Personal Stories & Accounts
Sean R: The Bedtime Stories I Almost Missed – June 2026 Alumni Spotlight
When I was asked to write this column, I was a little taken aback. Me? How could I possibly be asked to write something that is supposed to inspire people in recovery? A little over six months ago, I would have told you that I would never be “in recovery” because I didn’t have a […]
Gaming Dangers & Addiction in Teens: How to Help
The article addresses teen gaming addiction, distinguishing it from a hobby by focusing on behavioral patterns like loss of control and negative impacts on school, sleep, and relationships, rather than just time spent gaming. This addiction is rooted in how video games activate dopamine pathways in the still-developing adolescent brain, potentially leading to issues with […]
Is an Intervention Right for My Loved One?
A thoughtfully planned intervention is a structured, compassionate conversation intended to help a loved one recognize the impact of their substance use and accept support. Families should consider an intervention when substance use consistently interferes with daily functioning, such as missing work or experiencing repeated health or legal issues. The article describes models like the […]
Gaming Dangers & Addiction in Teens: How to Help
The article addresses teen gaming addiction, distinguishing it from a hobby by focusing on behavioral patterns like loss of control and negative impacts on school, sleep, and relationships, rather than just time spent gaming. This addiction is rooted in how video games activate dopamine pathways in the still-developing adolescent brain, potentially leading to issues with […]
Understanding Social Media Addiction in Teens and Adolescents
The article addresses the growing concern of social media addiction in teens, defining it as compulsive technology use that, unlike normal screen time, results in loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, and disruption of responsibilities. This dependency is fueled by the adolescent brain’s unique response to the platforms’ engineered reward systems, which can exacerbate issues like […]
What Parents Should Know: Addiction to Screens
This article addresses the growing concern of screen addiction in children and teenagers, emphasizing the need for parents to differentiate between heavy use and genuine addiction characterized by impaired control and harm to wellbeing. It outlines common symptoms like withdrawal and preoccupation, explains the neurobiological role of dopamine in driving this behavioral addiction, and provides […]
What Exactly Does One Day at a Time Mean?
The phrase “One Day at a Time” is a central philosophy in addiction recovery, offering a powerful, manageable strategy for daily sobriety when the thought of “forever” clean feels impossible. It serves as a practical, psychological, and spiritual tool that encourages focusing solely on the current 24 hours, thereby making change achievable by aligning commitments […]
Personal Stories & Accounts
Worth the Investment: Lessons from a Three-Year Commute
An author who is in recovery shares a multi-year personal story about their connection with an unhoused veteran struggling with addiction at Union Station. Over the years, the author offered nonjudgmental support and conversation that provided the man with inspiration and hope, even through several setbacks and relapses. The article concludes with the man achieving […]
What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal is a syndrome that occurs when opioid-dependent individuals stop use, with early symptoms mimicking the flu (such as yawning and muscle aches) progressing to a peak of intense physical distress that includes severe muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. The onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of opioid, […]
Personal Stories & Accounts
Nick B: Rebuilding a Life I Never Thought Possible – May 2026 Alumni Spotlight
Alcohol took me to a really low place. I was a real hopeless alcoholic. I didn’t like who I was. I felt stuck and lost most of the time. My relationships were broken or falling apart, and I didn’t really see a future for myself. I was just going through the motions without much direction […]
The Intersection of Single Mothers and Addiction
The article discusses the unique challenges single mothers face that make them vulnerable to addiction (financial strain, emotional overload, social isolation, trauma, and biological factors). It outlines significant barriers to seeking treatment, such as the lack of childcare, high financial cost, fear of losing child custody, and intense social stigma. Finally, the article advocates for […]
Barriers to Addiction Treatment for Moms (and How to Help)
The journey to recovery for mothers with substance use disorder is often impeded by significant emotional and logistical hurdles, primarily the intense fear of state intervention (DCF/CPS) and the challenge of finding affordable, reliable childcare. The article details these barriers and offers actionable advice for both mothers seeking help and their loved ones, recommending solutions […]
