Business Development Manager, Bob Acobe is involved in a father's support group in Scranton that aims to increase father involvement in family offerings. To read more about it, click here. 

ClearVision Health and Wellness (CVHW) reminds those new to recovery or exploring sobriety that having a safe and substance-free summer celebrations and activities are not only possible but also easy to do. 

"When seeking fun and fulfillment this summer, remember that true happiness lies in the experiences we create, not in the substances we consume,” explains ClearVision’s executive director Louise Stevens. “Before any activity, have a plan in place that involves laughter, connection, adventure, and growth but also a plan that involves getting support if the desire to use becomes too great.”

Stevens and the professional rehabilitation counselors of ClearVision, provide the following substance-free summer activities:

• Head to the mountains or the beach - the opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature is just a quick drive away, whether heading to a nearby State Park or sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean or local lake. Both are excellent ways to clear your head and rejuvenate your spirit. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air and the warm sun on your face. 

 

• Nourish your body with seasonal produce - Pennsylvania’s peak growing season is now, and seasonal produce, whether from your garden or a local farmer's market, provides our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Locally sourced items are the freshest and typically most flavorful–try something new like kohlrabi or bite into a juice peach. If you have a green thumb, share your harvest with loved ones, and if your thumb tends to be brown, consider having a get-together with dishes featuring your favorite farmer’s market finds.

 

• Take it outside - the summer means more daylight and warm evenings, so why not take advantage of this by moving indoor activities out? Enjoy dinner or dessert on the porch. Listen to podcasts or read a book under the shade of a tree. See a movie outside; there are several drive-in theaters in northeastern Pennsylvania, or create one in your backyard–just Google backyard drive-in for ideas.

 

• Remember your childhood - simple pleasures often bring the most joy, so pick up some sidewalk chalk or crayons and a coloring book next time you're out. Enjoy an ice cream or water ice on a hot day, or host an impromptu water balloon fight. Kick a ball around at your local park or see if you remember how to jump rope. 

Stevens continued, “No matter which activities you embrace this summer, choose those that fuel your passions, connect you with nature, and strengthen bonds with loved ones. Find solace in the realization that true joy can be experienced without the crutch of substances.”

ClearVision Health and Wellness (CVHW) is observing Alcohol Awareness Month and reminds our community that it takes courage to talk to a family member or friend about a drinking problem also known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here is some advice on how to speak with someone you care for when you suspect someone is struggling with AUD. 

Be Prepared:

• Plan ahead by understanding your feelings and rehearsing what you’ll say to your friend or loved one. 
• Find a good time and place to talk. Choose a site that is comfortable and free from distractions so you both feel calm.

Stay Positive and Be Specific:

• Remember to use positive language and rephrase statements so that they highlight the benefits of not drinking. Suggest activities or opportunities for spending time together that don’t involve drinking 
• When talking about your concerns, be sure to back up your feelings with specific reasons and examples. You can say, “I’m worried about your drinking because I’ve noticed you’ve been missing work.” 

Offer Support by Making a Plan:

• Show that you understand. Say, “I know that drinking less is hard. How can I support you?”
• Offer to be someone they can call or text when they feel the desire to drink.

Get Help:

• If your loved one is struggling to stop drinking on their own, it’s time to suggest they receive additional help from a medical professional. 
• Should treatment become necessary and the individual is ready to seek help, offer support to find a rehabilitation facility that meets their need, accept their insurance, and has a strong aftercare program. 

AUD affects more than 18 million Americans, and many nationwide facilities are dedicated to helping individuals recover from their addiction. At ClearVision Health and Wellness, employ diverse counselors and support staff to make it easier for our patients to relate to those helping them. We believe no one should have to worry about their language preference, race, or gender getting in the way of their recovery journey.