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Recovering from a substance use disorder is a life-changing journey, but it’s rarely a straight line. Some of the most vulnerable moments happen not only during treatment, but also before entering a facility and after returning home. Having a sober companion during these transitions—while waiting to begin care, traveling to or from a treatment center, and adjusting back to life at home—can provide the critical support needed to stay on track. Before Treatment: Support in a High-Risk Window The time between deciding to seek help and entering a treatment program is often filled with anxiety, fear, and temptation. And a desire for a last run before entering treatment. Triggers are still present, and doubt can easily set in. A sober companion offers reassurance and structure during this fragile period. Their support can help you remain committed, stay accountable, and reduce the risk of returning to harmful behaviors before treatment even begins. Traveling to Treatment: Safe and Steady Transition Traveling—whether by plane, car, or bus—to a treatment center can feel intimidating. For someone beginning their recovery journey, unfamiliar and unsafe environments, delays, and emotional stress can heighten vulnerability. A sober companion ensures a safer, more comfortable transition. They help manage logistics, reduce anxiety, and offer emotional support throughout the journey. Their presence turns what could be a high-risk situation into a positive, empowering experience focused on healing. After Treatment: Bridging Treatment and Real Life Finishing residential care or an intensive outpatient program is a major milestone, but returning home can feel overwhelming. The support and structure provided in treatment are suddenly gone, and you’re faced with navigating daily life again—sometimes in the same environment where substance use once occurred. A sober companion can travel home with you and remain by your side stay from several days or even weeks to help you gradually readjust. They can assist with routines, coping strategies, and emotional support during this transitional time. Their presence builds confidence and accountability, helping you apply what you’ve learned in treatment to real-life situations. Why Sober Companions Work Most sober companions have lived experience or specialized training in substance use recovery. They understand the emotional ups and downs of early sobriety and offer practical, empathetic support. They are more than just a safeguard—they are a compassionate guide through some of the most challenging parts of recovery. Whether you’re waiting to start treatment, traveling to a facility, or heading home afterward, having a sober companion by your side can be a transformative part of your recovery journey. They provide grounding, safety, and hope when you need it most. If you or someone you care about is facing the challenges of early recovery and needs professional, compassionate support, Ground Zero Recovery Coaching is here to help with trusted sober companions who walk with you every step of the way.

Wall Street thrives on performance, precision, and high-stakes ambition - but at what cost to mental health? Behind the fast-paced decisions and relentless drive, many finance professionals quietly struggle with stress, burnout, and substance use. In an environment that prizes control and composure, acknowledging a personal challenge can feel like professional failure, even career suicide. Despite being one of the most demanding industries in the world, the financial sector continues to lag behind in addressing mental health and substance use head-on. The long hours, aggressive targets, and sky-high expectations create an environment where unhealthy coping strategies can take root and thrive. In New Yorks financial sector, stress isn't just common, it's constant. Increasingly, professionals are seeking confidential support through resources like executive recovery coaching in New York . Services such as Ground Zero Recovery Coaching offer executive-level, discreet support for those struggling with substance use or in recovery, helping them navigate their challenges without jeopardizing their careers. Whether its alcohol to decompress after long hours or stimulants to maintain sharpness during back-to-back meetings, substance use can quietly escalate. What begins as an occasional coping mechanism can spiral into something far more serious. And too often, the fear of stigma or job consequences keeps people silent. Its time for firms to treat mental health and addiction risk like any other major operational risk. A substance abuse awareness trainer can help break the silence and shift your organization's culture bringing awareness, education, and humanity into conversations around recovery and prevention. Why awareness training matters: - Early intervention prevents crisis situations - Builds a healthier, more trusting culture - Improves retention and team performance - Reduces legal, reputational, and financial risk - Encourages leadership to model well-being But training is just the beginning. Leaders must take real action: - Share personal stories or support recovery openly - Create peer-led support systems - Update policies to encourage, not punish, help-seeking - Redesign workloads to prevent chronic burnout Other high-performance industries are evolving. Executive recovery coaching in New York is no longer rare, it's rising fast. This is more than a wellness conversation. Its a leadership decision. A business priority. And most importantly, its a human one. Lets break the silence. Lets lead with compassion.

Recovering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a complex journey that can require many different steps such as detox, therapy, finding a good recovery coach, belonging to a supportive community and making lifestyle changes. In recent years, the integration of nutritional supplementation has gained attention as a potential tool to ease withdrawal symptoms, support brain chemistry, and rebuild the body's depleted resources. Among the supplements being explored, magnesium, L-glutamine, and DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) have emerged as particularly promising. Understanding the Nutritional Toll of AUD Chronic alcohol use depletes the body of essential nutrients and impairs its ability to absorb and utilize vitamins and minerals. Alcohol disrupts gut health, liver function, and metabolic pathways that are crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. As a result, many individuals with AUD suffer from deficiencies that exacerbate fatigue, mood disorders, cravings, and cognitive difficulties. Magnesium: The Calm Within the Storm Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including nerve function, muscle control, and mood regulation. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing the excretion of magnesium and contributing to widespread deficiencies among those with AUD. Why Magnesium Matters in Recovery: - Mood Stabilization: Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which are often disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Deficiencies can lead to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. - Craving Reduction: Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may help reduce the severity of alcohol cravings. - Improved Sleep: Restorative sleep is critical in recovery, and magnesium supports better sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing nighttime awakenings. Supplementing with magnesium can help restore balance in the central nervous system and alleviate some of the physical and emotional discomforts of early sobriety. Magnesium glycinate and citrate are often recommended due to their high bioavailability and gentle effects on the digestive system. L-Glutamine: Fuel for the Healing Brain L-glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that becomes conditionally essential during times of physical stress, such as alcohol withdrawal and early recovery. It plays a critical role in immune function, gut health, and most notably, as a precursor to neurotransmitters. Why L-Glutamine Supports Recovery: - Curbing Cravings : L-glutamine is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters that influence mood and cravings. Some anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest that L-glutamine may reduce the intensity of alcohol and sugar cravings. - Gut Repair : Alcohol severely damages the gut lining and microbiome. L-glutamine helps repair the intestinal wall and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation. - Brain Energy : During withdrawal, the brain is starved for glucose. L-glutamine serves as an alternative energy source, helping to reduce the mental fog and fatigue that often accompany early recovery. Taken as a supplement, L-glutamine powder or capsules may provide immediate and long-term benefits, particularly when cravings strike unexpectedly. DLPA: The Mood-Enhancing Amino Acid DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) is a combination of two forms of the amino acid phenylalanine: D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine. This supplement is particularly interesting in the context of addiction recovery due to its role in supporting mood and motivation. How DLPA Aids in Recovery: - Dopamine Support: L-phenylalanine is a precursor to dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that becomes depleted with chronic alcohol use. Replenishing dopamine levels can help restore motivation, pleasure, and focus. - Pain Reduction: D-phenylalanine inhibits the breakdown of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This can help reduce both emotional and physical pain during withdrawal. - Emotional Stability: Many in recovery experience emotional volatility. By supporting neurotransmitter balance, DLPA may help stabilize mood swings and enhance emotional resilience. DLPA is often used in early recovery protocols to help rebuild the brain's reward system and ease the emotional challenges of sobriety. It should be used under medical supervision, particularly for individuals with certain psychiatric conditions or those taking antidepressants. Integrating Supplements into a Holistic Recovery Plan While magnesium, L-glutamine, and DLPA offer promising benefits, they are not standalone solutions. Supplementation should be seen as one component of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes: - Professional Treatment: Therapy, recovery coaching, counseling, and possibly medication-assisted treatment. - Nutrition: A diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. - Exercise: Regular physical activity to support mood and overall health. - Support Systems: Peer groups, family support, and sober communities. Safety and Considerations Before starting any supplement, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially during the sensitive early stages of recovery. Individual needs vary, and some supplements may interact with medications or underlying health conditions. Conclusion The road to recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder is challenging, and there are many roads to recovery such as 12 step meetings, treatment centers , and addiction coaching . Studies show that the integration of targeted nutritional supplements can offer meaningful support. Magnesium helps soothe the nervous system and improve sleep; L-glutamine aids in curbing cravings and healing the gut; and DLPA supports mood and emotional resilience. When used thoughtfully and in conjunction with other recovery strategies, these supplements can empower individuals to rebuild their health and find strength in sobriety. Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment program.

In the world of addiction treatment and rehabilitation, the terms "sobriety" and "recovery" are often used interchangeably. However, they represent two distinct concepts. While sobriety focuses on abstinence from substances, recovery is a much broader and more holistic journey of healing and personal growth. This is where a recovery coach can play an instrumental role in helping individuals understand these differences and embark on a more fulfilling life beyond addiction. Understanding Sobriety At its core, sobriety is about abstaining from drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances. It's the first step toward breaking free from addiction. For many, achieving sobriety is the goal of entering a treatment program, and it often marks a significant milestone in their recovery journey. Sobriety is about stopping the addictive behavior that is harmful to an individual’s physical and mental well-being. However, while sobriety is an essential first step, it does not necessarily mean a person is "healed" or "recovered." Sobriety focuses primarily on the external action of not using substances, but it doesn’t address the deeper emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues that often underlie addiction. Without further growth and healing, a person can maintain sobriety but still feel stuck in a cycle of unaddressed pain, unhealthy patterns, or unresolved trauma. What is Recovery? Recovery, on the other hand, is a far more comprehensive concept. It’s not just about avoiding substances—it's about addressing the root causes of addiction and actively working toward healing, personal growth, and rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery encompasses not only the absence of addictive behaviors but also the pursuit of emotional stability, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. Recovery can look different for each individual, as it’s a deeply personal process. It may include therapy, physical and mental self-care, rebuilding relationships, developing new coping skills, and finding purpose and meaning outside of addiction. Recovery is a lifelong journey that encourages individuals to continuously learn, grow, and make positive changes to improve their lives. It’s a holistic approach to healing that touches all aspects of a person’s well-being—physical, emotional, and spiritual. The Role of a Recovery Coach A recovery coach is a trained professional who supports individuals in their journey through recovery. Unlike traditional therapists or counselors who may focus on specific psychological issues, recovery coaches take a more action-oriented, holistic approach. They serve as guides, mentors, and accountability partners who help people navigate the challenges of recovery and develop strategies to live a balanced, substance-free life. One of the most powerful ways a recovery coach can assist individuals is by helping them understand and differentiate sobriety from recovery. Here's how they can do that: 1. Clarifying the Concepts A recovery coach can begin by clearly explaining the difference between sobriety and recovery. By defining sobriety as mere abstinence and recovery as an ongoing, proactive process, a coach can provide a framework for understanding why recovery is a deeper, more sustainable goal. This clarification helps individuals see that sobriety is just one part of the bigger picture and that the journey doesn’t end once they stop using substances. 2. Setting Long-Term Goals While achieving sobriety is a necessary first step, recovery coaches help individuals develop long-term goals for their personal growth. These goals often involve rebuilding relationships, enhancing emotional intelligence, pursuing hobbies, developing a sense of purpose, and addressing any underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. A recovery coach works with clients to set realistic, measurable, and meaningful goals that align with their vision for a life beyond addiction. 3. Teaching Healthy Coping Strategies Many people who struggle with addiction also have difficulty managing stress, negative emotions, and challenging situations. A recovery coach helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to replace the old habits associated with addiction. These might include mindfulness practices, stress-relief techniques, journaling, meditation, or engaging in physical activity. By developing healthier ways to cope with life’s difficulties, individuals can build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. 4. Building Resilience Recovery involves navigating challenges, setbacks, and even relapses. A recovery coach helps individuals build resilience by teaching them how to handle setbacks without giving up on their recovery journey. Instead of seeing failure as an endpoint, a coach helps clients reframe it as a learning experience. This resilient mindset helps individuals continue to grow, even when things don’t go as planned. 5. Encouraging Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Recovery is as much about self-discovery as it is about overcoming addiction. A recovery coach encourages clients to explore their interests, passions, and goals in life outside of addiction. They might guide individuals through exercises that help them identify values, strengths, and areas for personal growth. This journey of self-exploration helps individuals find meaning and purpose, which are key components of long-term recovery. 6. Accountability and Support Accountability is a crucial element of both sobriety and recovery. A recovery coach provides consistent support, encouragement, and motivation. They hold individuals accountable for their actions and help them stay on track with their goals. This support can make all the difference in ensuring that someone doesn’t just maintain sobriety but also actively engages in their recovery process. Conclusion The difference between sobriety and recovery is profound. Sobriety is about stopping the use of substances, while recovery is about healing and transforming one’s life. A recovery coach can play an essential role in helping individuals understand this difference, providing the support, guidance, and encouragement necessary for lasting change. Through goal setting, teaching healthy coping strategies, fostering resilience, and offering ongoing accountability, a recovery coach helps individuals not just stay sober, but thrive in their recovery journey. By focusing on the deeper aspects of healing, recovery coaches can help individuals lead fulfilling, meaningful lives free from addiction.

The New Year often brings a wave of resolutions, with many individuals aiming for a healthier lifestyle. For those struggling with substance abuse, this can be a particularly poignant time for reflection and a renewed commitment to sobriety. While the journey to long-term recovery is undeniably challenging, hiring a recovery coach can significantly increase your chances of success. What is a Recovery Coach? A recovery coach is a trained professional who provides guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction. Unlike therapists, who focus on underlying psychological issues, recovery coaches primarily concentrate on practical strategies for maintaining sobriety. They act as mentors, accountability partners, and resource navigators, empowering individuals to take control of their recovery journey. Why Hire a Recovery Coach in the New Year? A Fresh Start with Dedicated Support: The new year often symbolizes a fresh start. Hiring the right recovery coach aligns perfectly with this sentiment, providing you with dedicated support as you embark on your sobriety journey. Personalized Guidance : Every individual's recovery path is unique. Your recovery coach will work closely with you to understand your specific needs, challenges, and goals. They can then tailor a personalized plan that addresses your unique circumstances. Increased Accountability: The presence of a recovery coach fosters a sense of accountability. Regular check-ins, whether in person or virtual, provide a consistent framework for tracking progress, identifying potential roadblocks, and staying on course. Skill-Building and Coping Mechanisms: Recovery coaches equip individuals with essential life skills, such as stress management, relapse prevention strategies, and healthy communication techniques. And coping skills these skills are crucial for navigating everyday life without resorting to substance use. Motivation and Encouragement: Maintaining sobriety can be an emotional rollercoaster. Your recovery coach provides unwavering support, encouragement, and motivation, especially during challenging times. Reduced Isolation: Addiction often leads to social isolation. A recovery coach can help you reconnect with your support system, build healthy relationships, and you cultivate a sober network. Improved Overall Well-being: By addressing the multifaceted aspects of recovery, a recovery coach can help you improve your overall well-being. This includes physical health, mental health, and emotional stability. Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy: As you achieve milestones with the support of your coach, you'll gain confidence in your ability to overcome challenges and maintain long-term sobriety. Finding the Right Recovery Coach: Research and Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as therapists, support groups, or other individuals in recovery. Credentials and Experience: Verify the coach's credentials and experience. Look for coaches with relevant training and a proven track record of success. Compatibility: Schedule an initial consultation to assess compatibility. Choose a coach with whom you feel comfortable and whose approach resonates with you. Investing in Your Recovery: Hiring a recovery coach is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. While there may be an associated cost, the benefits of increased support, accountability, and personalized guidance can be invaluable on the path to lasting sobriety. The new year presents a unique opportunity for a fresh start. By embracing the support of a recovery coach, you can increase your chances of achieving your sobriety goals and building a fulfilling life in recovery.

Below is my guest appearance with Dr. Mie Lynn Tsuchimoto as part of her online event "Creating Emotionally Healthy Relationships – Workplace Edition Summit" where we discuss Substance Use Awareness for the workplace, and breaking the stigma. You can find the full podcast below:

"In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Recover Your Soul, Rev. Rachel Harrison sits down with David Mahler, a recovery coach and founder of Ground Zero Coaching. David shares his inspiring journey as a 9/11 survivor, father, and recovery advocate, offering deep insights into the challenges of parenting through addiction and the healing power of recovery. David opens up about his personal experiences navigating his daughter’s struggles with addiction and how they led him to confront his own codependency and habits. Together, Rachel and David explore the importance of creating a supportive system for loved ones while prioritizing personal healing and spiritual growth. From his transformative work with Celebrate Recovery to the founding of his coaching practice, David’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of compassionate boundaries. He also offers practical tools for those facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of community, self-awareness, and detachment with love." - Rev. Rachel Harrison Click here to listen to my guest appearance on the Recover Your Soul podcast .

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia, whose leaves are used for their stimulant and sedative properties. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the United States, especially as an alternative to opioids and as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and depression. However, as with many substances, kratom use can lead to dependence and addiction, and its growing popularity has also been accompanied by concerns about its potential for abuse. When someone becomes addicted to kratom, they may face a range of physical and psychological challenges, including withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and difficulties in maintaining a healthy, balanced life. While traditional treatment methods such as detoxification and therapy are essential, addiction recovery coaching can play a pivotal role in supporting someone through their journey of recovery. This blog will explore how Ground Zero Recovery Coaching can help someone struggling with kratom addiction. Your Ground Zero Recovery Coach is a trained professional who works with individuals to help them achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. Recovery coaches are not therapists or counselors, but they provide valuable support to people in recovery by helping them navigate challenges, develop coping strategies, and create a sustainable plan for their future. They are allies in the recovery process, offering practical advice, emotional support, and accountability. Unlike therapists or medical professionals who focus primarily on clinical treatment, addiction recovery coaches work with individuals on a personal, day-to-day basis to help them apply what they’ve learned in therapy or detoxification programs to real-world situations. Your Ground Zero Recovery Coach will help you identify triggers, set and achieve goals, and provide encouragement when the road to recovery gets tough. Ground Zero Recovery Coaching Can Help with Kratom misuse, just like with other substance dependencies, Kratom misuse can be a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach to treatment. Recovery coaching can be particularly effective in supporting individuals who are addicted to kratom by providing personalized guidance and practical tools to help them achieve sobriety. 1. Building a Personalized Recovery Plan: One of the first steps in recovery is creating a customized plan that takes into account the individual's specific situation, challenges, and goals. Ground Zero Coaching will work with the person to assess their current state of addiction, their reasons for using kratom, and their motivations for quitting. Together, they will craft a recovery plan that outlines short- and long-term goals, strategies for overcoming obstacles, and actionable steps to stay on track. For someone addicted to kratom, this plan might include tapering off the substance slowly (since abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms), identifying triggers that lead to cravings, and establishing healthy habits to replace the time spent using kratom. 2. Providing Emotional Support: Substance Use disorder recovery is often a deeply emotional journey. People who are misusing substances like kratom may experience shame, guilt, and fear, and these emotions can hinder their progress. Your recovery coach will provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express your feelings openly. At Ground Zero we will also offer positive reinforcement and encouragement, helping individuals stay motivated even when they face setbacks. By fostering a relationship of trust and support, Your Ground Zero Coach can help you feel empowered and validated in your recovery efforts. 3. Addressing Underlying Issues: many individuals who become addicted to kratom may be using it as a way to self-medicate for underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Your coach will not diagnose or treat mental health disorders, but will work in tandem with a therapist or counselor if necessary to ensure that emotional and psychological factors are addressed in the recovery process. Your Ground Zero Recovery Coach may help identify unhealthy patterns of thinking or behaviors that contribute to addiction and work with you on replacing these with more positive, healthy habits. By addressing underlying issues, your coach can help reduce the risk of relapse and encourage long-term recovery. 4. Helping with Cravings and Triggers: Kratom addiction, like other substance dependencies, is often accompanied by intense cravings and triggers that make staying sober difficult. Your recovery coach can help identify specific triggers that lead to the use of kratom—whether these triggers are emotional, social, or environmental. Once these triggers are identified, your coach can work with you to develop coping strategies to handle cravings in a healthy way. Coping strategies might include mindfulness exercises, distraction techniques, or finding alternative activities that bring a sense of joy or relaxation without the use of kratom. Your coach can also help practice emotional regulation, teaching you how to manage stress or negative emotions without turning to kratom as a crutch. 5. Accountability and Motivation: One of the key roles of your Ground Zero Recovery Coach is to provide accountability. When someone is trying to overcome an addiction, especially one to a substance like kratom, it can be easy to slip back into old habits or get discouraged. Your coach can help you stay on track by checking in regularly, reviewing progress, and offering constructive feedback. Accountability is often the difference between success and relapse in the recovery process. Knowing that someone is there to support you and hold you responsible for your actions can be a powerful motivator for individuals in recovery. By setting clear goals and regularly evaluating progress, your coach can help you stay focused on your recovery journey. 6. Developing Healthy Habits and Life Skills: Kratom misuse often disrupts many aspects of a person’s life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being. Your recovery coach can help you rebuild your life by focusing on developing healthy habits and life skills that support your recovery. This might include establishing a healthy daily routine, improving sleep patterns, incorporating exercise or meditation into your day, and building healthy social connections. Your Coach will also work with you to set achievable, meaningful goals that contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By focusing on building a well-rounded, balanced life, your recovery coach helps you to create a foundation for lasting sobriety and success beyond just overcoming kratom addiction. 7. Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Success: Recovery is a lifelong process, and relapse can be a reality for many individuals. However, your recovery coach can help mitigate the risk of relapse by teaching you how to maintain your sobriety and stay focused on your goals. Coaching will provide ongoing support, especially during high-risk situations, such as periods of stress or social pressure, when the temptation to use kratom might be greatest. By encouraging you to continue developing coping skills, reinforce healthy behaviors, and remain engaged in the recovery community, your coach will help ensure that you are equipped to face challenges and prevent relapse in the future. Addiction to kratom can be a challenging battle, but with the right support, recovery is entirely possible. Ground Zero Recovery coaching can provide the guidance, emotional support, and accountability necessary to help overcome an addiction to kratom . By working with a coach, you can gain insight into your substance misuse, develop practical coping strategies, and build the foundation for a sober, fulfilling life. Ground Zero Recovery Coaching can play a vital role in your journey toward healing, offering a blend of support, encouragement, and real-world tools to help you thrive in long-term sobriety.