K-ZONE WPKZ FM105.3/AM 1280

Your Hometown Radio

listen nowLISTEN NOW
listen nowLISTEN NOW
K-Zone Studio Line 978.348.1280

Substance Abuse

Five tips for staying in recovery during the holidays

by

Regardless of the stage of recovery someone is in, certain situations can present some challenges — the holiday season can be one of them.

“While many greet the holidays with merriment, family get-togethers and parties, it can be a difficult time for those in recovery,” said Kat Stevens, CEO of Recovery Centers of America in Danvers and Westminster. “If you are wondering if it is possible to enjoy the holidays while avoiding triggers and maintaining your sobriety, the answer is yes!”

Here are some tips from Recovery Centers of America:

1. Have a support system. Social support is crucial since social isolation is a risk factor for relapse. We all need people to relate to and depend on during our struggles. This can be your sponsor, a family member, or a friend, whomever can provide you with open ears and a caring heart. Many believe that the key to recovery from addictions is being connected to others. Establish days and times that you regularly communicate with your support system during the holidays. It is important to know that you don’t have to be in crisis to seek help. Talking about any thoughts or urges related to using substances and implementing strategies to help is vital to your continued recovery.

2. Stay active. Ever hear “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”? Don’t be idle! Run, walk, ride your bike, do yoga, anything that gets you moving and keeps your mind and body busy. These activities are great for both your mental and physical health and produce endorphins which literally help you feel better.

3. Practice self-care. Taking care of ourselves may seem so obvious, but who do we most neglect when life gets busy? Our kids, parents, partners, or friends can sometimes sap the energy and strength right out of us. Practice self-care through activities like meditation, mindfulness, or even home spa days. Allow yourself to be pampered in soothing ways to ward off stress that can trigger drug or alcohol thoughts or use.

4. Eat well. The holidays can often feel gluttonous with all the available tasty treats, and unhealthy eating can make you feel lethargic and “blah,” which can breed feelings of “why not?” Why not eat that cake, shop online, drink that alcohol, or take that drug? Help prevent this by eating nutritious, nourishing meals that will make you feel better from the inside out. Eating well is fundamental to good health and well-being.

5. Know your triggers — and prepare for them. Treatment and/or a therapist likely helped you identify your triggers and now is not the time to forget. Understand what leads you to want to use drugs or alcohol — an old friend, a certain place — and steer clear if not entirely, at least on days you may be feeling particularly down. If your family stresses you out and drives feelings of wanting to use, you are not obligated to get together with them in person. With the variety of technology that is available, you can Facetime, Zoom, or call to send your love and share holiday wishes, then lean on your trusted support system.

Whether you’re fresh out of a treatment program or years into your recovery, it can feel like you’re walking on thin ice from Thanksgiving to January. Just remember what the holidays really mean: a chance to share, heal, and rebuild bonds with your friends and family. Stay focused on the positive, stay committed and be honest with yourself and your loved ones.

Honoring those lost to addiction in Westminster

by

WESTMINSTER — Representatives from Recovery Centers of America at Westminster recently held a Recovery Ride to remember and honor those lost to the disease of addiction. The event raised over $6,000 which was donated to the Herren Project, a national nonprofit organization providing free resources and support for the treatment, recovery and prevention of substance use disorder. Herren Project was founded in 2011 by former professional basketball player, Chris Herren, who has been in long-term recovery since August 2008.

 

 

 

Fitchburg Overdose Awareness Vigil remembers those lost to addiction, offers hope to those struggling

by

FITCHBURG — Hundreds of people gathered Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Fitchburg Overdose Awareness Vigil, remembering family members and friends lost to overdose and giving hope to the struggling.

Mayor Stephen DiNatale welcomed the crowd, reminding them that we were gathering to remember our loved ones and celebrate their lives.

He introduced the City of Fitchburg’s Public Health Director Stephen Curry, who recognized Sue Christensen, the city’s Public Health Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, for starting the first Fitchburg Overdose Vigil several years ago and helping it grow to an annual event.

He also introduced Kim French from Outreach & Prevention who facilitated the planning committee.

“Director Curry recognized the many organizations present and urged those in attendance to visit the resource tables,” Christensen said. “Pastor Thomas Hughes offered opening and closing prayers which were meaningful and added to the spirit of community and healing.”

Four speakers shared personal stories about their loved ones lost to overdose: Kim French, Sandy Nawotny, Kim Perkins, and Jules Scott.

“The speakers put a face to the statistics — those lost were sons, fathers, boyfriends, brothers, students — all members of our community,” Curry said.

As each speaker shared their thoughts, an enlarged photo of their loved one was displayed.

The theme of “One More Day” resonated throughout the evening as the speakers spoke of loving someone suffering with addiction and healing after loss, while encouraging anyone struggling to reach out for help.

“At the conclusion of the program, candles were lit and a moment of silence held,” Christensen said. “The gazebo, lit up in purple for overdose awareness, also displayed luminary bags decorated in remembrance and photos contributed by local residents to honor their loved ones.”

Many local community agencies offered resource information, including: Alyssa’s Place: Peer Recovery and Resource Center; Community Health Connections; Joseph D. Early Jr., Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; Fitchburg Police Department; Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center; GAAMHA, Inc.; LUK, Inc.; Making Opportunity CountMRC – Montachusett Recovery Center; Our Father’s House Emergency and Transitional Shelters; Recovery Centers of America at Westminster; Restoration Recovery Center Inc.; Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; City of Fitchburg Health Department Outreach & Prevention and MassCALL3.

“Naloxone training and distribution occurred throughout the evening with Keith Barnaby, a recovery coach and outreach worker for Fitchburg Street Outreach,” Curry said.

Other participants who contributed to the success of the evening included the Rotary Club of Fitchburg who manned the Salvation Army canteen, offering free grilled hotdogs and refreshments. Music was played by Brandon from Restoration Recovery Center Inc. and Dr. Babatunde Thomas from Community Health Connections. InTown Fitchburg provided the PA system.

DiNatale commented on the event, stating, “many thanks to our speakers who shared personal stories about their loved ones lost to overdose. The city is also grateful for the wonderful organizations who work collaboratively to help those in need. We appreciate everyone who joined us for this moving evening of remembrance.”