Having Dreams About Drinking or Using
Dreams about drinking or using can be frightening in recovery. Here’s why people have relapse dreams and what to do if you have one.
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
Tackling the Stigma of Substance Use During Pregnancy
Substance use is a leading cause of death during or shortly after pregnancy. Stigma often keeps these people from treatment.
How to Advocate for Yourself With Medical Providers
We all deserve good quality medical care every time we see a provider. Learning to advocate for ourselves helps us get that.
Toxic Positivity vs. Healthy Optimism
Toxic positivity is weirdly common in recovery circles, and has the potential to be very harmful. How can we recognize it, and how is it different from healthy optimism?
Countering Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk refers to unhelpful ways of thinking that can keep us stuck. Here are some simple techniques to counter them.
Do I Have to Tell My Boss I’m in Recovery?
Wondering if you have to tell your employer you’re in addiction recovery? It depends on a lot of factors, and is a choice you need to make for yourself.
A Call to Make the Recovery Community More Inclusive
Recovery is vital for people with addiction, but recovery commmunities are not perfect. Olivia Penelle shines a light on some of the darker sides, and calls for greater inclusivity in recovery communities.
Fighting FOMO in Addiction Recovery
We face multiple kinds of FOMO in addiction recovery—about missing fun, but also about missing recovery activities. Olivia Pennelle discusses ways to fight both.
Journaling as a Recovery Tool
Journaling is a flexible, accessible recovery tool that can improve our well-being. Here’s how journaling can help, as well as some tips for getting started.
Anger Management in Recovery
Anger is powerful and important. It can serve as a messenger of unmet needs, but it can be dangerous to our recovery and relationships. Here are some signs to watch out for and ways to cope with anger in recovery.
Maintaining Momentum & Motivation in Recovery
Once in a while we just lose steam in long-term addiction recovery. Here are ten ways to stay motivated and keep momentum in your recovery.
What is Sobriety Sampling?
What is “sobriety sampling,” and how is it different from being sober curious? Author and therapist Olivia Pennelle explains this strategy.
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?
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.
