The Estate News & Blog

The other day, a conversation came up with a few of our clients, and with some alumni, that felt worth writing about. We were talking about RAM (Remote Alcohol Monitoring) tools like Soberlink or portable breathalyzers. Not the technology itself, but what it represents. How it feels when a spouse asks for it. The mix of emotions that can show up. The resistance. The relief. The questions underneath it all.

Making amends is a powerful and essential part of the recovery journey for anyone overcoming substance use disorder. It is about more than saying “I’m sorry.” It involves acknowledging the harm caused during active addiction and taking sincere action to repair the damage.

Addiction is more than just a struggle with substances. It affects how people think, feel, and connect with others. One of the most overlooked challenges is isolation and loneliness. Many people living with substance use disorders (SUDs) in the United States find themselves pulling away from others. This pattern of disconnection can create a cycle where loneliness fuels addiction, and addiction increases loneliness.

Recovery is more than a process; it is a journey of transformation. For many people, symbols play an important role in staying grounded and motivated. These images are more than just artwork or designs. They are powerful reminders of strength, healing, and the courage it takes to embrace a sober life.

February is National Self-Esteem Month. But real self-esteem doesn’t come from hype or accomplishments—it comes from the relationship you have with yourself when no one else is around.

The New Year gets a lot of hype and attention. New goals. New habits. New routines. And while sobriety can begin on any day, there’s a reason so many men finally decide to start here. 

When most people hear the word rehab, they think of an individual struggling with drug or alcohol addiction entering a treatment program. But recovery is rarely an isolated journey. Families experience consequences of their loved ones behavior and often effects them emotionally, socially, and financially. Understanding what does rehab mean for families is essential for building stronger support systems and improving long-term outcomes.

As I sit here in the beginning of January thinking, here we are again as the calendar flips and another year shows up. And almost immediately, my mind starts traveling backward instead—replaying moments I wished had gone differently, choices I’d have changed, and the times I wasn’t present and didn’t fully show up for.

PAWS is the acronym used by individuals in the Medical, Clinical, Alcohol / Addiction Recovery field and stands for Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. We in the field have been hearing a new term used by patients and that is Sobriety Fatigue. PAWS or Sobriety Fatigue is a common and often frustrating withdrawal symptom experienced by many individuals who stop drinking alcohol. This persistent tiredness affects both the body and mind, making the early stages of recovery physically and mentally challenging. 

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances worldwide. While moderate use may not cause significant harm, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and long-term alcohol dependence can have profound effects on the brain. Many people wonder if the brain can recover after years of excessive drinking, and what actually happens when someone stops consuming alcohol. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science of brain alcohol recovery, the timeline for healing, what changes occur in the brain after abstaining from alcohol, and whether alcohol-related brain damage can be reversed.