New Year, New You!

Did you bring in the New Year sober or addicted? This year I brought in the New Year sober and with my kids. Enjoying these little moments was the most breathtaking experience. Let me stop and say addiction ate up my life. My addiction caused me to miss holidays, school events, doctor appointments, and days of laughter with my family. Addiction has a way of destroying your life and those around you. Let me say this if you are stuck in the depth of addiction; there is help for you. I can say that I first got sober and spent my first nine months of recovery stuck in my home. I was afraid to leave my house, worried I might run into an old buddy, and my daily anxiety was unbelievable. How would I ever bring in a New Year and enjoy what I once lost? After struggling for nine months and being a dry drunk, I climbed out of my hole and went to Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery is where I found myself and realized I was not walking this walk alone. For the longest, I believed there was no help. Know there is help, and we want to walk this thing we call recovery with you. At Celebrate Recovery, I found a place that I call home. I feel welcomed, I found my forever family, and I am loved and supported. I now realize that I am not tied down to a title as an addict. My title at Celebrate Recovery is “my name is Melissa, and I am in recovery for drug addiction and alcoholism, and I struggle with depression and codependency. Do you know how great it feels not to be tied down by a title or walk alone? If you are still struggling with addiction of any form or any hurt, habit, or hang-up, I recommend you look up Celebrate Recovery; thousands are located all over the United States. Please do not sit another day tied down to the addiction that is taking you away from your family. Your family loves you too much to watch you suffer another day. Written by: Melissa Pena

New Year, New You!

Did you bring in the New Year sober or addicted? This year I brought in the New Year sober and with my kids. Enjoying these little moments was the most breathtaking experience. Let me stop and say addiction ate up my life. My addiction caused me to miss holidays, school events, doctor appointments, and days of laughter with my family. Addiction has a way of destroying your life and those around you. Let me say this if you are stuck in the depth of addiction; there is help for you. I can say that I first got sober and spent my first nine months of recovery stuck in my home. I was afraid to leave my house, worried I might run into an old buddy, and my daily anxiety was unbelievable. How would I ever bring in a New Year and enjoy what I once lost? After struggling for nine months and being a dry drunk, I climbed out of my hole and went to Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery is where I found myself and realized I was not walking this walk alone. For the longest, I believed there was no help. Know there is help, and we want to walk this thing we call recovery with you. At Celebrate Recovery, I found a place that I call home. I feel welcomed, I found my forever family, and I am loved and supported. I now realize that I am not tied down to a title as an addict. My title at Celebrate Recovery is “my name is Melissa, and I am in recovery for drug addiction and alcoholism, and I struggle with depression and codependency. Do you know how great it feels not to be tied down by a title or walk alone? If you are still struggling with addiction of any form or any hurt, habit, or hang-up, I recommend you look up Celebrate Recovery; thousands are located all over the United States. Please do not sit another day tied down to the addiction that is taking you away from your family. Your family loves you too much to watch you suffer another day. Written by: Melissa Pena

Read More

Stigma Behind Addiction

I recently had a run-in with a person who has no idea what addiction is and what addiction does to families. I was called a junkie, and I am far from this. Sometimes I find that individuals with no family who went through addiction or themselves tend to push the word stigma around more. Stigma is when an individual discriminates against an individual or group. The bias against an individual suffering from substance abuse disorder (SUD) is accurate and sometimes much more robust than we realize. There are several inaccurate thoughts about an individual who suffers from SUD. For example, we are considered dangerous individuals who cannot manage our treatment. The other part was that these individuals were at fault for their condition. With the inaccurate beliefs floating around that addiction is a moral failing. I do not believe that individuals think that addiction is a chronic, treatable disease. Know there have been several individuals who have been known to stereotype me. For example, feeling sorry for me, fear, or pity. Furthermore, a story was already written about my life by the big guy above God. I was at a higher risk of developing this chronic disease through my story, past trauma, and addiction running in my family. Let me say this we can reduce stigma if we change the way we think or the way we respond. Do you remember what I wrote up top? I was called a junkie. A person who is walking through recovery is far from a junkie. You might want to say there goes that addict. You could rephrase that by saying Melissa has a SUD. Another phrase heard a lot is abuse. Melissa was abusing those drugs. Instead, you could have said Melissa is misusing or using. How about the individuals who report and come back to talk to their friends? They possibly had a positive test. Instead of saying you were dirty, you could have tested positive. There are many other phrases we could change, but we also must think and process before responding. I can tell you firsthand that words matter, they are hard to hear, and we already feel bad. We must stop the stigma on drugs and individuals. Written by: Melissa Pena

Stigma Behind Addiction

I recently had a run-in with a person who has no idea what addiction is and what addiction does to families. I was called a junkie, and I am far from this. Sometimes I find that individuals with no family who went through addiction or themselves tend to push the word stigma around more. Stigma is when an individual discriminates against an individual or group. The bias against an individual suffering from substance abuse disorder (SUD) is accurate and sometimes much more robust than we realize. There are several inaccurate thoughts about an individual who suffers from SUD. For example, we are considered dangerous individuals who cannot manage our treatment. The other part was that these individuals were at fault for their condition. With the inaccurate beliefs floating around that addiction is a moral failing. I do not believe that individuals think that addiction is a chronic, treatable disease. Know there have been several individuals who have been known to stereotype me. For example, feeling sorry for me, fear, or pity. Furthermore, a story was already written about my life by the big guy above God. I was at a higher risk of developing this chronic disease through my story, past trauma, and addiction running in my family. Let me say this we can reduce stigma if we change the way we think or the way we respond. Do you remember what I wrote up top? I was called a junkie. A person who is walking through recovery is far from a junkie. You might want to say there goes that addict. You could rephrase that by saying Melissa has a SUD. Another phrase heard a lot is abuse. Melissa was abusing those drugs. Instead, you could have said Melissa is misusing or using. How about the individuals who report and come back to talk to their friends? They possibly had a positive test. Instead of saying you were dirty, you could have tested positive. There are many other phrases we could change, but we also must think and process before responding. I can tell you firsthand that words matter, they are hard to hear, and we already feel bad. We must stop the stigma on drugs and individuals. Written by: Melissa Pena

Read More
Sustainable Fashion for the Sober Community

Sustainable Fashion for the Sober Community

In a world that is continuously evolving, so is the concept of fashion. Sustainable fashion has emerged as a key player in the discourse around clothing choices, especially among conscious consumers. For those in the sober community, choosing a sober life clothing brand should align with not only personal health and well-being but also with a commitment to the environment. At SOBRLIFE, we are proud to foster this ethos, offering a panorama of sustainable wardrobe choices that reflect a vibrant, sober lifestyle.

Sustainable Fashion for the Sober Community

In a world that is continuously evolving, so is the concept of fashion. Sustainable fashion has emerged as a key player in the discourse around clothing choices, especially among conscious consumers. For those in the sober community, choosing a sober life clothing brand should align with not only personal health and well-being but also with a commitment to the environment. At SOBRLIFE, we are proud to foster this ethos, offering a panorama of sustainable wardrobe choices that reflect a vibrant, sober lifestyle.

Read More
The Psychology of Color in Sober Apparel

The Psychology of Color in Sober Apparel

When it comes to designing sober apparel, understanding the psychology of color can be just as important as the fabric and fit. Colors evoke emotions, influence mood, and even impact behavior. For the vibrant community of SOBRLIFE, using color strategically in recovery clothing is essential to foster an uplifting spirit and create a sense of connection among those embracing a joyful sober lifestyle.

The Psychology of Color in Sober Apparel

When it comes to designing sober apparel, understanding the psychology of color can be just as important as the fabric and fit. Colors evoke emotions, influence mood, and even impact behavior. For the vibrant community of SOBRLIFE, using color strategically in recovery clothing is essential to foster an uplifting spirit and create a sense of connection among those embracing a joyful sober lifestyle.

Read More
Hands-Free, Shame-Free Fanny Packs for Sober Wins

Hands-Free, Shame-Free: Fanny Packs for Sober Wins

In a world that constantly demands our attention, finding ways to simplify our lives while embracing who we are can feel overwhelming. For those of us on a sober path, this becomes even more essential, as we strive to redefine our identities and navigate social scenarios without the crutch of alcohol or substances. Enter the fanny pack—a stylish and practical accessory that leaves your hands free while exuding your commitment to sobriety. Let’s dive into the world of fanny packs, their relevance in a sober lifestyle, and how they can play a pivotal role in your journey. Whether you choose a vibrant pink fanny pack or a sleek black option, it’s time to celebrate your sober wins!

Hands-Free, Shame-Free: Fanny Packs for Sober Wins

In a world that constantly demands our attention, finding ways to simplify our lives while embracing who we are can feel overwhelming. For those of us on a sober path, this becomes even more essential, as we strive to redefine our identities and navigate social scenarios without the crutch of alcohol or substances. Enter the fanny pack—a stylish and practical accessory that leaves your hands free while exuding your commitment to sobriety. Let’s dive into the world of fanny packs, their relevance in a sober lifestyle, and how they can play a pivotal role in your journey. Whether you choose a vibrant pink fanny pack or a sleek black option, it’s time to celebrate your sober wins!

Read More
Clothes That Speak Volumes Sober Style with Impact

Clothes That Speak Volumes: Sober Style with Impact

In a world saturated with fast fashion and fleeting trends, the rise of sober style offers an empowering alternative to express one's identity and values. The brand SOBRLIFE is at the forefront of this movement, allowing individuals to wear their commitment to a fulfilling sober life with pride. This article explores how apparel can convey powerful messages, celebrate the journey of sobriety, and drown the stigma surrounding it while looking stylish and authentic.

Clothes That Speak Volumes: Sober Style with Impact

In a world saturated with fast fashion and fleeting trends, the rise of sober style offers an empowering alternative to express one's identity and values. The brand SOBRLIFE is at the forefront of this movement, allowing individuals to wear their commitment to a fulfilling sober life with pride. This article explores how apparel can convey powerful messages, celebrate the journey of sobriety, and drown the stigma surrounding it while looking stylish and authentic.

Read More