, helpless, and alone. Read More
Walk into any treatment center, and you’ll hear the ravaging war stories. You’ll talk to the person who’s been to rehab three times, ten times, and twenty-six times. Read More
Getting sober may require assessment and repairing of everything from your interpersonal relationships to your physical health to your professional reputation. That said, you also may need to assess and repair your bank account- or lack thereof. Read More
In early recovery, meeting new people is an entirely new adventure. Dating, which may have once represented drug-infused chaos, can even become a scarier tornado once you eliminate the mind-altering substance security blankets. Read More
For many people, sobriety refers to total abstinence from mood-altering substances. The premise is simple: do not use drugs or alcohol no matter what. But can or should there ever be exceptions in this seemingly black-and-white rule? Read More
