We are coming up on a great time of year for many people. The holidays bring about a time to gather with family and celebrate together. For some people, especially those in early recovery or struggling with sobriety, however. The holidays can be a major emotional challenge for many different reasons. The most difficult […]
The benefits of living a sober life Staying sober is never easy, especially when the stressors of everyday life begin to pile up. Nonetheless, there are a variety of tools that we learn while in recovery to keep us as far away from the first drink as possible. With the help of our therapist […]
Recovering from any addiction can be extremely emotionally challenging. Before sobriety, most of us were solely focused on getting our drug of choice in order to cover up our emotions. Personally, I know that I lived very selfishly; all I cared about was whether or not I could get the things I thought I needed in […]
Summertime can present unique challenges to young people in recovery, as it is often filled with parties, barbeques, and outdoor events that rarely come without alcohol being involved. In early recovery, it can be easy to be filled with feelings of dread and discontent as summer rolls around. However, being sober doesn’t mean your […]
If you are new to this whole sobriety thing and are struggling with the idea of never drinking or drugging again – that’s okay! Coming from a former addict, I totally get it. Everybody has their own journey. However, life really does get a thousand times better if you stay sober. Here are 15 benefits […]
When we talk about being a person in recovery, it can be complicated as not every person will find their recovery or sobriety in the same way. So, while some people in recovery can start a clean life and not look back, it’s not always that easy, it’s a unique experience for each person. This […]
Find your passion after addiction It’s no secret that addiction has spread rampant throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control “Drug overdose is the leading cause of death in Americans under 50.” Addiction has been denounced as a hopeless malady, one that only ends in death, guaranteed despair, and illicit behavior. […]
The connection between bullying and substance abuse Bullying and substance abuse are both big concerns for parents, but the two have more in common than you might think. Research shows that children who abuse alcohol and drugs are also at a bigger risk for behavioral issues as teenagers. There’s a strong link between […]
Joe found recovery and a new, sober life at New Directions There have been many powerful stories told by former and current clients of New Directions, parents of our residents, and staff who work with these clients every day. The above video is one of those stories. “Joe” describes what initially led him […]
At New Directions, youth are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and cultivate community. Residents experience the positive benefits of exercise, gardening, nutrition, cooking and more. As you can see above, they participate in planting and harvesting at our local community garden. They also create basic beauty products with their harvest. New Directions […]