Treatment & Recovery

For much of his life, Russ Golden believed he had everything under control. From the outside, he looked like someone who had built a stable life. He worked in the corporate world and maintained the appearance of success. But behind the scenes, substance misuse had been part of his life since childhood and, over time, ...

For many entering addiction recovery, activities that are supposed to feel enjoyable, like socializing with others, relaxing, or even picking up a hobby, can initially feel flat or uncomfortable. This experience is common in early recovery, and it can lead to questioning whether life without substances will ever feel fulfilling again. These feelings are a ...

In early addiction recovery, triggers are a regular part of the process. While many people hope they can avoid triggers altogether, life does not stop presenting challenges once addiction recovery begins. Learning how to recognize, prepare for, and respond to triggers is a critical skill that supports long-term recovery. Developing a personal trigger management plan ...

Ben Affleck, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors and filmmakers, has long been open about his struggle with alcohol use disorder. His journey, marked by early success, personal challenges, periods of recovery, and relapse, highlights the complicated nature of addiction and the strength it takes to seek help. By speaking openly about his experiences, Affleck ...

Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do when addiction has left you feeling overwhelmed or alone. While it may feel safer to keep your struggles to yourself, the walls we build to protect us from shame or judgment often become the same walls that isolate us from healing. Addiction thrives ...

Early addiction recovery is an important and challenging phase for anyone beginning treatment for a substance use disorder. It’s also a significant adjustment period for their romantic partners. As routines shift, emotions run high, and treatment decisions evolve, partners may feel unsure about how to help or what their role should be. With education, honest ...

Every September, we come together to recognize National Recovery Month. It’s a time to celebrate the power of addiction recovery and to uplift the individuals, families, and communities whose lives are changed by it. At Spectrum Health Systems, we believe in the promise of recovery, and we see that promise fulfilled daily in the people ...

Addiction recovery is filled with milestones, challenges, and personal growth. While professional treatment and a strong support system are foundational, some of the most transformative tools in recovery are the simplest, like journaling. Journaling offers a private space to process your feelings, track your progress, and reinforce your commitment to healing. You don’t need to ...

When it comes to addiction, stigma still runs deep. It shows up in the glances people give, the assumptions they make, and the words they use. Words can carry judgment, shame, and misunderstanding but also hope, dignity, and healing. For those living with substance use disorder, language can equate to identity. That’s why the way ...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) frequently occur together, creating complex challenges for those seeking recovery. Studies show that 20 to 35 percent of individuals with PTSD also have a substance use disorder, while an even larger percentage of those struggling with addiction have a history of trauma, estimated at 75 percent ...