In the military, silence can be mistaken for strength, and drinking is often considered downtime. Long hours, high stress, and the pressure to always appear composed can make it hard to recognize or admit when something is wrong. For Navy Chief Derrick Harville, those blurred lines nearly cost him everything.
How Empathy Improves Patient Outcomes Individuals facing addiction often feel misunderstood, stigmatized, and treated as having a problem with willpower rather than having a complex disease. Due to this, people who struggle with substance use are not only in need of medical intervention, but also understanding, support, and hope. This is why compassionate care plays…
Her stylish clothes and warm smile may catch your attention, but it’s Linda’s vibrant energy and genuine compassion that truly leave a lasting impression. But behind her radiant presence lies a recovery story of resilience, redemption, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their way out of the darkness of addiction.
Staying Sober This Holiday Season The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. However, this time of year can also present unique challenges for people in recovery. From the presence of alcohol at social events to the emotional weight of family…
Vic’s Recovery Story Vic’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, especially when hope seems lost. After serving in the military, Vic found himself caught in a decades-long battle with addiction, fueled by a painful past and a relentless drive to escape his reality. For 45 years, drugs and alcohol controlled…
Travis’s Recovery Story For Travis, a military veteran, life after service was anything but peaceful. What started as casual substance use during his teenage years slowly spiraled into a cycle of isolation and self-destruction. By the time he left the military, Travis had found himself trapped in a world where alcohol and drugs were no…
When Chet reflects on what his life was like in active addiction, one word resonates deeply with him: hopelessness. “I had reached a point where I thought there was no hope for me to ever change my life or to be able to find sobriety,” Chet shares. “I had resigned myself to the fact that…
The transition back to civilian life presents unique challenges for military veterans. The experience can be disorienting, and it may be difficult to reconnect with loved ones and feel a sense of belonging. The emotional and psychological impact of military service, particularly combat exposure, can significantly increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such…
When approached with care and compassion, speaking with someone about their drug or alcohol abuse can be the first step toward healing and recovery. The choice of words and tone, and the resources and way forward offered can make all the difference.
“My name is Jenny Pierson. After 14 years of active addiction, I got sober at Longbranch.” Meet Jenny Pearson. From the outside, she seemed to have it all together— she was a thriving stay-at-home mother with a happy family, and a picture-perfect life. But behind closed doors, Jenny was battling a hidden and escalating addiction….
Entering addiction recovery can feel like stepping onto a foreign planet. There are new people to meet, new rules to follow, and new emotions to experience. Imagine being in a place where you’re expected to change your entire life without knowing a single person in the room. For those of us who are starting treatment,…
Every day, we are at risk of experiencing intrusive thoughts. With thousands of thoughts per day, sometimes we don’t even realize they are there. The intrusive thoughts are the ones that are disturbing enough, we focus our attention to them. Our everyday life concerns make up 67% of our thoughts. We experience 18% of thoughts…
Realistic films about addiction Movies can sometimes reflect aspects of our real life on the big screen. When a film achieves a sense of realism, the audience can feel understood or inspired. Although an estimated 20 million people in the United States are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), making realistic films about addiction can…
Tell your friends and family that you are going to rehab Deciding to seek help with an addiction is not an easy task. The first steps on the road to recovery can be intimidating and overwhelming. Accepting that you need help is certainly one of the hardest parts of the treatment journey, but it is…
Healthy boundaries are an essential aspect of any relationship. When a person becomes addicted in this relationship, boundaries become critical. Borders are a way of protecting ourselves and maintaining relationships. They let other people know what we accept and what not in our life. When a person struggles with an addiction, they often burden others…
