alcoholism

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."

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,