Tips & Tools

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."

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 courtesy of @neddie.co 8 Benefits of Being Present in a Social Media World Social Media has become a significant part of our lives with the average person spending at least an hour and forty minutes a day on their favorite platform and apps, but how much

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

“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

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

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

Boredom is part of everyone's life, but it can be precarious for someone in early recovery from substance use. People who are newly sober find themselves with more time on their hands, time that used to be

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...