Over the course of our careers as social service professionals, we collect memories that stick with us for life. I’d like to share one of those memories with you: In my group therapy sessions, I occasionally show a film to stimulate reflection and discussion. One morning, I played a documentary about a young man’s struggle…
Process R.N., Nicole White, begins many of her stories with the phrase, “me being me”. This prelude can only mean one of two things: 1. She didn’t tolerate any nonsense within the context of the situation she is about to describe or 2. She dared to think outside the box when it wasn’t the most…
I remember when I finally understood the “pink cloud” everyone talks about in addiction recovery meetings. The pink cloud refers to a phase of recovery – typically early in the process – when you feel blissful and exhilarated. It’s a natural high. The pink cloud can be a positive thing; it helps people awaken to…
People in recovery from drugs and alcohol in New Hampshire are not fundamentally different from the rest of the world. We grapple with the same questions that unsettle every member of the human race: What does this whole ‘life’ thing mean? Who am I? What is my purpose? What is happiness? One of the most…
I recently read an article about a “bad” New Hampshire sober house. The way the article portrayed sober living was so negative. I felt a sense of empathy for the people who were featured. I think “bad” is a common perception of our industry. It’s deflating. There’s no light shone on the all-day, every-day commitment.…
“Marcy died”. I read the words my son texted me, but didn’t believe them. He must be talking about a different Marcy. One that I don’t know. The Marcy I know has been sober for more than three years, recently regained custody of her children, and was thriving in recovery. She was one of those…
Characterized by bright colors and jubilant parades, Pride Month is often viewed as a period of celebration for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Pride Month, however, is not one giant party; it is a time to remember the discrimination and persecution LGBT people have endured, as well as a time to reflect…
Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported that 1 out of every 12 American adults has an alcohol use disorder – that’s 17.6 million people. I don’t know about anyone else but – as unfathomable as that number seems – I can’t help but wonder if it’s a little low. Maybe it’s from my experience…
For recovery advocates who attend twelve step programs in New Hampshire, one of the biggest challenges is talking openly about addiction recovery while also respecting the tradition of anonymity. After all, these programs have anonymous in their names for a reason. Most people know about the twelve steps, but there are also twelve traditions –…
Whether you are in recovery from addiction in New Hampshire or somewhere else, you’ve seen the meme. “If Narcan is free for drug addicts, why isn’t chemotherapy free for cancer patients?” Wrapped up in this seemingly harmless little question is a Pandora’s Box of stigma, bias, and ignorance, jeopardizing any attempt by recovery advocates to…