How Recovery Changes Over Time
Over time when you’re sober, some things about recovery stay the same—and many things change. It continues to be full of surprises, rewards, and challenges. However, those are different as time goes on. In early recovery, your brain and body are going through the first parts of healing while you learn to do everyday things […]
Recovery Is About Hope
Recovery is one of the most encouraging experiences. It shows how much people can change and grow. You also need at least a little optimism to even think about getting sober—to think such a change is possible. Sobriety is Hopeful When you are diagnosed with an addiction or mental health disorder, it can feel hopeless. […]
Pets and Mental Health
People who have pets know how much they can impact your overall well-being. We take care of pets, but the relationship is mutually beneficial. How Do Pets Benefit Mental Health? There are some practical reasons for this. Walking dogs, for instance, helps people get fresh air and exercise. Taking care of a living being […]
Perfectionism in Recovery
There are stereotypes that people with addiction are irresponsible, and that people with perfectionistic tendencies are reliable to a fault. But these two can be the same person. Perfection doesn’t exist, making the pursuit of it distressing. It’s not unusual to get burnt out when things inevitably don’t go as planned. Some perfectionists and people […]
Understanding What is Unhealthy for You
When you get sober, you can focus on your physical and mental health. But that doesn’t mean everything you do will be healthy for you. Many of us with histories of addiction have a tendency to engage in things that feel good in the moment, but aren’t great for us in the long run. Identifying […]
This Too Shall Pass
Sobriety is a wonderful experience, but it doesn’t stop life. Life can be hard. Recovery allows us to work on the coping skills needed to face difficult experiences with strength. The phrase “this too shall pass” reminds us that suffering isn’t permanent. It’s a common phrase—but it’s used particularly often in the recovery world, and […]
A Conversation With Alica Forneret About Grief Resources for People of Color
I spoke with Alica Forneret over zoom about PAUSE, the organization she founded to support People of Color who are planning for end-of-life, experiencing grief, or working in the death industry. Forneret is an educator, speaker, and consultant dedicated to creating new spaces for people to explore grief and grieving. First, can you talk about […]
Coping With Avoidant Tendencies in Recovery
People in active addiction often get used to avoidance. The drugs or alcohol are a means of escaping difficult feelings. Many of us in recovery spent a long time being unable to face our addictions. Avoidance in Sobriety Getting sober alone doesn’t mean you now know how to face reality in a healthy way. Taking […]
A Conversation With Dr. Beverly Greene About Marginalization and Mental Health
I spoke with Dr. Beverly Greene about how marginalization impacts mental health, why it’s important for therapists to understand this, and how clients can identify what they believe about themselves and why. Dr. Greene, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor of Psychology at St. John’s University and a practicing clinical psychologist in New York City. She is […]
Podcasts About Addiction, Sobriety and Mental Health
Podcasts about addiction and recovery are useful for people in any stage of sobriety or anyone who wants to learn about addiction. They teach about recovery, and give insight into other people’s experiences. We’ve previously shared some podcasts about these topics; below are some additional suggestions: Brutal Vulnerability: This podcast is not solely about addiction or mental health, […]