For those who suffer from addiction, the power of choice ends after the initial substance use. Explaining addiction to a non-addict may be difficult when non-addicts can sometimes judge a person by their initial actions. Further, willpower can actually push any underlying trauma down, which can make it even more difficult to overcome being an addict. When someone is fighting addiction, it is not enough to rely on willpower. Once […]
Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time and a person needs more drugs to produce the desired effect. There is evidence that structures in the brain change and are damaged by abuse that makes addiction possible. Neurochemicals in the body adjust to substance abuse beyond just tolerance. With tolerance, it takes more and more to get that high, when a person is addicted, […]
Twelve step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are possibly the oldest and most well-established of the aftercare services in recovery. Twelve step groups frequently host fellowship events which are fun activities within a sober environment. Technique, and participants report success in using the Twelve Steps to conquer ills such as drug addiction, compulsive eating, and gambling obsessions. Twelve step programs that see addiction as a disease tend to […]
Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse, when there’s a pattern of drinking despite negative consequences, in which no one test that can medically diagnose. The severity of the disorder lies on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe dependence. It is a diverse and complicated disease, and there are many factors that can make one person more vulnerable than another to suffer from it. The majority of time, the diagnoses of […]
The primary purpose of a Sober Companion or Recovery Coach is to help individuals gain access to needed resources, services, or supports that will help them achieve recovery from their substance use disorder or mental health challenges. Recovery Coaches can also help individuals transition through addiction treatment. Recovery coaches support the client in achieving and maintaining a solid foundation in recovery; building upon recovery to achieve other life goals [...]
Sober Companions are hired to provide assistance for patients in treatment and recovery, and are uniquely adept in relapse prevention methods, coping skills and crisis prevention. They help the client make lifestyle changes in order to experience a better quality of life in the first crucial days after discharge from a treatment center. Basically, a Sober Companion can help you get started in your new independent life. Usually, Sober Companions […]
Where does this intense self-judgment come from? People try to protect themselves from things they have no control over (everything). Sometimes our judgments are hereditary. Ideas get passed down from the generations before and worn like an old overcoat. It’s a powerful urge - the urge to protect yourself. We judge things, people, situations ... in order not to feel the fear of being judged ourselves. The loneliness and harsh [...]
I’ve been thinking recently that I value peace of mind in my life more than most other things. It can completely determine my state of mind for the day and my level of optimism for the future. Here are some guidelines to achieve peace of mind. TELL THE TRUTH. That means don’t exaggerate, embellish, or flat out make something up. The effort it takes to spin it around in your [...]
King Baby … (egomaniacs with low self-esteem) … many of us are familiar with that term, King Baby. What it means is - on the one hand - THINKING we deserve to have EVERYTHING GOOD and to be on top of the heap ... and - at the same time - not being willing to do the work to get there, or FEELING deep down that we really don’t deserve [...]
It was an immeasurable relief to have a companion with my son when he got home from his treatment center. We are so grateful for all the caring support Gemma Recovery Group offered to us during that time. We all felt very comfortable and had peace of mind knowing he had constant support to find his footing. I have high regard for Gemma Recovery Group.
My clients who were willing and able to work with Thérèse’s team at Gemma Recovery Group have been able to move through their issues with more focus and confidence through this valuable coaching tool. I refer to Gemma Recovery Group with complete confidence. It’s been my pleasure to collaborate with an agency that demonstrates reliable discretion and professionalism.
My companion escorted me through a very difficult time with great compassion and an outpouring of personal care. She was a steady companion who anticipated my every need.
I’m sending this note to you on my one-year anniversary! Working with you, Chelsea, and my recovery coach early on changed my life. That teamwork had a profound impact on my wanting to get well – and stay well. Thank you very much. I am happy!
I have had the privilege of knowing Thérèse Byrne and Gemma Recovery for several years. As a clinician interventionist I particularly appreciate the collaborative nature of her work. She knows , practices and teaches great recovery skills. She is my east coast go to. I am proud to call Gemma Recovery and Thérèse Byrne my friend and Colleague.
I'm sending this note to you on my one year anniversary! Working with you, early on, affected me deeply. You had a real impact on my wanting to stay sober. Thank you very much. I'm so happy.
Ultimately, she taught me the Sober Way. I am forever beholden to her. I do not believe that I would be as well, nor as wise, as I am today, were it not for the gift of the time spent working together. Anyone who has the privilege of that opportunity should feel very grateful indeed.
I was desperate to stop drinking, but didn’t know how to stop. I tried it on my own but never got past the first day. I did a lot of research and talked to my doctor, and he suggested a Recovery coach. I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but was willing to think about it. Being a typical alcoholic, it took me about a year – until I ended up in the hospital and knew I had to make serious changes. I talked to my doctor and we decided that the best choice for me was a recovery coach. I was introduced to Thérèse Byrne and Gemma Recovery Group. I was immediately put at ease when I met my coach. She stayed with me 24/7 for thirty days and changed my life. I have been sober for almost 3 years now, and am thankful every day for her help.
I could never have done this work without you, Thérèse. My family thanks you and I thank you. You've played a huge part in saving my life.
I could never have done this work without you and your team. You were patient and kind from the first phone call. My family thanks you and I thank you.
The year that I spent working with Thérèse and Gemma Recovery Group was truly a remarkable time in my life. The companion’s quiet grace, sharp wit, and phenomenal ability to get things accomplished served as a tremendous power of example to me – very inspirational. Her deep understanding of the challenges that face us in sobriety are well balanced with her practice of patience and personalization when working with her clients. Her sense of integrity and confidentiality are both attributes that I highly value.
Thank you for making the first 6 weeks of my coming home a lot less scary. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Gemma Recovery Group’s care and management made me feel like I had real guidance. It really helped to have a guy there (my companion) in my corner. We had a blast. I hadn’t laughed so much in years. Thanks for everything!
Thank you for making the first 6 weeks of my coming home so much less scary. I was excited and nervous at the same time. You made me feel like I had some "insurance". It really helped to have you there. I had a blast. I hadn't laughed so much in years. Thanks for everything.