Author: Nina Dent

Wearing green and traditionally indulging in alcoholic beverages are staples of St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday celebrated every March 17th that pays homage to Ireland’s patron saint. This day, which is deeply rooted in Irish history and Christianity, has blossomed into a global celebration of Irish culture. The festivities include dazzling parades, an abundance of green attire, and, due to the lifting of Lenten restrictions, the customary enjoyment of alcohol. However, the essence of the holiday goes beyond alcohol, focusing on celebrating Irish heritage, exploring its rich culture, and enjoying the company of friends and family. For those in sobriety,…

Creating a home environment that truly supports you is very important for anyone on the journey to sobriety. The good news is that even the tiniest, most thoughtful changes to your living space can lead to amazing transformations that promote healing, clarity, and a lively mindset. We often think that simply putting the bar cart away or hiding the liquor cabinet is enough. Still, if we’re being honest, those innocent-looking items lurking around the home can have a lot more influence over your mood and cravings than you might think. So rather than just going through the motions and pretending…

Traveling is usually a great adventure—a dance with the unfamiliar that invites us to embrace new sights and sounds. Yet, for those on the path of sobriety, this exhilarating journey can hold its challenges. The allure of exploration often masks the lurking triggers and temptations that can arise in new places, which makes it all too easy to feel lost or adrift without the comfort of familiar support systems. This is why staying connected while traveling is vital for your recovery. In a way, it’s like carrying a fragment of home in your heart—a comforting reminder that the love and…

In the last couple of years, around 5.4 million Americans decided to make a fresh start overseas, trading in the hustle of life in the U.S. for new adventures abroad. Whether it’s the lure of different cultures or just a change of pace, living outside the U.S. offers people a chance to explore new horizons and experience life from a different perspective. From sunny beaches to charming European cities, Americans are saying yes to the opportunity to hit the reset button and build a new chapter in exciting locales around the world. But with that excitement comes a challenge for those in…

Did you know that roughly 20% of college students meet the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? That’s about one in five students who could be struggling with serious drinking issues. Also, about 60% of college students aged 18 to 22 admitted to drinking. Of those drinkers, nearly two out of every three engaged in binge drinking. What’s also astounding is that the average age at which young people (aged 12-20) first try alcohol is about 13.9 years. It’s a topic that often stays under the radar and rarely makes headlines, but ignoring it doesn’t diminish the urgency to address…

Summer can be a real test, especially when you’re trying to stay cool without reaching for a drink. But hey, there’s no need to sweat it! We’ve got some great tips to keep you chilled out right from the comfort of your own home. Think DIY mocktail, a refreshing dip in the pool, or even just kicking back with a good book in the shade. Here’s how to make this summer a blast—without the booze! Beat the Heat with Cool Eats Summer is the perfect time to switch up your eating habits with lighter, cooler meals. Instead of hot dishes,…

Facing the aftermath of a relapse can feel like walking through a once serene forest that has been touched by storm. Trees might be down, and the path may not be as clear as it once was, but the beauty of the forest remains, ready to flourish again with a bit of care and time. Dr. Henry Cloud once said, “Trust is the fuel for all of life,” highlighting how essential trust is in nurturing and sustaining our relationships. When a loved one relapses, it’s as though a storm has passed through, and the clearing up process involves mending that…

When you’re journeying through sobriety, the path isn’t just long—it’s often winding, sprinkled with both bright days and dark nights. For those navigating this road, a strong, understanding relationship can be a beacon of hope and strength. But…keeping that relationship healthy and beneficial for both parties involves understanding a simple, yet profound truth: relationships are rarely ever a perfect give-and-take. Especially in sobriety, where one’s energy and emotional reserve can fluctuate dramatically, the concept of 50-50 can seem like a distant ideal. The secret is recognizing the importance of clear, open communication and valuing alone time becomes crucial in creating…

The American Society of Pharmacovigilance bookmarks March 24 as the National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day. The reason why this day holds much significance is because it’s shining a spotlight on the often dangerous side effects drugs can have. For someone dancing the sobriety tango, this day holds extra weight because (as you may know) navigating medication while keeping one’s sobriety intact is pretty much like walking a tightrope. Drugs, even the ones doctors prescribe, can have reactions that are not just about the physical side of things but can tug at the emotional and mental stability that is so…

March 2nd marks World Teen Mental Wellness Day, a day dedicated to transforming the way society approaches teen mental health conversations and breaking down the barriers of stigma that often shroud these discussions. This pivotal day shines a spotlight on the importance of acknowledging and addressing the mental health challenges faced by teens, which are more rampant than ever. With pressures coming from all sides–be it social media, academic expectations, or personal relationships–it’s no wonder the American Psychological Association labels Gen Z’s mental well-being as being in a precarious state. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope. Teens…

Starting on the journey to kick an addiction is tough for anybody. But imagine doing that while you’re also dealing with ongoing health issues. It’s like trying to climb a huge hill, and halfway up, a storm hits. You’re not just battling the urge to slip back into old habits, but you’re also wrestling with whatever health curveballs life’s thrown at you. It’s a two-front war that needs a battle plan tailored just for you, heaps of patience, and a truckload of determination. The Complexity of Managing Two Fronts Tackling sobriety when you’ve also got chronic illnesses or mental health…

Taking the leap into sobriety is a monumental step. It’s not just about giving up a substance; it’s about reclaiming your life, one day at a time. Amidst this journey, seemingly mundane tasks like commuting can either become stumbling blocks or stepping stones. But believe it or not, your daily drive can play a pivotal role in your sobriety journey. Mindful Commuting for the Win On the sobriety path, every second counts. That daily drive? It’s not just dead time. It’s untapped gold for grounding and growth. Turning your commute into a mindful moment means hitting pause on autopilot and…

Can you imagine walking into a house where every little thing is in its right spot—no stacks of papers on the counter, no clothes draped over chairs? It feels like a deep breath for the eyes. For someone working on staying sober, this kind of calm isn’t just nice to have; it’s like a secret weapon in a way. It’s all about making a space that feels good, where someone can be their best self, keep their head clear, and stay focused on what matters most. Tidying Up as Good for the Soul Now, think about the actual job of…

When you embark on a journey of sobriety, it’s like starting a brand-new chapter in your life. As you transform yourself, it makes sense that your living space reflects your new direction. This isn’t just about redecoration–it’s about crafting an environment that echoes the new commitments you’ve made to yourself. By refreshing your surroundings, you’re setting the stage for the new, sober you. At the end of the day, however, it boils down to one simple thing: removing the triggers and temptations that former habits might have left behind and surrounding yourself with a space that’s brimming with positivity and…

Reaching a sobriety milestone is a monumental achievement because it’s a testament to someone’s strength, resilience, and commitment to a healthier way of life. But amid life’s hustle, sticking to this transformative path demands continuous dedication and support; this is where the beauty of short getaways lies as a means to commemorate these personal victories. Here’s what it comes down to a brief escape from the daily grind doesn’t just provide a well-deserved pat on the back–it’s a rejuvenating pause that can reinforce one’s commitment to sobriety. The Refreshing Break: A Reset for Mind and Body Just like any significant journey, the…

Sharing personal stories on alcoholism and drug addiction recovery brings to light the human aspect of addiction, as reported by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The stories people with addiction share demystify the truths about why people become addicted to certain substances and what it takes to recover. With that said personal stories can be effective in promoting recovery from addiction. How? Reading someone else’s uplifting journey towards sobriety can empower the reader to seek treatment, break the stigma surrounding alcohol and substance use disorder, and encourage the author to continue on their path to sobriety. That’s because stories…