Ashley Co-Founder: Mae Abraham The Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon was established to honor our co-founder, Mae Abraham. Mae Ashley Abraham was born in 1927 in western North Carolina to Rev. Arthur Ashley and Molly Williams Ashley. She grew up with 10 siblings in a traditional Baptist household. While seeking more information and help with alcoholism, Mae met Father Joseph C. Martin at one of his infamous “chalk talks” at Johns Hopkins University. He identified alcoholism as a disease — not a moral failing. He didn’t preach or demoralize. After hearing him speak, Mae said she could finally accept ..read more

At Ashley, we take immense pride in our alumni and their remarkable journeys of recovery and personal growth. We are dedicated to sharing their inspiring stories for others on the path to recovery. Our alumni’s successes are a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and the unwavering commitment to reclaiming lives from the grips of addiction. Meet Damian Bloss! In March of 2020, Damian left the grounds of Ashley with a determination to conquer his addiction and build a life filled with purpose and meaning. Even though there have been lingering urges and challenges along the way, Dami ..read more

Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. Boundaries define what is acceptable, and what is not in a relationship. It is possible to have different boundary types in different relationships. Most people have a mix of different boundary types. For example, someone could have healthy boundaries at work, porous boundaries in romantic relationships and a mix of all three types with their family.   The 3 boundary styles and their traits Porous Boundaries Overshares personal information. Difficulty saying “no” to the requests of others. Overinvolv ..read more

As the leaves start to change color and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s something undeniably enchanting about the arrival of autumn. For those in recovery, this season offers countless opportunities for fun and creativity. Whether you’re starting your journey or you have a few years under your sleeve, here’s a list of enjoyable autumn activities and delectable recipes to savor while staying sober. Fun sober autumn activities to try Visit a pumpkin patch: Gather your friends or family and head to a local pumpkin patch and embrace the autumn spirit by picking out the perfect pumpkin for ca ..read more

Living with a mental health condition can be a daunting journey in itself, but when substance use disorder (SUD) and bipolar disorder coexist, the challenges can become even more complex. Both bipolar disorder and SUDs are serious conditions that require careful management, and when they intersect, individuals often find themselves facing a unique set of obstacles on their path to recovery. If you or a loved one struggles with both of these disorders, let’s learn more about the unique challenges these conditions pose and strategies for overcoming them. What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorde ..read more

If you or someone you love is living with chronic depression, your doctor might have prescribed medication to help you. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice for most physicians, trazodone can also be a medication option if SSRIs don’t work for you. Increasingly, it’s also being prescribed for off-label use as a sleep aid, although this usage hasn’t yet been approved by the FDA. Whether you’re using trazodone for its approved use or in an off-label manner, it’s important to know what it is and how it can interact with other medications (especially w ..read more

How do you respond to stress — flight, fright, freeze or fawn? While all of these responses might have roots in past trauma, there is a significant connection between those who exhibit the freeze response and trauma. Additionally, living with a dysregulated nervous system and unresolved trauma can increase the likelihood of substance use disorder (SUD). So what is the connection between the freeze response and SUD? Let’s start with the basics. What is the freeze response? The freeze response is one of a collection of stress and danger responses (flight, flight and fawn being the others) collec ..read more

Alprazolam, known commercially as Xanax, is a drug from the Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants class of substances. Used to treat various psychiatric disorders and sleep disorders, it’s a very addictive substance that is intended for short-term use. What is Xanax? Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine class of medications — being one of the most prescribed psychiatric medications in the U.S. Like other benzodiazepines, it’s primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia since it’s a depressant that causes a swift sedating effect. Some of the side effects from Xanax use include deep ..read more

As a healthcare provider, your goal is to ensure that your patients or clients are happy and healthy. This means treating any illnesses, helping them achieve an active lifestyle and doing preventative care to help them stay healthy. If any of your patients or clients show symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD), here are a few signs that the severity of their SUD may warrant an inpatient treatment program. Is their health suffering? One of the most obvious signs that your patient needs help is that their SUD is causing them significant physical and mental health problems. This can range from ..read more

As the opioid crisis continues to affect people’s lives, it’s imperative to provide educational resources on how to best combat opioid addiction. While withdrawal from most substances is a difficult journey, opiates pose a greater risk during the withdrawal period due to the occasional severity of the symptoms. Despite its daunting nature, undergoing opiate withdrawal in a safe facility led by addiction experts is the best way to start your sobriety journey. Before learning about the different withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to know the differences between different opioids. Are opioids an ..read more