Our June 14 Pathway Session with Kate Appleman, LPC, Caron, was a big success. Some of the highlights included: 1) Kate reviewed the latest studies on cannabis use, including ones that associate occasional THC use with increased risk of psychiatric disorders; 2) Clinical factors that promote recovery including motivational interviewing and contingency management; 3) Effective boundary-setting and how it can …
On Tuesday, June 5th, the CT State Senate voted overwhelmingly (32-4) in favor of HB 6699, An Act Concerning Cannabis Regulation. It now will go to Governor Lamont, who is expected to sign it into law. This bill is a big win, as many different retailers–including CBD Stores–are now banned from unethically selling THC products to minors that look like …
In this easy-to-read book with plenty of inspirational quotes, the author Joe Herzanek uses bothpersonal and professional experiences to give a great overview. This book targets parents and familymembers who are just getting started. I love the positive and humorous tone, while speaking bluntlyabout certain realities. Among these realities is the one that your loved one does NOT have to …
On May 9, the CT House passed HB 6699 overwhelmingly, with only one nay vote. While not all is good in this bill, it would require all hemp/THC products to be sold in a state-licensed MJ dispensary. By defining cannabis edible products more precisely, the bill eliminates the loophole through which gas stations, smoke shops and CBD stores have been …
I have no idea if most people in recovery from substance use disorder recall hitting bottom, but I sure do. It was 16 years ago this month I arrived at a federal prison in Pennsylvania facing a double-digit sentence, disbarment, and total loss of connection with family and friends. Life as I had known it was turned upside down and …
We Are the Luckiest is a well-written sobriety memoir that describes the dark, painful times and howdrinking brought the author to her knees. Laura McKowen makes a compelling case that for her,sobriety has allowed her to embrace her humanity and to discard the shame. In her transformed life ofredemption, she can feel her feelings, live honestly, and be there for …
On Wednesday, May 17, we hosted a Pathway Session on Interventions with Paul Gallant, CIP. Paul is a well-known interventionist in the Northeast, as he lives in Monroe, CT and has been doing intervention work for over 35 years. Paul describes intervention as “changing the course” based on love. It can occur whenever one or more members of the family …
When I asked for help at 18 during my freshman year at college, I had no interest in recovery. I had no desire to be sober, to uncover my true potential, to discover the life that would unfold for me. Instead, I just wanted the Merry-Go-Round to stop. I was in a constant cycle of trying to escape the consequences …
On April 19, we hosted our Monthly Pathway Session on setting boundaries with Amanda Craig, PhD. It was a great success, as over 50 people attended–mostly parents and recovery coaches. Given that many parents are challenged with a child living at home who is in active addiction or early recovery, this discussion was extremely useful. Amanda started off sharing how …
The Book Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion is a great book despite being written by an athiest. Sam Harris reiterates Eckhart Tolle’s work by stating that the feeling we call “I” is an illusion. There is no “self” or ego sitting inside the brain. For the author, a neuroscientist, philosopher and podcast host, striving towards a spiritual …
