Blog

"As unfortunate luck would have it, May is also the month my oldest son Sean took his own life. Some years, his death date and Mother’s Day are the same– which is like the double whammy of terribleness. Sean got in trouble for drinking alcohol at the high school prom, and with fear of losing all the accolades he had worked so far to achieve, he made the most drastic choice possible to end his moment of suffering. That suffering then transferred to family and friends who sit with the profound grief brought by the sudden and violent death of an amazing human being."

"I have learned how to make quality friends outside of the bar, who share my passions and interests. I’ve been able to overcome the fear of trying something new, which limited me in so many ways when I was still drinking and using. For the first time in my life, I’ve come to appreciate and respect my body instead of treating it poorly."

"I remember being the little girl who would always wait and watch. I was waiting for others to show me who I needed to be, to be accepted, to be loved, to be worthwhile. I spent so much time doing this in efforts to find somewhere I belonged, that I never really got to know myself."

"Staying sober through the holidays can be tough. Staying sober, period, can be tough. The holidays seem to add a little more expectation and stress. It’s like we are expected to be cheerful, grateful, sparkly and loving. And while some of us are those things naturally, this is not true for everyone. It has a cost associated with it, that not everyone feels they can afford, and I’m not talking just monetary."

"I no longer recognize the woman who saw the world as a dark and dangerous place to be feared. Today I am full of joy knowing I am fulfilling my purpose. Do not misunderstand; the ramifications of childhood trauma still afflict me at times. I continue therapy with a mental health provider and have many understanding people in my life who remind me that “this too shall pass” when I am feeling overwhelmed."

"Simply hearing the word “rehabilitation” can trigger a negative response for someone. In fact so much so, that it dooms many from seeking out it's benefits. People don't want to be thought of as broken to the point of needing help..."

"Growing up, I was always one of those kids who never quite felt like I fit in anywhere. I was 12 or 13 years old when I started drinking, and suddenly everything fuzzy went into focus. Suddenly, with booze in my system, I felt smarter, prettier, funnier, and braver. I could finally approach that guy I had a crush on! I could dance! (Well no, not really, but boy did I think I could! Can I just say THANK GOD Facebook and smartphones did not exist when I drank!)"

"I have grit. I have determination. I can push wet spaghetti across the floor and make lemonade out of lemons. All of these skills are in my wheelhouse. Nothing in my life could prepare me for the recovery journey we have been on for the past 16 years..."

"In early March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic started to take hold in the United States, social gatherings were reduced or restricted, building occupant capacities were lowered, and regular in-person meetings or events became virtual. I found myself struggling to keep connections..."

"The behavioral health treatment system is transitioning to a more inclusive holistic approach, recognizing that communication is even more important with co-occurring disorders. This approach values all information and resources and recognizes the need for individualization..."