The Estate News & Blog

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and empathy around all kinds of pain, including the emotional and psychological suffering many of us go through. When it comes to emotional pain, guilt and shame often take center stage, becoming overwhelming barriers in the path to recovery.

Hello, I'm Janice, part of the dedicated team at Soberman’s Estate specializing in Equine Therapy and Mindfulness Coaching. I’ve been sharing thoughts and insights through our blog for a year now, and today’s post is particularly close to my heart. September marks National Suicide Awareness Month, and I'm compelled to share a deeply personal perspective, rather than statistics or data points.

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of People in our workforce, and recognize the value of hard work and dedication. However, as we relax on this long weekend, it's also essential to consider the challenges that many workers face, particularly those affected by addiction. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, or other substances, casts a long shadow over the workforce, impacting individuals, their families, and businesses in profound ways.

As the golden hues of September embrace us, the national spotlight shifts to a cause of immense importance: National Recovery Month. For those unfamiliar, National Recovery Month is observed every September in the United States. It celebrates the gains made by those in recovery and sheds light on the positive impact that effective treatments can offer. This month, we can look into the unparalleled significance of residential treatment centers in the recovery journey.

The intricate, winding path of addiction is often accompanied by the heavy weights of shame, guilt and regret. Making the transition from addiction to sobriety can be as much about healing our inner world as it is about breaking free from the physical and mental bonds of substance use. Below are some insights and steps that may help in releasing these burdens and embracing the new chance at life that recovery offers.

My name is Janice Story, I am the Equine and Meditation Coach at Soberman’s Estate. I know from my own personal experiences, that you cannot heal if you don’t feel safe in your surroundings or in your own body. I also understand how challenging it can be to recognize and find safety. When it comes to addiction treatment, the environment in which an individual recovers can significantly influence their journey to sobriety. In particular, the creation of a safe space within a residential treatment center can have profound effects on the recovery process. As leaders in alcohol and substance abuse treatment, we understand the crucial role such a setting plays and incorporate it into every aspect of our care model.

Dutch Michaelangelo Soberman “Dutch”, our beloved therapy tortoise, has been a member of our therapeutic team at Soberman's Estate for over a year now. He was introduced to us by Psychiatrist and Medical Expert, Dr. Michael Vines. Dr. Vines has been with Soberman’s Estate since 2019 and it was that year that he found Dutch, and at that time Dutch could fit comfortably in the palm of his hand.

The Founder of Soberman’s Estate created this treatment center in honor of his brother Jeff Prager who passed away from an accidental opioid overdose in 2010.

Many alcoholics and addicts are selfish. They may not be aware of this, but the simple act of being under the influence is selfish and self-centered as they are not emotionally present for others. Other than being selfish about one’s sobriety, being selfish is not beneficial to recovery.

There's no denying the fact that retirement marks a significant transition in one's life. After years of constant work, finding a new rhythm can be challenging. This challenge can sometimes be even more intense for those recovering from addiction, as idle time might stir up thoughts of relapse. However, retirement can be an opportunity for you to discover a new purpose and find fulfillment in a sober life. Let's explore how you can channel your energies positively and prevent boredom and relapse.