Michael Cline shares his journey from heroin addiction to long-term abstinence — and the realization that sobriety alone did not heal his trauma.

Excerpt John Makohen challenges the cultural blind spots around alcohol use and explains why better education — not shame — is key.

Heather Proctor explains why trauma-informed care starts with asking “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” She highlights the principles of safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and avoiding re-traumatization.

Belinda Morey explores how GLP-1 medications, long-acting implants, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and telehealth are reshaping addiction treatment in 2026. By targeting the biology of cravings and increasing consistency and accessibility, these innovations are offering new hope for sustainable recovery — while reinforcing that medication and technology work best when paired with therapy, support, and daily commitment.

John Makohen outlines the early warning signs of alcohol use disorder and emphasizes the critical role substance use counselors play in early identification and intervention.

Rannon Arch reflects on listening sessions with patients who consistently express a desire for belonging — not just symptom reduction.

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Wes Arnett outlines six distinct pathways and their philosophies, helping readers identify what aligns best with their values and lifestyle.

Relapse begins long before substance use. Emotional and mental shifts signal vulnerability. Sonya Kapcin explains how holistic wellness and internal agency interrupt relapse cycles before they escalate.

At five years old, Jason Shiers answered the door to devastating news that would shape his life. What followed was a decades-long journey through grief, addiction, therapy, and relentless seeking. But true healing did not come from another program — it came from realizing he was never broken. Addiction was a survival response to trauma. The Infinite Recovery Project was born from this awakening.

Addiction isn’t a character flaw — it’s a pattern written in the brain. But the same brain that addiction rewires can also heal. Understanding this changes how we treat substance use disorder, how we support recovery, and how we see ourselves.

Bullying, body image, and childhood trauma reshaped identity — and alcohol became an escape.

Anger inherited from trauma can destroy relationships — or become healing. 10 practical tools to help manage your anger.