Blog

6 Answers to the Question “How Did I Get Here – How Does a Substance Use Disorder Happen?”

The Science of Addiction** Clients often ask me “why” they drink, use drugs, or behave compulsively with repeated unhealthy coping. There are 6 broad categories that inform the development of a substance use disorder. While “chemical dependency education” does not transform people or create lasting change, it is a necessary part of the treatment journey and it’s needed for lasting...[ read more ]

Okay, I give up.

Uncle Apparently my life’s role is to provide information, support, and guidance for people who are taking charge of their substance use ** issue. It seems that It’s especially for people who are hoping to put together a plan that is based on current research and not cliche concepts or cookie cutter advice. I wanted to give an explanation as...[ read more ]

But, What Do I Do At Parties?

a champagne glass with confetti to show you can have fun without alcohol

But, What Do I Do At Parties? One of the first questions I get asked early and often in working with clients who are trying to change their relationship with alcohol is “But what about parties?” Here are some of the forms that question takes: What do I do when someone offers a drink? What do I say when someone...[ read more ]

“Age of First Use?” What the Hell Does THAT Mean?

"Age of First Use?" What the Hell Does THAT Mean? Go to any intake or assessment for drug and alcohol use**, and one of the questions you’ll be asked is “What was your age of first use?” The question might seem trivial. Because it’s when your use got problematic that is the concern, right?  Yes. Right. And no. The age...[ read more ]

COVID 19, A New Normal and Being Tired

COVID 19, A New Normal and Being Tired “I’m so tired. Is that normal?”   If you’ve ever been in therapy with me, you probably know I avoid the term “normal” in my clinical practice. I don’t find it helpful as most of the topics people ask the “normal” question about are highly contextual and in a range. Examples include...[ read more ]

Grief – Physical, Mental, and Cognitive

Grief I forgot an assignment last month. Now, that might not seem like a big deal, but I am in in a Doctorate program; I have participated in a LOT of academics. I have 3 degrees and several certifications; I have done an s-ton of assignments, and never forgotten one until last month. Why? Grief. Did you know forgetfulness is...[ read more ]

Your Definitive Guide To a Happy Sober Holiday Season – Tools And Tips

desk with holiday items to show that you have to plan to have a successful sober holiday

Your Definitive Guide To a Happy Sober Holiday Season - Tools And Tips Welcome to the Tools and Techniques Entry. So far, you’ve reviewed your current status of recovery in general, and you’ve assessed your upcoming holiday specifically. Today we’ll build a list of tools and techniques that can help you curate a holiday season that you enjoy free of...[ read more ]

Your Definitive Guide to a Happy, Sober Holiday Season – People, Places, and Traditions

holiday cookies to remind readers of the need to be intentional about crafting a sober holiday season for success in substance abuse recovery

Your Definitive Guide to a Happy, Sober Holiday Season - People, Places, and Traditions “The Holidays” Those 2 words create feelings, emotions, and begin a series of automatic responses in people. For some, “the Holidays” creates feelings of fun, festive, family celebration. They remember and anticipate laughter, Aunt Jen’s sugar cookies, Dad’s turkey, and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade...[ read more ]

7 Reasons You Should Start a Gratitude Practice Today

a gratitude word scramble to reinforce the idea of gratitude as a recovery skill in substance abuse recovery

7 Reasons You Should Start a Gratitude Practice Today November is known in the Recovery Community as “Gratitude Month.” Go to a 12-Step Meeting in the month of November, and the selected topic is even more likely to be “gratitude.” (In case you are not aware, gratitude is a common meeting topic the other 11 months, too.) Meeting attendees are...[ read more ]

The Science of Woo: Service and Volunteerism

a heart volunteer graphic with words that support service as a recovery from substance abuse tool

The Science of Woo: Service and Volunteerism The Greek philosopher Aristotle summarized that the essence of life is “To serve others and do good.” It’s Memorial Day in the United States, and I thought that would be a good day to publish the next in my series “The Science of Woo: Service and Volunteerism. You can find the beginning of...[ read more ]



24618 Kingsland Blvd 2nd Floor, Room 8
Katy, TX 77494
On the left hand side of the CLS building

recoverytherapist@joanneketch.com
(281) 740-7563


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