In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, part of the state response in the U.S. was keeping liquor stores open. The choice confused some people, likely unaware of the impact a lack of access to alcohol would have on those currently living with alcohol addiction....

As the global pandemic of COVID-19 has made “social distancing” a household phrase in a short period of time, we’ve had to adjust every former routine behavior as we stay at home, work from home, or travel to stores for essential items. For those living with...

The appeal of a change in lifestyle during retirement rarely includes a clear view of what pitfalls can emerge in the “golden years.”  Whether you retire early or work into your late 60s or 70s, your transition in work status may precede many other changes, some...

A grown son or daughter dealing with addiction, whether they’re still living at home or on their own, is a daily worry for parents, especially when you hear startling statistics about the outcome of addiction within their generation. You may have reached a tipping...

Falls in older family members always concern us, but there’s a good reason to take a closer look at what might be contributing to these incidents. While physical weakness and poor health could contribute to a parent or other loved one falling down, one factor you...

Bart Ross, Recovery & Alumni Services Coordinator For this blog, let’s picture our recovery journey as if we were on a train taking a trip. Along the way we’ll find the things we need to get there. Picture it as a round-trip journey that never ends. Our journey’s...

When you devote your days to helping others in harm’s way or at risk of being harmed, you may be unaware of the impact the job is having on your mental health and overall well-being. The evidence shows a significant number of cases of substance abuse among men and...

How long have you been living with an alcoholic? If you’re here right now, it’s likely been more time than you want to think about. You’ve seen the harm it’s done to your relationship, to your family, and even to your health and well-being. While we often discuss the...

An older parent’s use of prescription drugs is something their adult children may be aware of, especially if they see each other regularly, but it’s not necessarily a regular topic of conversation. That’s one reason seeing potential misuse of medication—one taken by...

By Joanna Ahern, Alumni Care Coordinator, Hanley Center at Origins Acceptance is a topic that is discussed a lot in the rooms. In sobriety, there is a need to accept others and certain situations as they are rather than I want them to be. Yet the idea of acceptance...

Bart Ross, Recovery & Alumni Services Coordinator  I'm writing this remembering the holidays when I first got sober. My birthday is in October, and then November starts the holiday season. I got sober in June, and when October came around, I started thinking the...

A married couple in their 50s—we’ll call Jack and Linda—were empty nesters as their grown children no longer lived at home or even close to home. Jack worked full-time in sales, and Linda only worked occasionally and began to have daily glasses of wine at home by...

Niki T - Hanley Alum The most notable family tradition for me and my family for a long time was my absence.  I was in active addiction and the holidays for me were just another monotonous day, no different than any other, where I had to focus on what I needed to do to...

The long holiday season can present additional challenges for someone struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. It’s likely you’re spending more time with family members and may not have the coping strategies to handle the pressures of being around them sober,...