Why Are We So Fascinated With Sober Celebrities?
Addiction is still stigmatized, but the public loves when famous people share about their recovery. Why are we so fascinated with sober celebrities?
Olivia Pennelle
Olivia Pennelle (Liv) has a masters in clinical social work from Portland State University. She is a mental health therapist, writer, and human activist. Her writing has appeared in STAT News, Insider, Filter Magazine, Ravishly, The Temper, and Shondaland. She is the founder of Liv’s Recovery Kitchen, Life After 12-Step Recovery, and Tera Collaborations. She lives near Portland, Oregon. Follow her on Instagram @Livwritesrecovery and @teracollaborations
Does Alcohol Change Your Personality?
Can alcohol change your personality? Let’s discuss the effects of alcohol on mental health and personality.
Getting Through the First Few Weekends Sober
The first few weekends sober can feel daunting. But you can get through them without drinking or using. Here are some tips to help.
Addiction and Recovery in Rural America
Drug use has long been prevalent in rural areas and in some instances rates of drug use surpass that in cities. This article includes facts about addiction in rural America, as well as some resources to find help.
How Can Apps Help You Stay Sober?
If you’re on this blog, you probably know that Workit Health offers online treatment for substance use disorders via our app. But most apps don’t
Why Doesn’t AA Work for Everyone?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not synonymous with recovery. While I wrote about this at length nearly four years ago, my opinion hasn’t changed. If anything,
Do People Take Suboxone for Pain?
Well-known for its ability to reduce cravings for opioids and withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) has helped many Americans achieve long-term recovery. At a time when
Does Withdrawal Cause Depression?
Depression commonly goes hand-in-hand with substance use, but how is it connected with withdrawal? While the decision to quit drinking or using drugs is quite
Weight Gain in Addiction Recovery
Gaining weight when we get sober is a rite of passage for many of us. Why do we gain weight in early addiction recovery, and how can we accept weight gain, and find solutions?
How To Tell Your Family About Your Addiction
While some stages of substance use disorder can be hidden, after a while it becomes quite obvious—as much as we like to think we’re great at covering our tracks. Whether your family know or not, telling them can be daunting.
6 Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., impacting 40 million adults. While anxiety is treatable, more than 6 out of every
How To Survive a Wedding Sober
Our feeling of new freedom in July happens to coincide with the wedding season — perhaps one of the more difficult occasions to navigate as a sober person.
Mental Health and Recovery Resources for LGBTQIA+ People
People who identify as LGBTQIA+ face a number of health risks, including an increased risk of developing substance use disorders. Despite this reality, the queer
Narcotic Pain Meds In Recovery: To Take, Or Not To Take?
Dealing with chronic pain as a person in recovery is a controversial topic. Staunch 12 Steppers may take the hardline approach that you should not take anything stronger than Tylenol for pain. Others take a more pragmatic approach and listen to what their doctor considers to be the best treatment option.
Why Rock Bottom Might Be A Pervasive Myth
When I started writing this article the concept was to write about the point at which seven of us reached the end of our substance use disorder, and sought help. It was to show others that while that point may have looked different to all of us, we all had mounting consequences and a dire need to seek more for our lives—a life worth living, if you will.
Why We Should Pick Intentions for the New Year
““In the universe, there is an immeasurable, indescribable force which shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to
