Celebrity Recovery Story: Ben Affleck
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 ...
Asking for Help is the Turning Point of Addiction Recovery
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 ...
Supporting a Partner in Early Addiction Recovery
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 ...
National Recovery Month 2025: Recovery Is REAL
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 ...
Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling in Addiction Recovery
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 ...
Why Words Matter When Talking About Addiction Recovery
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 ...
PTSD Awareness Month: Addressing PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in Addiction Recovery
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 ...
How to Handle Setbacks Without Losing Hope in Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road with highs and lows, moments of triumph, and times that test your resolve. If you’ve experienced a setback on your recovery journey, know that you are not alone and are not failing. Setbacks are not the end of the road. ...
How Building a Daily Routine Adds Much-Needed Structure in Addiction Recovery
Establishing a positive daily routine is crucial for anyone navigating the complexities of addiction recovery. A daily routine is a practical tool and an essential foundation that can have a lasting impact on physical and mental health. Here's how to develop a structured schedule to benefit your recovery journey. Why ...
Recognizing National Social Work Month
Every March, we recognize National Social Work Month — a time to honor and celebrate the compassion, dedication, and impact social workers have in our communities. This year's theme, "Social Work: Compassion + Action," captures what social workers provide daily to individuals and families facing life's toughest challenges, including addiction ...


