Category: Uncategorized

Alcoholism and drug addiction rarely develop in social isolation. After all, people rarely exist in social isolation. In treatment settings we see the reality of the social embeddedness of this disease in the reactions of the patient and family members to the opportunity for change.  Change can be hard even when it’s desired. After all, … Continued

One of the greatest health issues plaguing our society, identified by the World Health Organization as “the biggest health epidemic of the 21st century” is stress leading to burnout. It is believed to cost Americans up to $300 billion per year in healthcare costs, both personal and business. It impacts every part of your physical, … Continued

Have you ever wondered if there are any medications that are not addictive, and can also help with an alcohol use disorder? Some of the most reliable, useful, and brief information sources for details of this kind, written for the public, are found at the: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) National Institute … Continued

Many who reach the jumping off point for recovery are at a loss as to how to get started.  For years they’ve tried to quit but were unable to.  Now that a crisis (physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual) has precipitated a desperate need to stop using, they feel alone and lost. If they are fortunate … Continued

Part of the recovery process is learning about ourselves, re-starting our personal spirituality, and finding a spiritual higher power.  This is not always easy work and we would often much rather focus on something other than our inner work.  If the distraction of technology is available, it is easy to turn away from this challenging, … Continued

The idea of self-care may be a foreign concept for many. That is certainly true of MANY people in early recovery.  Often, we do not know our “self” very well yet and have no idea what “care” that self may need.  Others may think that someone else is supposed to take “care” of them or … Continued

Change can be good, or bad.  Change can be beautiful, or ugly.  Or in-between.  Or maybe even neither. Change can mean taking a break from action, so that we make the space to preserve the good. It seems like the universe exists in such a way that things at rest tend to fall apart, disorganize, … Continued

Pavillon’s annual alumni reunion is coming up soon!  Plan to attend! We’re back on campus this year.  This gives alumni and staff a chance to visit and connect in person, outside of the virtual world. For Pavillon staff, the alumni reunion has meant a great deal over the years.  Some of the things the reunion … Continued

When we get stigmatized by others, or by society, it hurts.  And it also hurts when we stigmatize ourselves. But what is “stigma?” Let’s look at 1.) a couple of definitions of stigma, 2.) how stigma can show itself, and also 3.) how recovery is an antidotefor stigma. First, some definitions. The Wikipedia definition of … Continued

Active alcoholism or addiction takes up time, energy, and resources. And so it brings losses and lost opportunities.  These losses might include:  friendships, trust, time, a job, etc. Active recovery takes up time, energy, and resources.  And it also brings losses. Loss of people, places, and things that contributed to our disease.  Loss of using … Continued