Opioids & the Brain: All You Need To Know
This is Your Brain on Opioids This four-part series explores how opioids affect the brain, in terms of reward and pleasure, neuropathways, and how to
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
Signs of Alcoholism
Many of you may be aware of the term “alcoholism.” But how familiar are you with its signs and symptoms? There’s a common misconception that
How Telemedicine for Addiction Treatment Works
Telemedicine for addiction treatment is a relatively new and innovative approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. Think: digital rehab in the comfort of
Cali Sober: What Does It Mean & How Does It Impact Your Recovery
You may have seen singer Demi Lovato in the headlines recently after an interview with CBS Sunday Morning. In this interview Demi Lovato candidly referred
Best Sobriety Apps for iOS
Recovery from alcohol use disorder takes a lot of strength and courage, but it also requires access to resources and support. It is especially important
Are You Struggling with Drinking While Working From Home?
Are You Struggling with Drinking While Working From Home? Olivia Pennelle compiled information to help people that may be struggling with increased alcohol use.
Mental Health and Recovery Resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
Despite these disparities, mental health resources are not always centered towards people of color and their needs. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting specific BIPOC resources that provide mental health support, as well as calling attention to some of the healthcare disparities that people of color face.
The Best Online Recovery Meetings To Keep You Sober At Home
When we are thinking of recovery meetings, we often conjure up an image of a church basement, a circle of chairs, pots of strong black
Accessible Yoga at Home
Many people in recovery become yoga enthusiasts. Liv Pennelle is here to give you some great tips and tricks for accessing yoga at home.
PTSD Awareness Day 2020
The United States Senate has designated the whole of June as PTSD Awareness Month, and the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has designated 27 June as PTSD Awareness Day. Liv Penelle wrote a great blog educating us on what PTSD is and some resources to help if you are struggling.
How Did My Back Pain Turn Into An Addiction to Opiates?
When I was in the middle of my functional alcoholism—even though I don’t think there is such a thing, because that’s really an oxymoron!—I was very physically sick. I suffered with terrible skin conditions that required frequent trips to the ER; acute asthma requiring steroids, and due to my excessive 150 pounds I pulled my back muscles into frequent and debilitating spasms. I didn’t know that hurting my back would accelerate my spiral toward rock bottom and reveal a full-blown addiction.
How to Build Structure Into Your Day During COVID-19
I’m sure many of us are finding life during COVID-19 different than how we expected it. Initially, we may have relished the idea of chilling
Three Delicious Bulk Recipes
Olivia Pennelle loves cooking. She particularly enjoys experimenting with new recipes, especially ones with punchy and fresh flavors. Cooking and getting creative in the kitchen
High Self-Expectation: A Curse For People in Recovery
Sometimes I think I’m superwoman. Well, not really. But my expectations are often so high that I would have to be superhuman to achieve them.
The Many Surprising Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the most accessible, and most underrated, forms of exercise for almost everyone — you don’t need to be fit, it’s free,
How to Find Peace While Working From Home
While work in your pajamas while sitting on the sofa may seem appealing, the reality is that it is actually quite challenging. I know. I’ve
