Setting SMART Goals for the New Year
Making New Year's resolutions may be a time-honored tradition, but most of us aren't very good at keeping those resolutions. Often, our lack of follow-through isn't a matter of motivation or willpower. It's because we haven't taken the time to [...]
Post Rehab Do’s and Don’ts for Loved Ones
When your loved one comes home from rehab, it's natural to be nervous about what comes next. This guide will give you a basic framework for navigating some of the common challenges faced during the post-rehab adjustment period. Do Take [...]
How to Help a Parent Who Struggles with Addiction
Watching a loved one battle addiction is never easy, but having a parent who struggles with substance abuse presents unique challenges. You must balance the desire to see your father or mother get help with the need to address how [...]
8 Tips for Your First Sober Thanksgiving
In the early stages of recovery, you're learning new ways to cope with everyday situations. Developing healthy habits is a big task, especially during the holiday season. If this will be your first sober Thanksgiving, stay on the path to [...]
Talking to Kids About a Parent’s Addiction
Talking to kids about a parent's substance abuse problem isn't easy, but this is a conversation you simply can't ignore. Brushing the topic aside gives children the message that addiction is a shameful family secret. Instead, plan to discuss a [...]
A Look at Pennsylvania’s Opioid Epidemic
Nationwide, the opioid epidemic killed more Americans in 2016 than the wars in Vietnam and Iraq combined. On October 26, 2017, President Donald Trump officially declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. The Roots of a National Crisis [...]
Understanding the Relationship Between Binge Drinking and Alcohol Addiction
The relationship between binge drinking and alcoholism is often misunderstood. The majority of binge drinkers are not physically dependent on alcohol, but binge drinking is considered a significant risk factor for developing an alcohol use disorder. What Is Binge Drinking? [...]
Understanding the Relationship Between Alcohol and Depression
The relationship between alcohol and depression is deceptive. Since drinking is often a part of social gatherings, it may seem like a few beers would be a great way to take your mind off your troubles. However, alcohol can actually [...]
How to Plan an Intervention
An intervention is often the best way for someone suffering from drug or alcohol addiction to begin their path to recovery. People struggling with substance abuse are often suffering from denial about the extent of their problem, so hearing firsthand [...]
An Interview with Emily Benjamin, Alumni Coordinator & PRN Counselor
Meet St. Joseph Institute’s Alumni/Aftercare Coordinator and PRN Counselor, Emily Benjamin. An alumna of St. Joseph Institute (SJI) and a self-professed nerd, Emily brings joy and enthusiasm to her work. Her passion comes in large part from her own [...]
