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For former NBA point guard Chris Herren, putting on a Boston Celtics jersey should have been the highlight of his career. Instead, he remembers it as one of the most painful moments of his life.

Recovery is, at its core, an act of profound self-love. Every day you choose sobriety, you're choosing yourself. You're saying, "I deserve better, I am worthy of care, and I am enough."

Substance use disorder is a complex and devastating disease that affects not just the individual struggling with substance use, but their entire family and social circle. When a loved one struggles with substance use disorder, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down.

As we head into 2026, families across the country are grappling with a hidden crisis that's increasingly affecting our youngest generations. While gambling was once considered an adult concern, the landscape has dramatically shifted.

To kick off December, Herren Wellness welcomed a new member to the team, Judy Holden, as Outreach & Community Engagement Director. A healthcare sales and marketing professional for over 30 years, Judy holds degrees in both Nursing and Business Administration with a focus on marketing. Throughout her career she has developed

The holidays often bring joy, celebration, and cherished traditions, but for people in recovery the holiday season can also present some challenges making Christmas, Hannukah, and New Years feel a bit like walking through a minefield.

The holidays are often portrayed as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many older adults, the reality can be quite different.

In September of 2025, Herren Wellness welcomed a new member to the team, Tedessa Doff, who will serve as Director of Holistic Services and a Life Coach bringing deep experience and heartfelt passion to our community. A holistic life coach with certifications in trauma, yoga, and meditation, Tedessa joins Herren

For the past several years, graduates of Herren Wellness have been returning to the halls of Hingham High School with a powerful mission: to share their personal journeys through substance use and recovery.

Every September, communities across the United States come together to observe National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to celebrating hope, healing, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and adolescents. Among the many concerns parents face, substance use often tops the list.

Herren Wellness was recently featured as part of  the WCVB 5 Investigative Series on the impact legalizing cannabis has had in Massachusetts from public health concerns to addiction and psychosis. Chris Herren now leading recovery center seeing more cannabis use disorders SEEKONK, Mass. — The basement classroom in Hingham High was stuffy and lunch

Hosting social events in recovery can present unique challenges. Interacting with your community is a key aspect of a healthy recovery, so it’s important to continue to socialize.

In the complex landscape of mental health, few connections are as profound and consequential as the relationship between trauma, mental health disorders, and addiction.

Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people worldwide, impacting not only those who struggle with drinking but also their loved ones.

The landscape of drug use and addiction in America has transformed dramatically over the past five decades. Understanding these changes is crucial

Recovery is a journey of transformation, healing, and growth. It's a path that requires courage, commitment, and compassion - not just for others, but also for yourself.

As we welcome in 2025, we're not just changing a number - we're embracing an opportunity for transformation. Whether you're looking to break old habits, forge new paths

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. For those in recovery, however, it can also be a period filled with challenges and temptations.

Two of the most powerful resources on the healing path of recovery are the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness.

On the healing path of recovery, it’s essential to have tools and strategies that support you along your journey. Two of the most powerful resources are the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness.

National Recovery Month is celebrated every September to honor those in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Started in 1989, the main goal of Recovery Month is to spread awareness and bring hope that recovery is possible with the right treatment, support, and resources. 2024 Theme “The Art

In recent years, the opioid crisis has plagued communities across the globe. Among the many substances contributing to this epidemic, one stands out as particularly lethal: fentanyl. This synthetic opioid, originally developed for medical purposes, has found its way into the illicit drug market, leading to a staggering rise in overdose deaths and having

One of the highlights of our year is inviting Herren Wellness alumni, families, and guests to Jacob Hill to celebrate the 4th, summer, our community and recovery. It is a day filled with laughter, family, connection, and community. This is recovery.

Recovery podcasts can be an important tool in supporting your recovery, helping you reinforce your commitment to wellness, sobriety and personal growth.

Alcohol has long been part of human history, with its consumption dating back thousands of years. While moderate alcohol consumption is a common social activity for many, it’s important to recognize that, for some people, alcohol can become a source of addiction and destructive behavior. In fact, 80% of the guests who enter our program

The legalization of marijuana has been a hotly debated topic for decades, and in recent years many states have moved towards decriminalization or outright legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use. There is a widespread misconception that because marijuana is a plant, it does not carry the health risks associated with other drugs.

Historically loved ones will wait until a person reaches “rock bottom” to intervene. The question is why? Why wait to seek treatment?

When you love someone who has struggled with addiction and is now in recovery, it often creates an emotional roller coaster, marked by a myriad of conflicting feelings. On one hand, there's immense pride in witnessing their daily battles and triumphant moments of overcoming; on the other, there's the shadow of past pains and

Image courtesy of @unexpectedjoyof For those living in recovery, summertime and the accompanying trips and holidays can be challenging. Substances may be around, and normal routines are out the window. In this week’s blog we provide a valuable resource to take with you in your back pocket and in your ear

The Herren Wellness Difference Wellness is a key component in recovery. As we kick-off Wellness Week with Herren 2021, we wanted to take a deeper look into the daily focus on wellness at Herren Wellness and the individual plans created for each guest to draw on their strengths and explore all aspects of

Image Courtesy of @TheLuckiestClub The Rise of Online Sober Communities 12-Step programs are centered around common purpose, in person meetings, and fellowship.  When COVID-19 hit all of this was shut down and moved to Zoom which members of the sober community quickly adapted to. Prior to the Pandemic the rise of alternative 12-Step sober communities were

As we celebrate Recovery Month during September, it is important to recognize that there is not just one pathway to recovery. The uniting purpose of any pathway to recovery is to heal the mind and body from substance use and have the freedom to live your life to the fullest. Every person is different

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many vacations have been put on hold, but you may still feel a need to safely get away for a few days. Vacationing in recovery may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little forward-thinking you will discover that sober vacations are amazing, as you get

What is the Herren Wellness difference? Our programs are individually customized to each guest combining holistic strategies with medical and clinical support. Jacob Hill and Twin Oaks each offer just 24 beds allowing for a personalized experience. Herren Wellness staff is connected to each guest as they start their journey to recovery. When

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” ~William Plomer Active substance use stifles our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, as well as our ability to explore and experience the joy and enrichment that creativity

Wellness is a term we hear a lot these days, and most people correctly interpret it as an overall sense of wellbeing and health. For people in recovery, however, there is a deeper meaning to the term

The concept of self-care can feel foreign to many people in early recovery, because in active substance use even basic self-care is often not a priority, and it’s common for our mental and physical health to fall

Gratitude is essential to early recovery, as it allows us to cultivate a mindset of positivity, resiliency, and hope. Did you know that gratitude has also been scientifically proven to increase happiness, self-respect, and self-esteem? Even the simple

Early recovery brings many changes, both exciting and challenging. Even positive changes can feel overwhelming, as many of the aspects of life change physically, emotionally, and socially. Establishing new patterns and routines and building structure into your life help

It’s easy to understand the importance of community and support in recovery when we are navigating our way through difficult times, but it’s just as important to have support through new beginnings, transitions, and exciting milestones. When we

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” ~ Lao Tzu It’s a New Year – a new decade in fact – and people are talking about new beginnings, examining habits that no longer serve them, and

During the holiday season, there are reminders all around that this time of year is for family, food, and fun. For people in recovery, it is also a time of year to be especially mindful of their recovery and wellness

This is a joyful and stressful time of year, and people in recovery take extra precautions to manage stress, but those diagnosed with co-occurring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can find the winter months especially challenging. It

As Thanksgiving approaches, people talk more about gratitude. Expressing gratitude each November is part of tradition, but for people in recovery, gratitude is a year-round practice and an important tool. By practicing gratitude daily, people in

Former Boston Celtics forward Chris Herren once battled heroin addiction and other substance misuse, but he's now 11 years sober and trying to make a positive impact for others dealing with similar situations. He founded Herren Wellness, where people are able to overcome

The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with New Year’s, is a joyful and stressful time for everyone. For people in recovery it can bring a change in routine and increased social events with work, family, and friends. While these things are all healthy and normal during this time of year, it’s important

At Herren Wellness, we talk about finding your ‘why’ a lot, but what does that mean and why is it important? Each day we live, most people seek purpose. If we can’t identify or understand what drives us to try - what gives us passion and purpose - we can fall into disillusionment, distraction,

John McGonigle, M.D. is a Family Medicine doctor who uses both conventional and holistic strategies for treating substance use and enhancing well-being. He consults with the Herren Wellness team and guests to address any biological and chemical obstacles that may be preventing someone from moving forward in their recovery. He explores with guests

Summer is a time of more relaxation and down time than most of us have during the rest of the year, but as we prepare for the fall and a return to more structured routine, it's good to revisit the healthy coping mechanisms we use to manage stress. Stress is an inevitable part of

We talk a lot about the importance of community at Herren Wellness, because we know that nearly everyone begins their recovery journey through connection with and support from someone who has walked the path before them and reaches out to help. Larry Perrulli was the Director at the Daytop facility where Chris completed an

It is often said that the opposite of addiction is connection, and it is vital for people in recovery - especially early recovery - to find a community of support.  Community is essential for maintaining and enjoying sobriety, avoiding feelings of isolation, rediscovering self, and connecting with others who understand what you're experiencing. The

Summer is a beautiful time of year full of sunshine, long lazy days, vacations, and having fun outside. For people in early recovery, however, it can be hard to contemplate navigating summer without alcohol. Many people who are facing their first sober summer wonder how they will enjoy beach days, barbeques, family gatherings, and

Meet Heather Herren! Heather is Co-Founder of Herren Wellness, along with her husband Chris, as well as Family Support Specialist. She is a vital part of our community, and she provides support, assistance, and resources to loved ones and family members of our guests. Heather brings vast personal and professional experience in dealing

National Youth Sports Week is celebrated this year from July 15th - July 21st! It’s a time to elevate the importance of youth sports and the positive impact it has on the emotional and physical wellbeing of youth in America. It’s also a good time to address the ways in which

I never saw this part of my life coming. In 2011 I was a teacher, and Chris came in to speak to the students at the high school where I worked. I remember thinking: ‘wow, what an unbelievable story and what an amazing family’ but at that time I really didn’t understand addiction, and

It was a simple Facebook post, but behind the message was so much more: 33 years of sobriety and a journey into recovery that was mentored by her father. Lori McCarthy is the Executive Director and a partner at Herren Wellness. She is most likely one of the first people

In honor of Father’s Day we are grateful to share the recovery story of one of our former guests which highlights a family’s journey and the healing power of recovery.  I am 40 years old, I’m from Worcester Massachusetts, and I’ve lived here my whole life. I’m married

Proper nutrition is always good for your body and brain, however, when recovering from substance use disorder it is essential to eat properly for several important reasons. In addition to the myriad of physical problems caused by improper nutrition when using drugs/alcohol, brain function can be impaired as the brain is deprived of

We hear all about opiates (and opioids, which are used interchangeably for the purposes of this post because opiates and opioids affect the same receptors in the brain) and the opiate addiction epidemic sweeping the country. It’s important to be fully informed about

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and it's a good time to revisit how alcohol affects the body and the mind. Alcohol is so pervasive in our society, it is easy to forget it can be a dangerous,

What is Stigma? Stigma is defined as this: a set of negative beliefs that a group or society holds about a topic or group of people. Another truth about stigma is that is it rarely based on facts, but rather on preconceptions, assumptions, and generalizations. In today’s global information-sharing age,...