Real victimization exists, and Diane Russell Chrestman does not minimize that truth. But in this candid reflection, she explores what can happen when suffering becomes an identity. Using lived experience, ACE awareness, and Internal Family Systems language, she examines the victim role as a protector, the relief it can offer, and the courage it takes to build a life beyond the worst things that happened to us.

Kristen Crisp writes with sharp humor and lived-experience honesty about the reasons she kept drinking for more than 30 years. From low self-esteem and “liquid courage” to the social pressure that made sobriety seem strange, this Author of the Month piece names the loops that can keep alcohol feeling normal long after it has stopped being fun. It is direct, funny, uncomfortable, and deeply human.

Addiction medicine can be clinical, complicated, and painfully serious. But sometimes a story arrives that is so human—and so oddly perfect—that it reminds us why the field exists. Dr. Lauren Grawert shares the story of Rick, a newly sober patient whose Antabuse became more than a medication. In one tense marital moment, it became proof, protection, and a turning point in rebuilding trust.

Personal growth doesn’t come from perfect decisions—just the next right one. Belinda Morey writes about her path to building her "toolkit" and success through resilience, perseverance, experience, and consistency.

Author and counselor Tim Lineaweaver explores the conflict he felt between opening up about his trauma and addiction and remaining anonymous.

Abstinence is only the beginning of recovery. You can quit substances and still feel stuck. Author Michael Cline writes about the next step in your recovery after overcoming addiction.

Vital Voyage Author of the Month, Michael Cline, gives a raw account of addiction’s exhausting cycle.

Joshua Bennett-Johnson, LADC-II's, firsthand recovery experience reveals the complex role of RX medication in his treatment plan.

Polysubstance use is now the reality for many people in addiction, but most recovery models haven’t caught up.

Vital Voyage Author of the Month Michael Cline reflects on turning sixty without ever. feeling fully grown up.

Recovery coach Belinda Morey states bullying doesn’t stay in childhood—it follows us. She shares her own lived experience and offers ways to help and heal.

Counselor and author Tim Lineaweaver writes about how building perseverance in his recovery transformed his life through discipline and commitment.