Segue Recovery Support is part of the BRC family of programs, developed specifically to give people a safe place to go after their discharge from a drug and alcohol rehab. Many people struggle to maintain sobriety without the daily structure and encouragement found in a formal treatment program, making the earliest stages of recovery a uniquely tricky time. What Does a Peer Support Specialist Do? Healing your body and mind from the effects of a substance use disorder is one of the most challenging things you’ll ever undertake. Research indicates that peer support is an essential component of the process. […]

The idea of using music to affect your mood won’t surprise you if you’ve ever felt more invigorated after listening to your favorite rock anthem or had a heartfelt ballad move you to tears. Some studies suggest music can have a surprising array of mental health benefits, including the following advantages. Release Stress and Tension If you’ve ever gone to a day spa for pampering treatments like a massage, you may have felt instantly relaxed by the soothing background music. Or, perhaps you’ve used gentle instrumentals during your regular yoga or meditation practice to set your intention and help put […]

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you have Feb. 14 circled on your calendar, you might be wondering what you can do to celebrate the holiday without drinking. Here are some of our favorite tips for treating yourself, even if you don’t have a date. 1. Step up Your Self-Care Game If you struggle with your confidence, your self-care strategies may suffer as a result. Take Valentine’s Day off for a day of indulgence. Enjoy a nap, watch your favorite romantic comedy or treat yourself to a long, relaxing bubble bath. Order delivery or takeout from a […]

What made you choose to become a parent? While juggling responsibilities like changing diapers, cooking nutritious meals, doing laundry and homeschooling, you might lose sight of the answer to this question. Parenting is a thankless, 24/7 job, and you can never take a day off. If you start getting overwhelmed, you can feel less motivated to embrace the joys of parenthood. Once you’re pursuing recovery, how can you be a more present parent? 1. Put Down Your Phone You may carefully monitor your kids’ screen time, but do you keep track of how much time you spend staring at your […]

As you’ve probably experienced firsthand, many people who are recently discharged from addiction treatment have questions or concerns between 12-step group meetings. Being able to talk to someone who has dealt with the same challenges can be invaluable in helping a newly sober person prevent a relapse and work toward their goals, but how can you tell whether you’re ready to take on the responsibility of recovery sponsorship? What Does a Good Sponsor Do? The concept of sponsorship wasn’t originally part of the 12-step model, but as the program evolved over time, people working through the program started reaching out […]

The holiday season is upon us, and those of us who are lucky enough to have a break from work during the weeks ahead might be searching for some entertainment options. If it seems like you’ve exhausted your Netflix watchlist in COVID-19 quarantine, why not try one of these riveting documentaries about addiction and recovery? 1. Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery Russell Brand, who played over-the-top rock star Aldous Snow in the comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, made this film to tell the real-life story of his self-destructive path through heroin addiction and how […]

If you’ve accomplished something as meaningful and positive as overcoming an addiction, you probably expect everyone you know to be happy for you. However, you might discover that isn’t always the case. Perhaps you alienated loved ones during your active addiction to the point that they’re still angry at you. Or, maybe your toxic or dysfunctional family members are part of the reason you started drinking or using in the first place. Though having supportive family members could help your recovery go more smoothly, you can learn to grow and thrive with these strategies. 1. Keep Your Distance Since addiction […]

We’ve all had the occasional night where we toss and turn, plagued by intrusive worries or anxiety nightmares that keep us awake. However, if you have insomnia night after night, it can severely affect your quality of life and your overall well-being. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself if your pre-bedtime activities might compromise your ability to get a refreshing night of sleep. Think about creating a routine that includes these relaxation techniques. 1. Go Tech-Free Your phone, tablet and laptop can provide endless entertainment, but they can also interfere with your sleep cycle. These devices emit blue light that […]

November’s arrival has many Americans looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. However, this year is quite different due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is still running rampant throughout our nation. COVID-19 has forced us all to significantly change our lifestyles to prevent the transmission of illness in our communities. As a result, Thanksgiving 2020 could be a holiday like none other. The risk of contracting the novel coronavirus is still very real, and you should weigh that carefully when making your holiday plans. What are some top tips for safely celebrating Thanksgiving during the current spike in […]

People who have developed a long-term addiction to drugs or alcohol experience a range of withdrawal symptoms when they quit using or drinking, including nausea, chills, vomiting, body aches, insomnia, mood swings and even hallucinations. Though these symptoms can be intense, they rarely last longer than a couple of weeks, especially when you undergo medically supervised detoxification in an accredited treatment center. While this initial withdrawal phase is short-lived, some people in recovery experience a prolonged recurrence of symptoms known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Not everyone undergoes PAWS, but those with a lengthy, severe relationship with drugs or alcohol […]