Alcoholics Anonymous, often referred to as AA, is a group where people come together to discuss alcoholism and participate in steps designed to help each other stop drinking alcohol. There are 12 steps to follow to help people stay sober and continue on their road to recovery, and while active step work may not occur during the meeting itself, in AA, people share their stories and support each other. It is a community created to help people feel encouraged and understood as others share similar experiences. Through AA, I’ve learned a lot about myself and gained many of the tools I needed to ..read more

Hi, my name is Jim Haggerty. After years of working in and for a number of different treatment centers, I decided to start my own intervention, sober coaching and family support services. My good friend Brad Langenberg joined forces with me to offer sober companionship and family interventions. We get a lot of questions about our services, specifically our family recovery support and coaching. So, I thought today I would review the important questions around what a sober coach does and how we can help support the whole family. If at any time you would like to chat with Brad or myself with ad ..read more

Navigating recovery from substance use disorders is never easy. If you or someone you love is attempting to embark on the path of recovery, it is vital that you have a strong support system around you to keep you on track. Many times, this involves traveling with you to treatment or helping you stay safe on other travels. Unfortunately, I know better than most people how lonely recovery can be. Not everyone has a loved one who is willing or able to accompany them to treatment which is why finding a sober companion can be helpful. Your sober companion can provide valuable emotional support as ..read more

The journey of recovery is a rewarding one, but it can also be overwhelming to consider navigating this road for years to come. That is why quotes and phrases that encourage people to approach recovery “one day at a time” are used in the iconic 12-step group Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). More specifically, these reminders to take it “one day at a time” can help you avoid worrying about remaining sober for the rest of your life, and instead, focus on the day ahead of you. What you did yesterday does not matter, and what you might do tomorrow is not a concern. The focus is on doing what you need ..read more

Accepting help for substance use disorder (SUD) can be a tall order, as individuals often feel embarrassed, ignored, or misunderstood. However, this is one of – if not the – most monumental steps you can take toward improving your overall life and health. Sometimes, an interventionist like myself may need to be brought in to help create a plan for seeking help, but this show of support can be beneficial to many people long before intervention is deemed necessary. Similar to intervention, recovery coaching, also called sober coaching, is primarily about helping individuals navigate the path t ..read more

One of the most challenging steps you can take as someone with substance use disorder (SUD) is admitting you need help. However, the way this decision comes about can frequently require measures of intervention from family, friends, and even a recovery professional. One of the most common ways to do this is by planning an intervention. Contrary to popular belief, an intervention is not a single event but instead an ongoing process that can take days, weeks, or even months of interaction with the individual with SUD. Intervention involves a professional SUD recovery expert organizing a series ..read more

When you have a loved one who is struggling with a substance use disorder like alcoholism, the prospect of what they’re going through and how difficult it can be to get them to accept help can be soul-crushing. Of course, I am well aware that most loved ones want to do everything that they possibly can to get them to get help as soon as possible. However, a forceful approach – even when rooted in love – is rarely effective. Unfortunately, this approach is often met with anger and disdain, and you may even end up hurting your relationship and pushing your loved one farther away from getting t ..read more

The road to recovery is not always easy, and it sometimes includes making changes in other aspects of your lifestyle besides your substance use. For many people, that includes eating habits. So, where do you start? Most people are aware that sugar isn’t healthy: it’s essentially empty calories that can lead to negative health consequences such as weight gain and fluctuating energy levels, as well as diseases like chronic inflammation, cardiac disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, the consequences don’t end there. Sugar’s impact on the brain and a person’s mental health is much more extensiv ..read more

If recent world events have taught us anything, it’s how easily – and how immensely – our mental health can be impacted by everything from daily stressors and world issues to personal trauma. Depending on the issues you face, it may even be difficult to feel like everything isn’t an uphill battle. Whether you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, or even if you’re on the path to recovery, you might be looking for ways to keep your head above water. Fortunately, you aren’t doomed to forever feel bogged down by everyday life. It’s important to know that there’s always hope, and you might be s ..read more

Raising Awareness to Fight the Overdose Crisis Each year, on August 31st, people all around the world come together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day is observed to raise awareness about drug overdoses and to remember those who have lost their lives to it. The goal of IOAD is to educate people about the dangers of drug overdoses, promote prevention strategies, and support those who are struggling with addiction. IOAD History and Significance International Overdose Awareness Day was first observed in 2001 in Australia as a local initiative. Since then, its signifi ..read more