Difficult people do not cause relapse - but they can create the emotional state that makes escape feel tempting. John Makohen, CASC, RCP, gives readers a clear, practical plan to stay calm, set boundaries, and protect recovery in real-world situations.

Author Wes Arnett outlines Five Ways Working with a Recovery Coach Can Be Helpful. He shares that he is in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges and is passionate about offering hope and inspiration to those in recovery or exploring recovery. He supports multiple pathways of recovery as he walks alongside his peers and advocates for a profession that profoundly impacts individuals in our community.

What happens when your identity doesn’t fit neatly into one box? Kristen Crisp shares a powerful lived-experience story about navigating faith, addiction, and stigma—and the emotional toll of hiding who you really are. This article explores how labels can both define and confine us, and what it takes to reclaim authenticity in recovery.