The following was written by Nicholas, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. I used to think that my life was pretty normal. That everyone dealt with hangovers every other day, and that everyone used drugs and just didn’t speak about it because it was taboo. The consequences of my […]
Category: Resource Center
How an Intensive Outpatient Program Supports Long-term Recovery
What happens after detox? After residential treatment? When the structure of 24/7 care ends and you’re back to navigating work, relationships, and everyday stress, how do you stay sober? For many people, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the answer. It’s the bridge between full-time treatment and independent living, giving you the tools and support […]
Outpatient Detox for Drugs or Alcohol
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol is one of the most important (and most vulnerable) steps in recovery. But not everyone needs or benefits from an inpatient program. For people with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and a stable home environment, outpatient detox can provide a safe, effective, and more flexible path forward. At Riverside Recovery, […]
Erin’s Addiction Recovery Story: Finding Peace Through Surrender
The following was written by Erin, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. When Alcohol Became the Answer My name is Erin, and I am an alcoholic. My sobriety date is June 3rd, 2018, this time around. You see, I wasn’t a “one-chip wonder”, but I will remain a “two-chip […]
Chris’ Recovery from Alcoholism: “Life is Good”
The following was written by Chris, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My drinking career was a slow-growing process, which took many years to turn me into the ‘blackout artist’ whose spouse walked out on. I went from weekend partying and wearing being the last one standing as a […]
Dealing With Boredom in Recovery: Tips to Stay Engaged and Inspired
Early sobriety can be strangely quiet. The chaos is gone, the phone isn’t ringing like it used to, and the hours can feel wider than they used to be. Many people are surprised by how common boredom in recovery is, and how loud it can get. Boredom isn’t a character flaw; it’s a signal. Your […]
How to Achieve Emotional Sobriety After Addiction
Getting sober is a life-changing milestone, but staying sober, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, is where the real work begins. For many people, putting down the substance is only the first step. Learning how to live with your feelings, face hard moments, and stay steady without falling apart is what emotional sobriety is all about. What […]
Sean’s Addiction Recovery Story: Six Years of Sobriety
The following was written by Sean, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. A Decade of Struggle Before Treatment I got sober on March 13th, 2019. I finally took my mom’s advice and went to treatment for the first, and God willing, hopefully only time. The offer had been there […]
Overdose Awareness: Signs of Overdose and What to Do
In 2023 alone, more than 105,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug-involved overdose. It’s a staggering number that reflects the growing urgency for overdose awareness and education. Whether it’s a loved one struggling with addiction or an accidental combination of substances, being able to recognize the signs of overdose and knowing how to […]
Depression After Getting Sober: Why It Happens and How to Thrive
For many people, getting sober feels like crossing a finish line. You’ve put in the work, overcome withdrawal, and finally stepped away from the destructive cycle of addiction. So why can it feel like life gets harder, not easier, after sobriety? Depression after getting sober is a very real and common experience. It doesn’t mean […]