After leaving treatment and returning to everyday life, the work we must do to stay sober truly begins. Now that we are no longer hiding or distracting ourselves from the pain and fear that lead to our addiction, we are forced to take a look deep within ourselves to figure out who we once are and the person we are destined to become. This process of letting go requires us to have courage and compassion for ourselves, the belief that we deserve forgiveness, and the readiness to move forward.

Delaying recovery until the new year can have devastating consequences. Stress and substance abuse increase during the holidays season and overdose rates climb.

If you’ve started your recovery journey, you’ve acquired some useful tools to help you survive the holidays with your sobriety intact. Thanksgiving is around the corner and marks the official start of the fun, festive and sometimes dreaded holiday season.

Most of us would agree that the presence of an animal can improve one’s mood and relieve feelings of loneliness. But when it comes to treating serious mental health issues such as addiction and co-occurring psychological disorders, even the most ardent animal lovers might be skeptical about how helpful our four-legged friends can be.

Nevertheless, animal-assisted therapy has become extremely popular, with many highly regarded addiction treatment facilities employing its use.

Sparks do not burst from a vacuum, they are incandescent blasts from intense heat and friction.  The famous Christmas Carol ‘Feliz Navidad’ was back in the headlines recently celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Most stories talked about the song-writing process of its creator, José Feliciano, as one of magical ease, a spark of hope and inspiration.  The magical spark storyline fits, given that ‘Feliz Navidad’ contains only 19 words, was written in ten minutes, and recorded in one take. 

As a pastor, I often get asked what my must-have Christian books are. Reading is one of my favorite things to do in life. All readers are leaders, and all leaders are readers. Spending time in a book is one of my life’s joys. Not only does it help me grow in my relationship with God, but I also broaden and deepen my knowledge, reduce stress and create time for contemplation.

True self-care is about much more than bubble baths and candles. Once you’re in recovery, it’s a good time to reestablish a personal hygiene routine.

If you scroll through social media, #selfcare is likely to pop up, alongside pictures of people lounging in the tub, having a mocktail, or spending time in nature. While all of these things are great for making yourself feel better, true self-care goes beyond just chasing happiness.