Recovery

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.

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.

HMN 2024: The Power of Love in Alcohol Recovery “Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.” —Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw Alcohol abuse is among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States—not opioids such as illicit fentanyl, given all the media attention

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?

Herren Wellness founders, Chris and Heather Herren as well as Executive Director, Lori McCarthy recently sat down with South Shore Magazine to talk about Chris's journey to recovery and founding a residential substance use treatment organization in 2018 located in Seekonk, MA as a hands-on approach to healing from alcohol and substance

The holidays, a season of joy, laughter, and togetherness, can also bring elevated stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Balancing work, shopping, decorations, and social obligations can be challenging during this busy time, in particular for people in recovery.

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, many of us begin to reflect on the things we are thankful for. The season of thankfulness is more than just a time for turkey and stuffing. It's a time to turn inwards, to embrace gratitude, and to remember the beauty and power of human connection.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, where couples will plan sweet dates and post their loving messages on social media.  But what about those in recovery… When is dating a good idea? In a culture where inclusivity is everything, telling those in early recovery to abstain from dating for one year can

Individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder experience intense feelings of guilt and shame.  In recovery these feelings are worked through in treatment, therapy, and 12 step programs.  But what happens when someone in recovery relapses, when the shame comes roaring back to the surface? The danger in shame is that it keeps people

In January of a New Year exercise rises to the top of many priority lists, however at Herren Wellness exercise is always a top priority year-round. We understand how important exercise is in the recovery process: from improving mood, to fighting cravings, better sleep, and increased self-confidence.  What we also see is

It’s the start of 2022, and that means the return of the Dry January challenge.  It is estimated that one in seven Americans are participating. What started as a public health campaign in the UK eight years ago has grown into a popular way in which people kickoff and reset their New Year.

As this year draws to a close, people will be gathering with friends and family (safely) to celebrate the holidays and New Years.  The good news for those of us in recovery… Thanks to the booming non-alcoholic drink industry, there are many options for filling our champagne glasses and toasting. In the past

This time of the year is all about giving to others- however it is also a good time to think about what you can give to yourself to enhance well-being.  Forgiveness is often described as a “gift” and there is a reason for it: Resentment can cause your blood pressure to spike

At Herren Wellness we understand that the holidays can be a challenging time for those in recovery.  Friends and family members may not know how to support them, and find the perfect gift to give. We understand that if you’ve supported a friend or family member through their journey to recovery, you are

Embracing Gratitude, Inner Light, and the Joy of Recovery This Holiday Season  At Herren Wellness the holidays are a special time of year where the community comes together to celebrate and reflect.   While being away from family during this time can be challenging, we encourage our guests to focus on

How to Enhance Wellness This Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is right around the corner, a day to celebrate with family and friends, be thankful for all we have, and for some it is the unofficial start to the holiday season.  At Herren Wellness we understand that while the holiday can be a time

Image courtesy of Los Angeles Times Recovery for Young Adults at Herren Wellness  At Herren Wellness we have seen first hand the impact that Covid-19 and social isolation has had on young adults.  During 2020-2021 we have experienced an increase in guests who fall into the 18-24 age range struggling with

The holiday season is kicking off with Halloween just around the corner.  What once was a tradition geared towards children has become one of the biggest drinking holidays in the United States. At Herren Wellness we recognize that this holiday can be overwhelming for those in recovery, particularly those new to

5 Tools to Manage Anxiety in Recovery  At Herren Wellness we recognize that individuals who struggle with substances oftentimes experience anxiety when entering recovery, and particularly in the early months of sobriety.  A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Services estimates that 48% of people with substance use disorders also

What Recovery Means To Me: A Herren Wellness Alumni Perspective In honor of National Recovery month we at Herren Wellness asked a member of our alumni community what recovery means to them. Recovery means so much to the Herren Wellness community, and we love hearing the unique ways it impacts individuals.

Image courtesy of Faces & Voices of Recovery Language Matters: Breaking Down Stigma and Lowering Barriers to Recovery Support As we continue celebrating National Recovery Month 2021 at Herren Wellness, it's important to take a look at how the use of language matters when dismantling stigma and lowering the barriers to

Meditation has been used for thousands of years as both a spiritual practice and according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, meditation is a mind-body activity intended to promote calm and relaxation and help people cope with illnesses and improve well-being. At Herren Wellness we utilize meditation to

Yoga has been said to be the journey through the self, to the self.  At Herren Wellness our resident yoga teacher Rachel Tondreault leads our guests in yoga practice each morning in the light filled studio at Jacob Hill. Being in recovery herself, Rachel is able to connect with guests in

5 Ways Gratitude Can Help Recovery It is said in the recovery community that “a grateful heart will not use substances.”  However, what exactly is gratitude and how does it actually help us in our recovery and lives? Gratitude is often likened to thankfulness, however these two ideas are quite

Celebrating the Fourth of July Sober The Fourth of July is around the corner and Barbecues, block parties, pool parties, and community events are all on deck to celebrate this patriotic holiday.  These events also tend to include alcohol and other substances that can put recovery in a compromising

Image courtesy of @morejoy At Herren Wellness we believe sobriety is inclusive to all, and it is especially important to support the LGBTQ+ population, which according to studies suffers from substance use disorder at a rate of 30%, while the general population is 9%.  “Formative experiences of shame and stigma contribute

When people embark on recovery at Herren Wellness it is a unique journey with individual revelations. One revelation often experienced by our guests is how creativity blossoms in early recovery.

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

Image courtesy of @themocktailproject The Mocktail Revolution Mocktails are having a moment.  According to surveys 40% of restaurants now feature mocktail options on their menus.  So what's the deal with this trend? Driven by an increased interest in wellness and the expanding selection of no-ABV beverages, 58%

Image courtesy @alisonfromashes The Joy of Sober Travel When embarking on the journey of recovery many think that their lives will become dull and gray. The thought of traveling may be a distant one, however with travel starting to open up after the pandemic, the arrival of summer and planned family

Image: Meetup.com The Sober Events Movement Oftentimes when people get sober they think to themselves… Will I ever have fun again?  It is suggested in early recovery to avoid people, places, and things that may be triggering because sobriety is still fresh and fragile.  Connection is essential in recovery, so what are the

You Don't Know This Now At Herren Wellness we guide our guests through a journey of self discovery.  Part of this journey is attending groups run by our certified life coaches, where the community comes together to work through different exercises. This past week the community participated in the exercise “You

Image courtesy of @rubywarrington The Rise of the Sober Curious Movement Is “sober curious” more than just a buzzword?  A quick Google search would suggest so as it is now defined: Being sober-curious means being more intentional about how, when and why you drink. It's a movement

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

Image courtesy of Target Mommy Wine Culture On a recent afternoon trip to Target I headed to the women’s section for some new workout t-shirts.  I walked up to a shelf with piles of shirts neatly folded in rows and pulled the top T’s up to see the slogans: “Good Vibes Only” “Namaste”

Courtesy of AccessOnline Chrissy Teigen's Sobriety In the event that you haven’t been on social media since January 1st allow me to catch you up on unexpected headline news: Chrissy Tiegen is four weeks sober!  With the state of the nation and world it's an interesting story to have risen to the top.

24 hours at Herren Wellness Over the holidays I asked the Herren Wellness community on social media what content they wanted me to publish. A few people requested to know what a day at Herren Wellness looks like… and I found it apropos as we are all getting back to our routines from

How to Change 2020 is not a hard year to say goodbye to.  This post was initially going to be about New Year’s resolutions and why they are important and a catalyst to change.  But that didn’t feel right, so I went to the source of where the inspiration for this blog comes

Holidays at Herren Wellness It’s the week of Christmas here at Herren Wellness.  The world is upside down and heavy… but walking into Jacob Hill the Christmas spirit is very alive.  Joey is outside burning a fire in the pit surrounded by the adirondack chairs covered in snow.  When I walk through the

We believe in the power of connection and community, and while a guest’s stay here ends, their journey as a Herren Wellness Alumni continues as they embrace recovery and rebuild their lives. Our Alumni and their loved ones are always part of our extended family, and we encourage people to stay in touch, stop

At Herren Wellness, we believe family involvement is an essential part of our guests’ healing, both during their stay at Herren Wellness and beyond. We believe in treating the families alongside the person suffering from emotional health and/or substance use disorder. Our team meets the family where they are and walk with them to

Our guests and alumni know all about ‘the board’. It’s where Nick Correia, Herren Wellness’ Personal Coach and Trainer, writes down guests’ fitness goals for each day. Every guest arrives at Herren Wellness with a different level of comfort and ability when it comes to fitness. Substance use often eclipses a person’s ability to prioritize exercise

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

Dogs are an important part of our community here at Herren Wellness. They provide companionship, healthy activity, and fun for our guests and team members alike. Pictured are a few of our current and former guests’ dogs as well as our staff’s dogs including Winston, Bama, Brody, Leo, Sweet, Lou, Awlly, Hattie, Maddie, Maggie,

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

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to enjoy barbeques, picnics, celebrate our freedom, and visit with friends and family. With COVID-19 it is also important to remember ways to engage in summer fun while staying safe and healthy. Don’t forget to bring a mask, hand

As we approach Father’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on the importance that family support plays in helping a loved one seek treatment for substance use disorder and embracing life in recovery. Family involvement is an important part of our approach at Herren Wellness. We encourage family members to be active,

We hear about the importance of having a spiritual practice in recovery, but what does that mean? People who are new to recovery often have questions about what spirituality is, why it’s important, and ways to weave a spiritual practice into daily life. What is Spirituality? Spirituality involves examining how we relate to the world

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

At Herren Wellness we believe in supporting both the individual and their family members on their journey to recovery. Loved ones are encouraged to be engaged and involved in the recovery process so that they too can do the work needed to heal and grow together as a

The popular CBS This Morning segment, Note to Self features letters from past Presidents, media and sport figures, celebrities, authors, thought leaders and everyday people including a Newtown father and military widow. It is a moving reflection on life’s journey narrated by the author themselves offering advice and encouragement to the young people

People in early recovery sometimes feel apprehensive about their first sober St. Patrick’s Day, and wonder about how to prioritize recovery on a day that is notorious for drinking. If this is your first sober

“One of the most powerful experiences at Herren Wellness is when people come back and share their one-year anniversary. To see people who walk into the front door lost, somewhat broken, hopeless and walk back in a year later with 20 people to celebrate is the most special thing you can witness in

“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

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

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

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

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

There is a common belief that when overcoming substance use disorder that consuming sugar and junk food is acceptable because sugar and junk food cravings are common in early recovery, and poor eating habits are still an improvement

Deciding to stop drinking can be daunting, as for most people getting sober involves a lifestyle change of some kind. From who you spend time with to how you fill your days, many people feel intimidated by the prospect of life without alcohol. You may be asking yourself what you...

It's a new year again, and all around people are talking about resolutions, change, and how 2019 is going to be better than 2018. While a hopeful and optimistic outlook is a good thing, it's

Substance abuse disorders often isolate people from their loved ones. People become cut off from the people that they care most about, and their drink or drug of choice takes center stage in their lives. So, when someone decides to stop drinking or using, they may feel as though they...

First Demi Lovato relapsed, and now Ben Affleck. Relapse is all over the news these days, and while there is a lot of media attention to the more sordid side of addiction, the attention given to relapse is an opportunity to speak openly and honestly about something that affects between...

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,...

What Does Wellness in Recovery Really Mean? We have the word "wellness" right in our name for a reason. It's a word that is used a lot, in various contexts, and it may mean different things to different people. When it comes to wellness in recovery, however, whether it is...