TOMORROW, September 30: Join us for a FREE live webinar, "Are You Ready to Take on New Beginnings?" presented by Opera del Sol members Nicole Dupre, Founder and Creative Director, Theresa Smith-Levin, CEO and Nishaa Johnson, Artistic Director.
In This Webinar:
➡️ The webinar will feature an originally arranged version of the song In the End by Linkin Park.
➡️ This webinar will be a recap of the series and a Q&A with Opera del Sol.
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
September 30, 2020
2-3 PM EST
Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
TODAY, September 23: Join us for a FREE live webinar, " The Causes of Despair and Knowing You are Not Alone," presented by Opera del Sol members Nicole Dupre, Founder and Creative Director, Theresa Smith-Levin, CEO and Nishaa Johnson, Artistic Director. Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
In This Webinar:
➡️ The webinar will feature an originally arranged version of the song Creep by Radiohead.
➡️ The webinar will be focusing on depression, self-worth, and self-esteem.
➡️ Nicole Dupre will lead a discussion on how music can relate to many subjects in one's life when dealing with a substance use disorder or mental health concerns.
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
September 23, 2020
2 PM-3 PM EST
Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
TODAY: Join us for a FREE live webinar, "Addiction Crisis Through a Mother's Eyes," presented by Opera del Sol members Nicole Dupre, Founder and Creative Director, Theresa Smith-Levin, CEO and Nishaa Johnson, Artistic Director. Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
In This Webinar:
➡️ This webinar will feature an original arrangement of the song "Rockabye" by Camilla Cabello.
➡️ After the performance, Nicole Dupre will discuss how music can relate to many subjects in one's life when dealing with a substance use disorder or mental health concerns.
➡️ You will also hear from Nishaa and Theresa and their journey throughout producing the series.
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
September 9, 2020
2 PM-3 PM EST
Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: How Music Can Help Heal Wounds of Addiction. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
REMINDER: Our five-part series "How Music Can Help Heal Wounds of Addiction" presented in partnership with Opera del Sol starts today!
Celebrate National Recovery Month with us and Opera del Sol as they discuss recovery topics and present special performances of new arrangements of songs you love.
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
Wednesdays in September
2 PM-3 PM EST
Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
WEDNESDAY, September 2: Join us for a FREE webinar hosted by Opera del Sol’s Nishaa Johnson, Composer, Arranger, and Artistic Director.
This is part one of a five-part series "How Music Can Help Heal Wounds of Addiction". This week’s webinar, "Take Your Broken Heart and Turn it Into Art," will feature:
➡️ Performance of an originally arranged version of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls
➡️ Discussion on Opera del Sol, Project Opioid, what to expect, and how music and addiction can be paired
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
September 2, 2020
2 PM-3 PM EST
Register: https://bit.ly/3aBKm7S
WEDNESDAY, August 26: Join us for a FREE live webinar presented by Dorinda Burnham, MS, LMHC, CCTP on "Critical Events & Stress Management."
Dorinda is an IATP Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Specialist in Critical Incident Stress Management and Incident Debriefing. Dorinda is experienced in instruction and education for mental health wellness, communication strategies, self-care, substance abuse treatment, as well as trauma response and recovery.
These events are free and open to the public.
Event Details:
August 26, 2020
2 -3 PM EST
Password: 0826
Register: https://bit.ly/3f625Wr
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Critical Events and Stress Management. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us Wednesday, October 21 for a free live webinar, "Anger and Depression," presented by Arthur Bain LMHC, MCAP, CST. Register: https://bit.ly/3anUn8P
Webinar Objectives:
- Investigate the ontological perspective of anger and depression.
- Address the signs which indicate the behavior associated with anger and depression.
- The key factors which might help the client/patient overcome anger and depression.
These events are free and open to the public.
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Anger and Depression. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us tomorrow, October 22 for a free live webinar, "Stronger Together," presented by Genesis Games, LMHC. Register: https://bit.ly/2EVIDhW
Webinar Objectives:
- Understanding the impact of prolonged uncertainty, anxiety, and stress are having in our romantic relationships
- Learning easy to implement techniques that can help with emotion co-regulation in couples fostering resilience
- Developing habits conductive to continued communication and connection
These events are free and open to the public.
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Anger and Depression. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us Thursday, Nov 5 for a free live webinar, "The Power of Peers," presented by Luke Johnson, Peer Recovery Coach Trainer. Register: https://bit.ly/30NLjGv
Webinar Objectives:
- The potential struggles of entry-level staff
- What is a recovery coach and recovery coach training
- Embracing all pathways to recovery
These events are free and open to the public.
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us Wednesday, Nov 4 for a free live webinar, "Using Your Body as a Form of Relapse Prevention," presented by Jacki Gethner, Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist. Register: https://bit.ly/2Fp2bLY
Webinar Objectives:
- Learn how recovery is triggered by physical symptoms of the body
- Experience how we all can benefit from body-centered approaches
- Share simple tools to support oneself and others (whether in recovery or not)
These events are free and open to the public.
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us Thursday, Nov 12 for a free live webinar, "A Deeper Understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder," presented by Allison Johanson, LCSW. Register: https://bit.ly/3pmOAHm
Webinar Objectives:
- Participants will gain a greater understanding of People Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
- Participants will learn interventions for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder using a Trauma-informed approach
- Participants will learn effective ways to care for themselves as they work with people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
These events are free and open to the public.
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Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Community Education Series: Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Personality Disorders and Inter-generational Trauma in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. After registering, you will receive a...
Did you know that exercise and nutrition both play a critical role in mental health and addiction? Studies show that regular exercise and a healthy diet can decrease the chances of mental illness and substance abuse. If you or someone you know are looking to make a change in the New Year, try implementing exercise and nutrition into your everyday life. Simple wellness strategies, such as these, can give you the push you need to begin your journey to a healthy mind and body.
To learn more about the benefits of exercise and nutrition, visit https://bit.ly/2JzFQhh
Wishing our community partners, employees and patients a wonderful New Year! We look forward to continuing to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients as they begin their journey to a substance-free life.
If you ever need support or assistance referring someone to our care, we’re here 24/7 (including holidays) to answer any questions you have about addiction, treatment and how to get started on the road to recovery.
Megan keeps it real and honest when it comes to recovery. For her, it started great, but it wasn’t long before reality sunk in and her initial excitement faded away. Now she wants people to know that although recovery is not easy, it is worth it and as each day goes by, you slowly embrace the fact that you can recover.
To hear more of Megan’s inspiring story, visit https://bit.ly/2xB0ya9
It can be tricky to determine just how much is too much if you are unaware of how much a standard drink is. To make sure you are not exceeding the recommended guidelines, you need to be aware of the measurements for a standard drink. To learn more, take a look at the chart.
Mental health disorders are becoming more prevalent in the United States. The increase in cases being reported is a clear signal that mental health needs to be made more of a priority. If one of your planned resolutions is to achieve better mental health, there are steps you can take now to ensure the improvements start immediately. It can be as simple as going to sleep earlier. If you are interested in learning more ways to make this a better year for your mental health, visit https://bit.ly/38eaoi3
We would love to hear which one works for you! Comment below.
Dry January can be a great opportunity for someone to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. If you know someone considering sobriety, Dry January would be a great time to do so. Here are some tips to help make Dry January a successful experience.
To hear more details on each of these tips visit: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/tips-to-make-your-dry-january-successful
It took an ultimatum from Beth’s parents for her to give up alcohol and attend an outpatient addiction treatment program. After realizing that she was misusing alcohol, she began her journey to healing and has now been in recovery since 2013.
Beth’s story shows us that recovery is possible and anyone is capable of living a healthy, wonderful life free of drugs and alcohol. To read more about her story and others in recovery visit https://bit.ly/3hT9WJp
Know someone ready to take the next steps in their recovery? Help set them up for success by educating them on the stages of recovery. It can be easy to get discouraged along the way, which is why addiction experts have created a model that can help you visualize a path to recovery.
Read the full steps and find out what to expect in each step to alcohol recovery here: https://bit.ly/3pZOVQ4
For Megan, finding ways to incorporate healthy habits into her daily life helped her stay strong in recovery. She found habits, such as connecting with support groups, to be a huge part of how she has stuck to her recovery. Through connecting, she has realized the importance of having people to talk to, that can understand and relate to her struggles. It is important to remember that recovery is not something that needs to be done alone. There is a whole community out there that is willing to help.
To find out some more habits, Megan uses, click here: https://bit.ly/2XaZTVX
Holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but once they are over the feelings of sadness may arise. For some that can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use. That doesn’t have to be the case though. There are many other ways to channel those feelings into something positive. If you are interested in finding ways to manage those post-holiday blues follow this link: https://bit.ly/3hSJqjl
Have you found other positive ways to manage? Let us know in the comments below.
A recovery podcast can be an excellent option for someone with a busy lifestyle looking for additional recovery resources. Not only are they a beneficial resource, but they are also usually hosted by those who have experienced drug or alcohol addiction themselves. Peer support is invaluable throughout recovery, so hearing others' stories can be an extra boost of inspiration right when you need it.
Interested in recovery podcasts? Here are eight of the best addiction recovery podcasts we’ve found to get you started: https://bit.ly/3bEQ8Ix
Do you know someone looking to get sober? Help set them up for success by giving them an idea about what to expect in their first year of sobriety.
Getting sober can be a little easier when you know what to expect, so here are a few things to be prepared for:
→ The first 30 days of sobriety might be the hardest. You may experience physical discomfort as well as strong emotions.
→ Throughout your first three months of sobriety, you’ll begin to learn new, healthier coping mechanisms.
→ After six months, you should be aware of your triggers in sobriety.
→ Achieving one year of sobriety gives you hope that you can have continued success in your new, sober life.
The first year of sobriety is usually the hardest but can also be the most rewarding. Learn more about what it’s like to quit drinking for one year here: https://bit.ly/3bJ3mE7
With advances in technology, online counseling, telehealth and teletherapy services are becoming more common and useful forms of mental health treatment. Addiction treatments were once restricted to in-person meetings but can now happen anytime and anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the telehealth services we offer, please visit https://bit.ly/35Z2B66
Research shows that personal recovery stories can help provide inspiration and hope for those looking to begin their recovery journey. Melissa’s story shows us that although you may go through dark times, recovery makes it possible to come out happier at the end of it. Now having been in recovery since 2015, she can say that the best part about it is “being present for her kids every single day.” Hear more about Melissa’s story here https://bit.ly/3hT9WJp
Telling your friends or family you are in recovery can feel overwhelming at first, but it will become easier and easier as you grow through recovery. Your loved ones are curious about you and your sobriety and discussing it with them is inevitably going to happen.
Here are a few tips that can help you feel more comfortable sharing your decision to choose recovery when the topic ultimately comes up:
→ Be yourself
→ Know that not everyone deserves to hear your story
→ Prepare yourself for questions
→ Breathe and be patient
→ Do not try to “save” anyone
For more information on the above steps read our full article:
https://bit.ly/2ASKZN7
Sometimes it takes more than one set of circumstances to quit harmful substances. For Olivia, it took her a little over a year to conquer giving up alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Although it didn’t occur all at once, Olivia is proud to say her transformation has given her a new life.
To read more about Olivia and others who are in recovery click here https://bit.ly/3hT9WJp
Sometimes just hearing that it is possible and that others have done it can help put someone on the path to meth addiction recovery. That’s exactly what happened with Ashley and Brent’s viral before and after photos.
Both Brent and Ashley struggled with addiction from a young age and decided to enter recovery together. They shared their meth recovery story and the before and after photos of their addiction using the hashtag #CleanChallenge. The post gained hundreds of thousands of likes and shares and their story has inspired others to begin or recommit to their recovery journeys.
Learn more about Brent and Ashley’s inspiring recovery story here https://bit.ly/3jbC76H
Those in early recovery often depend on support groups for guidance and hope, but the thought of attending their first meeting can cause feelings of anxiety before even walking in the door. Knowing what to expect from recovery meetings can make the experience a lot less nerve-wracking for those new to recovery.
There are numerous support groups that those in recovery will encounter, but the main similarity is that they are based on the support of peers rather than professionals.
At a recovery meeting, you can expect the following:
-Mingling before and after the meeting over coffee and snacks (this may be done virtually now)
-Peers sharing their challenges in recovery and offering advice
-Feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt about your past may surface
-Participation, although no one is forced to speak, listening is important
To learn even more about what to expect at recovery meetings, read our article: https://bit.ly/2Oy3yK6
If you have a loved one in recovery it is important to understand that this can be a difficult process. One way those in recovery can overcome feelings of guilt or regret due to their past addiction is to practice gratitude.
Here are 5 ways that gratitude can benefit the mental health of those in recovery:
→ It boosts physical health
→ It facilitates happiness
→ It strengthens relationships
→ It enhances sleep
→ It encourages service
Read our full article for more details on the variety of ways that gratitude can help those with a mental health disorder like addiction: https://bit.ly/3hcK9Lm
How has gratitude helped you or a loved one during their recovery journey? Please let us know in the comments.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday for couples, right? Fortunately, that is incorrect! Valentine’s Day isn't defined by relationship status, and we want to encourage you or a loved one that is single to practice self-love this month. Self-love is critical when it comes to becoming the best version of yourself. Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Make peace with being alone
2. Date yourself
3. Visit or volunteer at an animal shelter
4. Create a list of what you love about yourself
5. Call up a single friend
6. Listen to positive music
What other ways can you practice self-love on Valentine’s Day and throughout February? Please share your ideas in the comments!
Get more details for practicing self-love this Valentine’s Day in our article: https://bit.ly/2wfLsWU
If you are sober or interested in dating someone sober, dating apps may seem like a daunting task. Will you have to sift through the numerous people that are interested in grabbing a drink for a first date? Will they understand and respect your sobriety? Maybe you just prefer dating other sober people. Well, good news! This Valentine’s Day, you can try a sober dating app instead. On sober dating apps, it’s just like sounds, everyone that is on the app is sober.
Here are a few that were recently featured by the New York Times:
→ 12StepMatch
→ Love in Recovery
→ Single and Sober
→ Loosid
Have you tried a sober dating app? Comment below on what you like or dislike about it?
Whether you or your significant other are sober, finding a great place to go on an alcohol-free date this Valentine’s Day is easy. There are plenty of fun places to take your partner where you won’t be surrounded by alcohol. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Picnic
2. Hiking
3. Cooking together at home
4. Coffee Date
We would love to know your favorite places for alcohol-free dates! Please share them with us below! 👇
If you recently began or are considering starting a relationship with someone in recovery, and you are not sober, it’s important to consider a few factors. Communication and understanding their journey is key to making this relationship work.
Here are 5 tips for dating someone in recovery:
1. Make an effort to understand your partner’s reasoning for sobriety
2. Have a conversation to set some ground rules
3. Don’t make assumptions
4. Ask questions if you have them
5. Determine what you can do to aid in your partner’s recovery
Although dating someone in recovery may require a better understanding of each other, so does every healthy relationship.
Read more #tips here: https://bit.ly/3aONhdS
Being single doesn't mean being lonely, instead, it gives you time to learn how to love and accept yourself. Loneliness is something that we experience, but we can learn to recognize these feelings and overcome them.
➡ When we feel lonely, we may be feeling a lack of love within ourselves. When we’re able to be alone, it is because we have learned how to love ourselves on our own.
How has being single and sober helped your recovery and your journey to accept and love yourself? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Read our full story for more inspiration on being single, sober, and learning to love yourself! https://bit.ly/2PAWjl8
Feelings of guilt or shame in recovery are common, but they can hold back the recovery process. Forgiveness is an important part of recovery as it is vital to preventing relapse. It allows those in recovery to build a stronger foundation and redirect their thought processes to focus on the future. Here are 5 strategies that can help someone forgive themselves in recovery:
1. Journaling
2. Accepting the past
3. Practicing self-compassion and gratitude
4. Make amends with those who may have been hurt
5. Remain patient
How have you or someone you love forgiven yourself for your past? Please share your experience with us in the comments!
For more information on how to forgive yourself in recovery read our full article: https://bit.ly/2ywLE5s
If you or a loved one are experiencing higher than normal levels of stress, there are healthy ways to cope. Practicing stress management techniques can lessen the effects that stress has on your physical and emotional wellbeing. The following are ways that can help you manage your stress even when it feels out of control:
1. Identify stressors
2. Create boundaries
3. Learn to say “no”
4. Manage your time
5. Eat a balanced diet
6. Exercise
7. Connect with others
8. Try aromatherapy
9. Practice yoga
10. Make time for fun
Whether it is something as simple as a workout or chatting with a friend, prioritizing your mental health is important.
Do any of the above stress management techniques help when you are feeling overwhelmed by stress? Share your #tips with us in the comments!
You can read about these techniques and several more in our full article: https://bit.ly/3dDkZ9p
The best way to support a loved one in recovery is to forgive them and let go of any anger you have about their past. Someone that has chosen recovery was likely at a very low point in their life during their addiction. Now is a vital time for friends and family to be there as a support group. It may take time to forgive your loved one and that is ok. Here are 4 #tips that can help you through the process:
1. Understand addiction
2. Control anger
3. Don’t have expectations
4. Be patient
Have you re-built a relationship with a loved one that is in recovery? How did you begin this process and how is your relationship now? Please share your story in the comments!
Learn more about the importance of forgiving your loved one during their recovery here: https://bit.ly/3kecZNg
While it may be difficult to talk to your loved one about their alcohol addiction, bringing light to their actions could encourage them to seek help. Letting them know you are concerned can be a critical step in helping them overcome their drinking problem. Here are 10 #tips to help someone take steps to stop drinking:
1. Open the lines of communication
2. Make it comfortable to talk about the underlying causes contributing to their drinking
3. Be ready with concrete examples of why you think there may be a problem
4. Don’t offer an ultimatum
5. Don’t pass judgment or shame
6. Utilize the people in your life
7. Offer resources to your loved one
8. Don’t drink around the person
9. Do not enable them
10. No matter what, continue to be supportive throughout their recovery
Have you discussed your loved one's addiction to drugs or alcohol with them? How did it help? Please share your experience with us!
Read our full article to better understand how you can help someone that is addicted to alcohol: https://bit.ly/3bwKZAE
Alcohol can have negative effects on the immune system. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) warns that a single episode of drinking can suppress the immune system for up to 24 hours. Drinking over long periods of time can have even greater effects on our immune system and increase the risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, various types of cancer, stroke, and more.
Once someone stops using alcohol, healing will often focus on promoting the best immune health possible. Harvard Health Publishing recommends several simple ways to improve immune system health:
- Avoid smoking
- Follow a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables
- Get sufficient sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce stress when possible
- Follow good hygiene
To learn more about how alcohol affects the immune system, please read our article: https://bit.ly/3r7cNSJ
March is Women’s History Month so today we are sharing 5 recovery tips from powerful women leaders in recovery.
1. Being open and honest about your recovery reduces the stigma
2. Anything used to escape the present moment can become an addiction
3. Turn your struggle into triumph
4. Nobody else will make your self-care a priority
5. Show up for your pain by going through it and learning from it
Read their full list of inspiring recovery tips here: https://bit.ly/3hotLGX
What tip resonated the most with you when it comes to your recovery? Share why it’s important to your journey in the comments.
Everyone’s road to recovery is unique, but there are also common elements that help make recovery successful for many people, including Paul. Paul came to The Recovery Village after being in and out of treatment centers, starting at age 19. The focus that The Recovery Village has on aftercare, sober living, and relapse prevention had a positive impact on Paul’s recovery journey. Learning how to seek support and how to manage stress all play a role in long-term sobriety.
Read more about Paul’s story and the essential path to addiction recovery for a life of sobriety: https://bit.ly/338C3io
How has aftercare impacted you or your loved one’s recovery journey? Please share your experience with us in the comments.
If you are concerned about a loved one’s sobriety during spring break, here are some tips to help them through this particularly tricky time for staying sober.
Remind them to keep their goals front and center and remember why they chose recovery.
Surround your loved one with your support and encouragement.
Suggest or plan alternative spring break activities for you and your loved one such as volunteering, booking a trip to a yoga retreat or a relaxing spa, go hiking, take a dance class.
What are your favorite sober spring break activities? Share them with us in the comments!
Read our full article to learn more helpful tips for protecting sobriety during spring break: https://bit.ly/2IiLwrK
Do you know someone in their 20s that has chosen sobriety? It may be hard to completely understand how they decided at such a young age to be sober, but the sober community is full of people of all ages with all kinds of stories. You do not need a decades-long addiction to realize that you struggle with moderation.
The point of sobriety is to live your best life, regardless of age. If sobriety is what’s best for you, then pursue that.
To read more about sobriety in your 20s, click here: https://bit.ly/2wvHo4T
Being the life of the party can have unhealthy consequences in the long run, especially if it involves heavy drinking. For Megan L., being the life of the party and a drinker meant that she was the “carefree one” of her friends. It also led to her blacking out and feeling shameful about her habits. Finding herself at her own personal rock bottom, she chose to seek help and start a new life in recovery.
“No one ever sets out with the intention of discovering that they are the perfect candidate for mental health and substance use disorders. But in the end, life is just a matter of learning who we are and doing our best to cope with what we find. My life in recovery is the best life I have lived thus far.”
Read our article for more of her story: https://bit.ly/3rExXrI
Do you or someone you know relate to this story? Share your experience with us in the comments!
For those in recovery, relapse is sometimes part of the journey. It can result from an accumulation of life stressors or other individual triggers. The important part of relapse during recovery is what the person is able to learn from it. Relapse is an opportunity for those in recovery to re-evaluate their recovery plan and make adjustments where they are needed.
Here are a few tips that can help someone bounce back after a relapse:
➡Get support from support groups, family, friends, and loved ones
➡Face feelings of anger, depression, sadness, shame and release them
➡Consider further treatment like the professional support of an individual therapist
➡Remember that relapse is part of recovery
➡Work to avoid stressors and triggers and use relapse as an opportunity for growth
Learn more about the steps for bouncing back after a relapse here: https://bit.ly/37r89EB
Has your loved one relapsed during recovery? How did they adjust their recovery plans? Share with us in the comments!
Music can create feelings of happiness and relaxation, making it a transformative therapy practice in recovery. For those in recovery, listening to music while sober can be more powerful than it was before since they can now be fully present in the moment and use the music or lyrics to help them process emotions.
There are many ways people in recovery can connect to music to experience the therapeutic benefits. Here are 5 ways:
1. Dance
2. Meditation
3. Yoga
4. Mood
5. Lyrics
To learn more about connecting to music in recovery click here: https://bit.ly/3v77ZPv
Have you noticed the positive impact music has had on someone in recovery? Share your experience with us in the comments!
The opioid crisis has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with women and families being especially affected. The CDC reported in January 2019 that opioid overdose rates rose 492% among women ages 30 to 64 from 1999 to 2017.
The good news is that despite the unique challenges that women face, help is available. And studies show that women who seek treatment for substance use disorder have higher long-term recovery rates than their male counterparts.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction don’t wait to get help.
To learn more about women and opioids, please read our article: https://bit.ly/3dYhjze
#FeelGoodFriday
We are so proud to share positive recovery stories and even more so when they are about our very own Recovery Village team members. Meet John DeLisa, Referral-out Coordinator, who's been sober for almost 10 years. Here’s his best advice for someone starting the recovery process:
“Only advice I would have for people making a new beginning is to go easy on yourself.
A lifetime of thinking a certain way about life, drinking/drugging to cope, and working through trauma...takes time. Give that time to yourself. It’s worth it. So are you.”
Thank you John for letting us share your #soberselfie! Tag us in your sober selfie and we may feature you in an upcoming post.
#Recovery #Sober #RecoveryStory #AddictionRecovery #SoberSelfie #AddictionRecovery #WedoRecover #Recoveryispossible
If you or a loved one are new to addiction or recovery, you may have received a lot of well-meaning advice from people who don’t truly understand...which means you have likely also heard several myths about addiction and recovery. It is important to differentiate myth from fact when making decisions about treatment and your ongoing recovery process.
Here are 9 common addiction myths to be aware of:
→ If you have an addiction, you don’t have enough willpower.
→ Prescription drugs are safe drugs.
→ You can’t get addicted to marijuana or vaping.
→ Detox is enough.
→ Rehab doesn’t work.
→ Medication during detox and recovery is just switching one addiction for another.
→ Rehab is only for rich people.
→If you relapse after rehab, you’re back to square one.
→Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point in trying again.
Which of these myths about addiction and recovery do you believe is the most important to understand? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Read our full article to learn about the realities behind these myths: https://bit.ly/3r5v5Db
Unfortunately, one reason many people put off drug and alcohol addiction treatment is because of the stigma surrounding addiction and the shame that it makes them feel. For our writer, sharing her story was meant to give others a sense of hope for their own life. “When we share our stories, we’re doing our part to break stigmas, form connections, and bring people who may feel alone together.”
How has someone you know influenced others through sharing their own recovery story? Tell us about their impact in the comments!
The only way we can break down the stigmas surrounding addiction is to listen to the stories of others without judgment. The more people that share their story, the more people that will be inspired to seek the help they need to overcome their addiction.
Read our full article: The Power of Storytelling: Speaking Up About Recovery here: https://bit.ly/2FKvAQW
Choosing rehab is a positive first step towards stopping the use of addictive substances and living a sober life, but recovery doesn’t end there. There are many skills and lifestyle changes that go into making lifelong recovery possible. They help you stand up to the challenges that come with recovery so you can avoid relapse and get through them substance-free. Here are 5 skills from rehab that are essential to master for a successful recovery journey:
1. How to identify and avoid high-risk situations
2. How to relax
3. How to cope with challenges and triggers
4. How to reach out
5. How to build your life day by day
Learn more about these skills by reading our full article: https://bit.ly/3f8PR2h
Setting SMART goals is important for people in recovery and can help them move from one stage to the next without getting stuck. People that set SMART goals are more likely to achieve them. SMART goals are:
→ Specific
→ Measurable
→ Achievable
→ Relevant
→ Time-Bound
They can make recovery more manageable and also hold those in recovery accountable. Goals for substance abuse recovery may include enrolling in rehab, finding a doctor, completing a treatment program or joining a support group.
How has goal-setting helped you or a loved one in recovery? Please share with us in the comments!
Read our full article to learn more about the impact of goal setting in recovery: https://bit.ly/3d2A0ja
Whether you don’t fully understand recovery or you just aren’t sure how to approach a conversation with your loved one about it, there are guidelines that can help you speak to them about their recovery. It’s normal to want to know more and understand what they’re going through. It’s also important to approach the topic with care and to be considerate of your loved one’s feelings and potential reactions.
Here are 5 tips to help the conversation go smoothly:
1. Don’t continually dredge up the past
2. Try not to question their recovery
3. Avoid telling them about your own drinking/drug experiences
4. Don’t overstep your boundaries
5. When asking questions, do your best to avoid making someone in recovery feel like their life is boring
Have you discussed your loved ones' recovery journey with them? How did the conversation go? What could have made it go better? Please share your tips with us in the comments!
To learn more about speaking to a loved one in recovery, read our full article: https://bit.ly/3lCNuWI
If you or a loved one are new to addiction or recovery, you may have received a lot of well-meaning advice from people who don’t truly understand...which means you have likely also heard several myths about addiction and recovery. It is important to differentiate myth from fact when making decisions about treatment and your ongoing recovery process.
Here are 9 common addiction myths to be aware of:
→ If you have an addiction, you don’t have enough willpower.
→ Prescription drugs are safe drugs.
→ You can’t get addicted to marijuana or vaping.
→ Detox is enough.
→ Rehab doesn’t work.
→ Medication during detox and recovery is just switching one addiction for another.
→ Rehab is only for rich people.
→If you relapse after rehab, you’re back to square one.
→Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point in trying again.
Which of these myths about addiction and recovery do you believe is the most important to understand? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Read our full article to learn about the realities behind these myths: https://bit.ly/3r5v5Db
