Those in the LGBTQIA community face many unique challenges in entering recovery. This article discusses those challenges, and offers resources to help overcome them. Those identifying as LGBTQIA+ face a number of health disparities, one of which is an increased risk of developing substance use disorders. …

Dating is one of the hardest things to navigate as a sober person. Paying attention to relationship red flags can help you throughout the dating process. During my eight years of recovery, I’ve been through it all: being lied to, having my recovery endangered by dating someone who was (unbeknownst to me) using, being gaslit and held emotionally hostage, and being so concerned about someone else’s mental well-being that I have had to call the police…

When I tell people I’m a writer, I am almost always greeted with wide-eyes and a sense of awe. Wow! They exclaim. That’s amazing! For some reason meeting a published writer attracts a level of notoriety. If only they knew that I’m paying for my kale and cranberry salad with…

Making blanket statements that “anyone can recover” whitewashes and overlooks the gross inequities that people of color and marginalized communities face. Recovery is vastly different for those who lack financial security, education, health insurance, and a support system Recovery is possible for anyone, but it isn’t the reality for everyone…

Overlooking the physical impact that substance use disorder has had on our bodies will exacerbate disordered eating and poor mental health. As many as 72% of women with alcohol use disorder also have an eating disorder. Substance use disorder can cause considerable damage to our bodies that can take years…

Being of service means sharing our story of recovery to someone who is struggling or taking a newcomer to their first meeting, not taking away someone’s ability to support themselves. Asking someone to work for free isn’t service — it’s exploitation. The greatest travesty in our field is exploiting people…

The term “sober curious” has been increasing in popularity in recent years. It is a movement that is gaining traction among millennials who are more health-conscious. Perhaps some have been drawn to the sober lifestyle by social media influencers who give us a glimpse into the expansive life that can…