Debbie became a teacher because she wanted to help other people, especially kids. On a typical weekday, she would drop her son off at the high school then go to her own classroom of fourth-graders, where there’s no typical other than the subjects. Well respected by their small town and church, Debbie’s son had his…
Let’s face it, change is hard for most people—this reality can be observed each year in the weeks before and after January 1st, as countless numbers of people either forgo making a New Year’s resolution or give up on their goals shortly afterward. For someone struggling with a substance use disorder or other form of addiction, the…
Although treatment for substance abuse and mental disorders takes place in centers, addiction recovery is a lifelong process. September is dedicated to the awareness and celebration of recovery. The theme for Recovery Month 2018 is “join the voices of recovery: invest in health, home, purpose and community.” To kick off Recovery Month, Gateway Foundation’s Director of Alumni Events Marty Cook speaks…
At McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition‘s first Ride for Recovery on August 12th, about 25 motorcyclists stopped to cool down at Gateway Foundation Lake Villa. McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition works with community stakeholders to reduce and change attitudes about substance abuse. About Gateway Foundation Lake Villa Located in Northern Illinois, Gateway Foundation Lake Villa offers a…
National Book Lovers Day August 9th is National Book Lovers Day, and another day to celebrate addiction recovery. Here is our list of great reads about overcoming addiction. Off the Rails by Susan Burrowes Told from both the perspectives of a daughter with an opioid use disorder and mother coping with her daughter’s addiction, Burrowes writes about…
Her whole life, Miriam had been afraid – of appearing weak, of admitting she had a problem, “of everything.” Her fear led her to the power of escape through art and reading. Then suddenly, the fear grabbed hold of her life, pushing her away from the characters of Anne Rice, Stephen King and John Irving,…
Nicks Success Story: Breaking the Cycle Addiction was nothing new to Nick. His father drank routinely, and after watching his family fall apart, Nick told himself he would never drink or do drugs. Yet, as the stress of school, friends and the pressure to fit in grew stronger, he fell victim to the disease of…
Outrunning Addiction Cheryl’s journey to recovery is anything but a general success story. A 30 pack of beer and a bottle of Bacardi every day was Cheryl’s norm for 22 years. After experiencing emotional and physical pain at a young age, Cheryl found solace in alcohol, which helped her escape her family reality and fit in…
During life after treatment, people will either enter a Recovery Home or return back to their old lives. Unfortunately, this sometimes exposes them to old habits and influences, which can be difficult to resist and increase susceptibility to relapse. Fortunately, there is ample advice and recovery support for this time in someone’s journey. Join support groups…
Completing treatment and returning to everyday life can be extremely challenging for those who have struggled with substance use. Changing routines and confronting triggers can be overwhelming. As difficult as it may be for those in the beginning stages of recovery, there are some steps that can be taken to ensure the transition is as smooth as…