Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr., celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, is equally renowned for his well-documented battle with drug addiction. His journey, characterized by a rollercoaster of highs and lows, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of recovery. Early Career and the ...
Why It’s Okay (and Important) to Mourn Your Past Self in Addiction Recovery
Focusing on a brighter future is a cornerstone of addiction recovery. But reconciling the person you are now with your former self can be a complex and painful process. For many, a crucial step towards healing is learning to mourn that past self, the individual whose actions were impacted by ...
Creating Space for Addiction Recovery Support
Seeing a loved one struggle with substance use can be heartbreaking and confusing. You may want to help but are unsure how to approach the conversation. Creating a safe and supportive space for open communication is a crucial first step in getting them the help they need. Is There a ...
Women in Recovery: A Spotlight on Kim Patterson
Kim Patterson's story is an inspiring testament to the power of human resilience. Her path through addiction recovery has equipped her with a profound understanding of substance use disorder (SUD) and a fierce dedication to empowering women on their own journeys to healing. From Struggles to Strength Kim's experiences with ...
Group vs. Individual Therapy: Finding the Right Recovery Fit
In your recovery journey, finding the right support system is crucial. Two pillars of that support system are individual and group therapy, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Choosing between them, or even incorporating both, can be intimidating for someone navigating the path to healing. Understanding the Individual Experience Individual ...
The Key Role of Addiction Treatment Services in the Justice System
Despite widespread understanding of the disease model of addiction, substance use is still perceived as a criminal act. Every year, 1.16 million Americans are arrested for the sale, manufacture, or possession of illicit substances. Incarceration is a common punishment for drug-related crimes, with the National Institutes of Health estimating that ...
Twelve-Step and Non-Twelve-Step Meetings: Which is Right for You?
Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are some of the most popular formats of addiction recovery meetings. These programs are based on a broad concept of spirituality and encourage members to work through a series of steps to solidify their recovery. While many people have found ...
Celebrating Graduates and Alumni
At Spectrum and NERC, nothing is more important to us than the success of our clients. The people that pass through our programs and go on to find health and happiness are living proof that recovery is possible. The example they set is crucial to the recovery community, supporting and ...
National Recovery Month: The Impact of Peer Recovery Centers
Peer recovery centers are crucial to the recovery community, serving as safe meeting places where people in all walks of recovery can both give and receive support. At these free centers, individuals participate in recovery meetings, find parenting and employment resources, learn helpful skills like anger management and financial planning, ...
How Spectrum’s Mobile Treatment Unit is Bringing Change Directly to Communities
Spectrum Health Systems’ pioneering mobile treatment unit has made promising strides since it began service in February. Seven days a week, this innovative vehicle delivers addiction treatment medication and other clinical resources to the Central Massachusetts residents that need them most. Years ago, the concept of using a vehicle to ...
