Feelings of disappointment, dissatisfaction, and emptiness are not pleasant, but invite us to look for new sources and experiences of hope and growth. Whether it’s simply feeling down, or a challenge with addiction or another mental health issue, awareness is…

It is not uncommon to feel ‘stuck’ after a tragic or negative experience. But feeling stuck can also come from being in a situation that appears ‘fine’ or even ‘good’ to others, yet fails to meet important needs. Your value…

Substance use disorders -- addictions -- are medical conditions that develop through repeated use. Neuroscience demonstrates how severe substance use disorders — addictions — make it very difficult to be able to simply “choose” to stop because of how chemicals…

You matter more than any condition you may struggle with. Defining and diagnosing a challenge can bring tremendous clarity and hope. Understanding what may be wrong is key when addressing a problem. Talking with a trained medical professional, such as…

Whatever our challenge may be, getting help matters. The sooner we start our recovery journey, the sooner we move towards experiences of greater connection, health and hope. Whatever our challenge, getting help sooner matters. Starting our growth or recovery process,…

Depression is complex condition of the brain that affects millions of people. Recognizing its signs can be the beginning of seeking medicinal and non-medicinal forms of support that unlock greater stability, support, and healing.

We can be the most important ingredient in our own recovery. Getting treatment or counseling is often an essential part of the process, but does not necessarily guarantee that long-term change or growth will happen. Our own willingness to engage…

There are a range of resources that provide treatment and support on the journey to recovery. Clinical care, safe environments, and healthy community create opportunities to address and resolve trauma, pain, or other contributing factors to addiction. It is important…

Trying new things can feel uncomfortable or scary, but often, it is the only way forward. Fear holds us back. It distorts the distance to the end goal or makes the journey appear impossible to complete. We must remember that…

It is crucial that individuals and families do their homework around recovery resources -- particularly treatment centers. While it's easier to switch from a counselor or support group that doesn't fit to a new one, decisions around treatment centers often…

Some treatment and counseling resources are not cheap. However, there are options available for support and, often, treatment, in the vast majority of communities regardless of our financial resources. Higher-end addiction centers usually rely on private insurance or private, out-of-pocket…

According to science, deep the experience of connection and meaningful relationships are not only a central part of long-term recovery, but of experiencing satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Connection involves feelings of being deeply known, understood and unconditionally accepted. The…

Counseling and therapy can be wonderful tools that help us explore how we want to experience more in life. In fact, one in four Americans have sought professional counseling. Most styles of counseling focus on re-understanding one's past or present…

Recovery is not just about saying “no” to something. It’s also about finding and experiencing a healthier, more fulfilling life. It’s hard to say “no” to something unless we have something else to say “yes” to. Research on habits indicates…

Family is an important source of connection - and sadly, sometimes disconnection -- in our lives. Relationships with family members can help support lasting, positive changes in our lives when that system is healthy. Therefore, recovery may need to involve…

Taking time to stop and seek help is crucial for recovery and the experience of greater wellness. Whether it’s a daily activity, a weekly meeting, a weekend, a month, three months, or six months, time used to pursue greater mental…

Our processes in recovery toward greater fullness and purpose in life usually require multiple resources and forms of support as our growth and context changes. What happens after treatment is just as essential as the initial program, given the nature…

Returning to substance use or other unhealthy behavior can have significant consequences. But shame and fear only magnify the costs of a lapse, and make it possible to spiral into a longer relapse. Life, and growth, are about moving forward.…

Community is essential in recovery because it supports connection, whether it's via treatment, a support group, healthy and trusted friends or family, or a counselor or therapist. Many of us can feel alone in our struggle, or have felt that…

The language we use impacts how we view ourselves, and can affect our recovery. People in recovery can have very different viewpoints on how to describe themselves and their struggle. Traditional language focuses on identifying as “addicts,” due to the…

Every step that we take forward toward hope and health has a positive impact, whether it feels like success in the moment or not. Life, and the journey of recovery, is not perfect. But taking a step forward is evidence…

It takes bravery to bring up mental health topics like addiction with loved ones, and love and wisdom to bring it up well. Ask questions to understand, instead of making assumptions about someone's behavior or current state. Treat the individual…

Boundaries are crucial for any healthy relationship. As we much as we may care for someone and want to support their well-being, it's important to realize what is healthy for us to be responsible for, and what is not. We…

Prioritizing self-care helps supporters of individuals dealing with addiction be sustainable, life-giving sources of encouragement. The secondary stress, anxiety, or pressure that supporters can experience through the process is real. Having encouraging community and healthy self-care practices are just as…

Letting go of what we think our loved one's process should look like -- and embracing our own process of growth -- can have great positive impact on our experiences and their recovery. Each person's journey through recovery is unique,…