Vital Voyage Blog Author of the Month Michael Cline delves into the profound impact of childhood environments and generational norms, particularly those of Generation X, on shaping adult mental health.

Therapist Joshua Bennett-Johnson gives a critical breakdown of xylazine’s rise in the drug supply, its deadly interaction with fentanyl, and why traditional overdose response is no longer enough. Essential reading for clinicians and communities.

Author Camilla Richardson shares a deeply personal reflection on long-term sobriety, learning to live fully, and embracing growth beyond abstinence.

Suicidality is not just a symptom to monitor - it is a distinct clinical condition that requires direct, theory-based treatment. A clinical psychologist, Pia Khandekar's article helps clinicians move beyond checklists toward more grounded interventions.

Harm reduction meets people where they are - without requiring abstinence as the starting point. Dr. Andrew Tatarsky's article explains how that shift expands treatment access and improves outcomes.

Failure in therapy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing it wrong. In fact, it often indicates that you’re putting in the effort. Rannon Arch, the Director of Co-Occurring Clinical Services at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, reframes failed moments as valuable information and offers guidance on how to learn from them.

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.

Trauma doesn’t stay in the past—it resurfaces in ways that disrupt daily life. Bill Prasad, LPC, explains ways trauma-informed therapy methods can help.