Bad Therapy

Therapy is helpful … except when it isn’t. While getting therapy can be a critical part of addressing mental health issues, behavioral health problems, and a variety of life challenges, bad experiences with therapists can turn many people away from what is normally a lifeline for healing. It adds insult to injury when you are already dealing with personal challenges, and you may not be willing to open up again or persist in finding a better option. Read More

Why the 12-Step Approach Still Works

In the world of recovery programs, however, there are a number of reasons why the 12-Step approach has stood the test of time and varying trends along the way. For nearly 100 years, this proven method has helped those who struggle with addiction to not only get well, but stay well. Read More

Investing in Aftercare

Picture yourself on the heels of completing an addiction treatment program. Your willingness to participate, the important help you’ve received along the way, and your hard work in seeing it through have all led to a healthier you. Now what? Read More

Healthy Intimacy In Recovery

If you’re finding your way free from addiction, building intimacy in recovery may be one of your goals. If it isn’t, you may be wondering why it’s such a big deal. If you take a look at how addiction may have disrupted your existing relationships or made it nearly impossible to form healthy new ones, it may become clear. For anyone going through recovery, it’s good to know why intimacy is important and how you can rediscover connection, trust, and healthy relationships. Read More

Podcasts and How They Help

Whatever you’re interested in, no matter how niche, there’s probably a podcast (or several) that will appeal to you. And unlike, say, social media, one of the benefits of podcasts is the generally positive tone in the facilitation of discussion that helps and informs. Read More

Artificial Intelligence and Nutrition

Advances in nutrition and food technology have led to the development of digital therapeutics: apps and other products that use technology to help people manage their health. These products act almost like pocket nutritionists, providing feedback on diet and offering advice on what to eat. But despite their convenience, the science behind such apps is still new, and the benefits are limited. Read More

5 Benefits of Group Therapy

Back in the 17th century, English poet John Donne famously wrote that “no man is an island.” While the world has changed considerably since Donne’s treatise against isolationism, the importance of being surrounded by a community, rather than sojourning alone, has never been more on point. Read More

The Accountability Factor

By Anna McKenzie What’s the key to staying in recovery long-term? We know that our social groups have a certain degree of influence on our thinking and behavior. If the people around us are sober, positive, and supportive, we are encouraged to pursue our recovery process; if the people around… Read More

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

Bah! Humbug! Why It’s OK to Be a Scrooge

By Wesley Gallagher It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting … you know the drill. But for many of us, the holiday season is not the most wonderful time of the year. Sometimes, it can be the hardest. And for as much as… Read More