Whether you're on it, off it, or somewhere in between
The holidays. They say it’s a joyous time for family, feasts, and festive cheer. But, if you’re in recovery, it can be a time for navigating the treacherous waters of the “Holiday Bermuda Triangle.” The Bermuda Triangle, a term coined in the rooms of AA, consists of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Three back-to-back points […]
Fatigue in early recovery is real and I forgot how absolutely drained I felt all the time till my friend complained of exhaustion when she was counting days. For anyone beginning the journey of sobriety, physical and mental fatigue can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. You’ve taken an incredible first step by choosing recovery, but early […]
When I realized that I had a drinking problem, I immediately told myself I would moderate how much I drank. If I could just control my drinking, then I wouldn’t have to give it up. I told myself I would only drink on weekends, I would only go out for one beer after work, I […]
Ah, Sober October—the one month of the year when you actually remember your weekend plans, don’t “accidentally” text your ex, and wake up feeling like a functioning adult instead of a bag of shit. Sound too good to be true? Well, Sober October is here to save you from the clutches of bottomless brunches, questionable […]
Can you feel that slight hint of fall in the air? I sure can. Autumn weather always brings a sense of nostalgia, and after the dog days of summer, that brisk breeze is a welcome change. However, the change of season can also trigger substance use urges, with spring and fall being particularly challenging for […]
Sobriety isn’t about what you’re missing; it’s about what you’re gaining. Deciding to get sober at a young age can feel like you’re choosing the road less traveled, especially when everyone around you seems to be in party mode. But here’s the thing: that road less traveled? It’s paved with some incredible benefits that can […]
As the little sister to an enormous Phish fan, I have been dragged to many Phish shows. Like many diehard fans, she has followed the band all around the country, clocking in over 80 shows in the past 25 years. Due to my sister’s undying love and devotion to the band, I have come to […]
Even though alcohol is considered a social substance, many people who become dependent on it find themselves feeling alone. When my drinking was at its worst, I could be in a room surrounded by people and still feel absolutely isolated. Active alcoholism kept me separate from my friends and family, my hobbies, my work, and […]
I never thought I had much of a sweet tooth. So when I stopped drinking, I was surprised at the amount of cookies, candy, and ice cream I was plowing through each day, particularly at night. I couldn’t seem to get enough sugar, which was odd considering I typically passed on dessert. Many people who […]
Sober or not, feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired can sometimes bring out the worst in us. But for those in recovery from substance use disorders, these temporary states of being can lead to danger. HALT, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired, is a widely recognized acronym in the recovery community, especially in […]
I set out to write about my experience at inpatient detox, hoping it would encourage or inspire people to go to detox if they were considering taking the leap. However, after having written a draft, I was fearful my story would dissuade someone from going — because my experience was not great. So, I tossed […]