The path of recovery is often paved with many different experiences and emotions. The goal throughout the entire journey remains constant — to achieve freedom from addiction. While rehabilitation is typically short term, addiction can continue to impact various areas of your life. That’s why rehab programs will often offer alumni groups to individuals who…
Completing an addiction treatment program is the first step toward a new, sober life. To be successful in your new chapter, you will need to re-enter the workforce. Doing so can be a significant challenge you need to prepare and plan for. This primer on re-entering the workforce will help you pinpoint the best jobs…
Lucy has been in recovery since 2011, but even after treatment, life hasn’t always been easy. When Lucy left Gateway Aurora, she returned to four children who had also struggled with her addiction. Some of them wanted nothing to do with her. And she had to rebuild trust with the ones who did. Drugs and…
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’s Director of Alumni Events Marty Cook speaks to…
At McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition‘s first Ride for Recovery on August 12th, about 25 motorcyclists stopped to cool down at Gateway Lake Villa. McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition works with community stakeholders to reduce and change attitudes about substance abuse. About Gateway Lake Villa Located in Northern Illinois, Gateway Lake Villa offers a full continuum of…
World Book Day Today is World Book Day, and another day to celebrate addiction recovery. Here is our list of good reads about struggling through and overcoming addiction, recommended based on what you care about. FOR THE POP CULTURE EXPERT Recovery: Freedom From our Addictions by Russell Brand While sharing his own battles, Brand reaches out to…
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…