Every September, the nation comes together to recognize National Recovery Month.  While the leaves are turning and the crispness of autumn is in the air, Recovery Month beckons us to bring awareness to the ever-growing recovery community. More than just an annual observance, National Recovery Month represents a powerful opportunity for lowering stigma and increasing recovery options through cooperation and collaboration.

Dear Alumni and Friends of The Retreat,

Are you seeking to deepen your connection to your recovery journey? Do you wish to experience the transformative power of selflessness and compassion? Look no further - we invite you to embrace the incredible benefits of service in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and join us in spreading the light of recovery in our community.

An individual's recovery from alcohol or drug addiction depends heavily on triggers. A trigger is an internal or external stimulus that triggers cravings or emotional responses associated with substance abuse. In order for individuals to achieve long-term sobriety, identifying triggers is crucial. In this article, we hope to shed light on identifying and dealing with triggers in recovery.

Excerpt from August 2023 Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Mental Health Section:

Recovering from addiction can be daunting, with fear of relapse often being the source of great distress. Relapse refers to any return to substance abuse after an extended period of abstinence; it is a common occurrence among those in recovery and may be caused by various triggers like stress, boredom, or social pressure. However, relapse does not indicate failure of the recovery process but instead requires further work in maintaining sobriety; that's where relapse prevention plans come in handy.

Are you or someone you know struggling with excessive alcohol consumption? Are you uncertain about whether it qualifies as a disorder? You've come to the right place for knowledge on this matter! Here, we'll discuss and learn about alcohol use disorder symptoms and more.

What is the difference between sponsorship and sober coaching?  Can a person have both?  Can a person be both a sober coach and a sponsor?  

Yesterday I flew with my daughter to Minneapolis for detox and treatment - an event I could only imagine in a faraway fantasy.  She called unexpectedly, after not talking to me for six months, and asked for help with the most desperate of states of heart/mind… begging to either die or get sober. 

I grew up in an alcoholic family.  As such I wasn’t imbued with a healthy sense of self.  I struggled with issues of low self-esteem.  I searched desperately for parental validation and proof that I was loved and worthy.  I was a child dealing with a very adult issue.  I had two alcoholic parents, and I didn’t have the coping techniques to deal with their alcoholism.

On March 11, 2023, The New York Times ran a commentary by Maia Szalavitz titled “People Have a Right to Nonreligious Rehab” questioning the connection between religion/spirituality and recovery, and we felt it was important to present The Retreat’s view on the issues raised in this article.