While many people eagerly anticipate the togetherness and good cheer of the holiday season, it’s important to understand that not everyone feels joyful and bright this time of year. If you or a loved one has trouble with substance abuse and think substances are the only option to make it through the next few weeks,...

The Winter Months In the winter–when temperatures drop, daylight lessens, and holiday stress overwhelms–it is pretty common for people to feel sad. But there’s sad and then there’s SAD—or seasonal affective disorder. For those struggling with this mood disorder, wintertime can feel especially difficult. For some people, the overwhelming negative feelings associated with SAD can...

Let’s be honest: if you need substance abuse treatment, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. It’s always going to be a challenging, life-changing decision. During the holidays, we often associate an idyllic greeting card experience with resolving all of our problems. We extend a lot of “if onlys” wishes upon the wonder...

Many people think that if someone returns to rehab, it’s a sign of failure. Instead, it might be more beneficial to consider it an opportunity to learn more methods for healing. When properly treated, substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be managed effectively for life. But there needs to be a...

You Have Options Joining friends and family for a night of celebration is totally an option when you’re choosing to live sober. Although New Year’s Eve is traditionally associated with debauchery, it doesn’t have to be, and you can still enjoy celebrating with family even when you’re remaining sober. Take a peek at New Year’s...

Celebrating winter festivities often provides extra joy, even if you’re not frolicking in the snow. And if you’re in recovery, you have another reason to spread good cheer: continued progress with a healthy new direction. So here are some suggestions to make the season bright.  Create a holiday playlist As a gift or for yourself,...

To truly embrace your sobriety and recovery, you may have to change previous habits and behaviors. People compulsively use drugs or alcohol for different reasons, but many of them often indulge while with friends, at parties, during special events such as the holidays or other celebrations, or after work with colleagues. So, to adapt behavior...

Even in the most stable families, tensions can run high during the holidays. This time of year is often stressful enough with busy schedules, but old hurts or miscommunication might complicate things even more. So what do you do when a loved one’s addiction problem has caused drama in the past? Keep Boundaries Intact No...

Happy Holidays from Willingway. I’m David Gerber, and this is a Willingway CEO Minute. When it comes to substance use disorders, holidays are a time of tremendous ambivalence. You know you have a loved one who needs help, and yet you’re also hoping that they can make it through to the New Year. But too...