Jason Biggs
On October 11th, 2018, the actor Jason Biggs—best known for his roles in Orange is the New Black and American Pie—shared that he had been sober for a year. Next to a photo of an Alcoholics Anonymous chip, he said, “I first tried to get sober over 5 years ago, when the weight of my […]
What is Self-Medicating?
In recent decades, there’s been more of a consensus that addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders should be treated together. This is in part because people who have an untreated mental health disorder may self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Self-medicating is using substances to cope with the symptoms of a mental health disorder. For instance, […]
It’s Never Too Late to Change
Sometimes our brains lie to us. We can be at a low point and think we’re stuck there forever or change is impossible. This is far from true. No matter where you are in life, there is always hope for growth. I’ve seen this mode of thinking keep people in a relapse; they believe that […]
9 Tips to Surviving the Holidays Sober
Whether you are considering entering recovery, newly sober or have been sober for quite some time, the holidays are, without a doubt, a stressful time of the year. Sobriety during the holidays may even seem completely impossible to some. How do you possibly not drink on the obligatory night out before Thanksgiving? Who doesn’t like [...] Addiction and Wanting to Be Elsewhere
I’ve heard addiction described as (in part) the desire to be somewhere else—whether that’s literally a different place or a different emotional state. This passage from the book Boundaries and Protection by Pixie Lighthouse really stuck with me: “The desire to be somewhere else is the phenomenon of craving that addicts report feeling beholden to…Perhaps […]
What are the Links Between Depression and Alcohol Use?
Alcohol use disorder and depression often co-occur. People who are struggling with symptoms of depression may use alcohol to self-medicate. Then, chronic alcohol use can cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows your system down and reduces stimulation. It interacts with—and throws off the balance of—various […]
Showing Up in Recovery
One thing about recovery I find really rewarding—and sometimes overwhelming—is the fact that I can show up. When we’re in active addiction, that’s really difficult to do. We are too caught up in cycles of craving and use, and not able to be present or make intentional decisions. When we get sober, we can take […]
What are Reputable Sources About Addiction and Mental Health?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, you probably want to learn more about these topics. Doing so can help you figure out the next steps for yourself, or better support your friend or family member. There is so much content available online, but not all of it […]
Rob Delaney
In February of this year, the actor and comedian Rob Delaney celebrated 19 years sober. As part of his social media post commemorating the day, he said, “19 years ago today I was in jail in a wheelchair with 2 badly broken arms. I’d driven a car into a building while blacked out…I’d been trying […]
3 Mocktail Ideas for This Holiday Season
While many Americans are busy planning their Thanksgiving menus and making travel arrangements to visit family, you may be worried about how to maintain your sobriety. The holidays can be an enjoyable time to spend with loved ones, but they can also be a very stressful time, especially if you are in recovery. Thanksgiving dinners, […]
