As a Recovery Coach, my lived experience is my primary resource and strength. Even after twenty-two years of sobriety, I am still struck by the fact that my most painful experiences have become my greatest gifts–a spiritual alchemy of sorts. Although I made a vow to myself that I would never become an alcoholic like my father, my own struggle …
It’s hard to believe, but our 6th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil is almost here. I am so grateful for Team Orange–our Vigil planners and doers–for making this happen. We have new themes this year which complement the older ones of remembrance and helping each other heal. New for this year: Why the orange color theme, you may ask? Well …
Self-care has been a growing theme throughout the year for NCPSG. In recent meetings, a common question is: “okay, and how has this week gone for your own personal self-care”? Why all this focus on self-care? Because Self-care is an important component of recovery–for both the loved one AND family members and friends. Many parents feel like they’ve signed have …
For the sixth time, we unite for an evening of understanding, healing and hope at our 6th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil. Each year, we do more to emphasize that recovery is possible and there are many resources out there to help you. Our in-person event will include: 3 speakers in recovery who will share their lived experiences; a candlelight …
I visited the local “Your CBD Store” located at 7 Elm Street this past week. I was curious how they could have a sandwich board advertising Delta-8 THC when I knew it was illegal under the 2021 law that passed the CT Assembly legalizing marijuana and THC products. What I found was that the store manager not only offered me …
Our June 8 Pathway Session with Brenda Zane was a great success, as attendees learned that talking to your loved one about relapse actually reduces the chances of it happening. Brenda, a parent coach and host of the popular Hopestream podcast, knows from experience that relapse happens. She discussed the 5+ year journey she had with her son, who relapsed …
Our May 18 Monthly Pathway Session on DBT Skills was well-attended and highly informative. Silver Hill’s Ryan Wade, MD, an addiction psychiatrist who leads the treatment program for Co-occurring Disorders, started off by covering the key concepts behind DBT, or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Then we heard from a woman in long-term recovery who courageously told her story of hope, which …
May 2022–Mental Health Awareness Month–marks a critical moment as youth mental health disorders had been rising before the pandemic, and COVID-19 pandemic has only made depression and anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidality and suicide attempts worse. In my opinion, there is momentum from all corners to change these trends as we all work together, from the federal government to the …
March 10 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl is the #1 cause of death for those aged 18-45, and is tied to about 2/3 of all drug fatalities. While many who are addicted to opioids seek out fentanyl on the “street”, other times fentanyl is included in cocaine, meth and fake prescription pills like hydrocodone and Xanax. It is incumbent …
Late last month, Jacqueline, Mary and I virtually met with Lisa Arnold, Clinical Director of the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at Fairfield University. I consider Lisa one of NCPSG’s key partners, because of her enthusiasm for recovery in general and collegiate recovery in particular. It was great to get an update, as it had been 2 and a half years …
