The following was written by Chaz, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. As a child, I was raised in an environment plagued by alcohol, drugs, mental illness, abuse, and death. At the age of 18, I believed escaping my trauma by leaving the United Kingdom and relocating to the […]
Category: Resource Center
What Is a Dry Drunk? When Sobriety Doesn’t Mean Recovery
When someone stops drinking, it’s easy to assume the hardest part is behind them. But sobriety is about more than simply putting down the bottle. Without addressing the underlying emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns that fueled addiction, a person may fall into what’s often called a dry drunk state. A “dry drunk” describes someone who […]
The Joy on the Other Side: Lindsey’s Story of Recovery and Self-discovery
The following was written by Lindsey, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My sobriety date is August 1, 2021. My life was upside down due to being an alcoholic and having bipolar disorder. I was making poor decisions left and right. My friends and family deserted me due to […]
Why “Hitting Rock Bottom” Isn’t Required to Start Recovery
There’s a myth that holds too many people back from getting help: the idea that you have to hit rock bottom before you’re “ready” for recovery. You’ve probably heard it before. Maybe you’ve even said it about yourself or a loved one. “They’re not ready.” “They haven’t hit bottom yet.” “It’s not that bad.” But […]
How Good Intentions May Be Enabling Addiction
When someone we love is struggling with addiction, our natural instinct is to help. We want to support them, protect them from consequences, and offer comfort during a difficult time. However, in many cases, those good intentions can cross a line into enabling addiction and unintentionally keep that person stuck in the very cycle they’re […]
Three Years Sober and Moving Forward: Matt’s Recovery Journey
The following was written by Matt, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. Hey everyone! My name is Matt, and I’m an alcoholic. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and am the youngest of five children. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always drank alcoholically, but […]
Celebrating National Prevention Week: Stories of Hope and Healing
Every year, National Prevention Week reminds us of the power of prevention, recovery, and community. Organized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this nationwide event encourages individuals and organizations to share stories that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and celebrate recovery journeys. At Riverside Recovery, we believe every story of […]
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction: Why Trauma-informed Care Matters
For many people living with addiction, trauma is part of the story. Whether it’s the aftermath of childhood abuse, military combat, sexual violence, or other deeply painful experiences, trauma can leave lasting wounds that influence behavior, thinking, and coping strategies. And for some, those wounds are intertwined with substance use. In fact, research shows that […]
“One Day at a Time”: Nina’s Journey Back to Sobriety
The following was written by Nina, a Riverside Recovery alumnus, and has been lightly edited for web format. My name is Nina and I’m an alcoholic. I’ve been sober since January 3, 2020. Recovery and staying sober has not been easy, but it’s attainable if you are open and receptive. Using all the tools and resources […]
The Role of Therapy for Addiction Recovery
Addiction affects every part of a person’s life, from their mental and physical health to their relationships, self-worth, and sense of direction. Recovery is about more than just putting down substances. It’s about healing what led to the addiction in the first place and developing the tools to move forward. That’s where therapy for addiction […]