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One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from a substance use disorder is Thanksgiving to Valentines Day holiday season. If you find yourself struggling during these times, you are not alone! Here are some tips to help you from taking a first drink or drug.
 
1.Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday
Plan to spend most of the time with family and friends that are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA member with you. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking rituals.
 
2.Find and “Alc-a-Thon” in Your Area
 
During the holiday season, some AA groups hold a marathon of meetings called an “Al-ca-thon”. It is a time when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol and addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength, ahd hope. If you are not a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an “Alc-ca-thon” in your area.
 
3.Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends
 
Those who truly support your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns.
 
4.Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if you feel the Urge to Drink
 
Make a list and check it twice. Always carry your cell phone and your list of names. The urge to drink is very powerful and can happen anytime.
 
5. Don’t Forget about Regular Exercise
 
Regular exercise is an essential component of any balance recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.
 
6. Stay Away from Slippery Places
There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories.
 
7. Join us for an Alcohol-Free Event
We recently started a nonprofit for people in recovery, Grace & Sobrie-Tea. Please check out our website for upcoming events!
 

​ I received a DWI.  What do I need to do in to get my license back?

You must obtain a certificate of completion.  A certificate of completion can be obtained by: Completing a substance abuse assessment at an authorized NC DWI Services provider, and completing the recommended level of treatment or education (ADETS) at an authorized NC DWI Services provider.

I need an assessment for my DWI charge, where do I go to do this?

You must complete your assessment at an authorized DWI Services Provider. You will have the option to do this via Telehealth or come to the office.

What do I need to bring to the DWI assessment?
1.      Documentation of Blood Alcohol Content
2.      Citation
3.      Picture ID

How much will my DWI assessment cost?

$100

What requirements would I have to meet to be eligible to be referred to Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS) instead of treatment?

• You have no previous DWI offense conviction in your lifetime, and, you did not refuse to submit a chemical test, and your BAC was 0.14% or less at the time of your arrest, and
• Your assessment does not identify a substance abuse handicap (i.e. a substance use disorder, mild, moderate or severe).

How much does ADETS (education program) cost?
Cost: $160

If I don’t qualify for ADETS (education), what are the other levels of treatment that I could be recommended to complete? 

• Short Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum of 20 contact hours over a minimum of 30 days)
 • Longer Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 40 contact hours over a minimum of 60 days) 
• Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 90 hours over a minimum of 90 days) 
• Inpatient/Residential Treatment - (Minimum 90 days) 
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I’m still confused, what can I do? Breathe. Call us today and we will answer any questions you have, 704-782-3050.

The 508 form is the electronic form that is sent to the North Carolina DMV to show when an assessment and recommended education or treatment has been completed.  This form will include your arrest date, demographic information, your breathalyzer results and/or blood test results, and the level of recommended education or treatment that was made by your provider.

When your treatment is completed it is important you contact your provider with your conviction date if you had your assessment prior to your conviction. Your 508 can not be entered without your conviction date. When the assessment and treatment have been approved, the hold on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) will be lifted. The state asks for 5- 10 business days to approve all E-508 forms.  

Have additional questions? Call us today at 704-782-3050 or book an appointment now.  Inhale. Exhale. We know it's a lot of information. That's why we are called Breathe. We are here to help you with every step of this process. 

 On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of sobriety!
The holidays can be tough and full of triggers. You may be wondering how you can stay sober during this time. Below are some tips to consider.

1. Practice Self-Care-Don’t overextend yourself during the holiday season. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Maybe catch a movie with a friend, take a bath with your favorite bubble bath, call an old friend, write in your journal, and/or read a book.
   
2. Pay it Forward-Research shows helping others improves your mood. Possibly volunteer at a local shelter.
3. Plan ahead-for work parties or family functions-Show up early, and leave early. Drive your own vehicle or with a supportive friend. This way when you want to leave, you can leave.
4. Get support-Let someone know that you may need additional support during this time of year. Also, sharing what is helpful to support you. Do you need a phone call? Someone to stop by? A text? Let them know what helps you the most.
5. Avoid people pleasing-Being aware every time you say “yes” to someone, you are saying no to something else. Potentially the self-care time you wanted to take.
6. Think of all the money you are saving-Use some of that money to put away on saving for a gift you’ve wanted for yourself or maybe an upcoming vacation.
7. Ahhhhmazing-Think of how amazing it will feel to wake up sober on Christmas Morning or New Years Day.
8. No scary surprises! You won’t find yourself scrolling through your phone the following day, being upset at yourself for a text or a phone call you made.
9. Grab that dessert you wanted! Do you know how many calories you are saving by not drinking? Eat the cake!
10. Plan an extra holiday!- If you anticipate the holidays being stressful with various family members plan a few extra days for yourself. Maybe start new traditions with sober friends. Maybe a game night after the holidays.

Visiting North Carolina and received a DWI? We have over 17 years of experience working with out-of-state DWI cases. We are fully licensed by NC DWI Services. We are willing to assist you with your needs in a professional, confidential, and timely manner. Here's what you need to know:

DWI: Living Outside of North Carolina
If you live outside of North Carolina and:

1. Have been convicted of a DWI (Driving While Impaired) in North Carolina
2. Have been convicted of driving while less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or other drugs in North Carolina

You must complete a substance use assessment and recommended education or treatment to get your license back.

• If you complete a substance use assessment and the required substance abuse education or treatment outside of North Carolina, you must choose a North Carolina DWI services provider to review and approve it.
• It is best to contact a North Carolina provider before you begin your services.

The authorized North Carolina DWI provider will:

• Complete the review
• Process the information
• Complete a Certificate of Completion (e-508 form) to resolve the outstanding DWI offense on your North Carolina record

You should receive a copy of the Certificate of Completion from the provider to keep for your records. Call us today, 704-782-3050.
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Helpful links

http://www.nchhs.gov/mhddsas/services/dwi

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​The holidays are notoriously difficult for people who are still grieving the loss of a loved one. It doesn’t even have to be a recent loss-- this time of year is highly advertised as a time to spend with those you are closest to. Seeing that reminder in every print advertisement, on the television, in the displays of every storefront, and even in the songs on the radio constantly reminds a person of the one they lost. The grieving process never really stops, it only gets easier to deal with as the years go by. Feelings of isolation, guilt, anger, and depression can persist for quite some time.
 
Live the Hygge Life
 
You know that feeling when you are bundled up in comfortable clothes and wrapped in a warm blanket; you are sitting by the fireside or you have your favorite candles burning; you’re grasping a mug of warm tea and in that moment you are just… comfy? In Scandinavia, there is a word for that feeling-- hygge.
 
If you are having a rough moment, day, or even week, take some time to create a hygge environment in your life. Bundle up under the covers with a cup of hot cocoa and your favorite movies. Or go to a cozy cafe take in a good book you’ve been wanting to read. Finding hygge is about taking care of yourself, which is something grieving people often neglect to do.
 
Get Moving
 
We all need to exercise in one way or another. Exercise supports humans physically, mentally, and even emotionally. Modern humans generally live a very sedentary lifestyle which is unnatural for us. Taking time to be physically active helps regulate our body’s chemistry including cortisol and endorphins levels. It doesn’t have to be much-- just 30 minutes of light exercise a day. That can be as easy walking your dog, riding your bike around the neighborhood, or even doing a bit of gentle yoga for grief in your living room. This exercise is about taking care of yourself and your body rather than burning calories and building muscle.
 
Embrace the Season
 
If everything around you has to be so jolly-as-advertised, you might as well play into the spirit and take advantage of some holiday fun. Avoiding your feelings isn’t healthy, but the occasional distraction can make it easier to get through the season. Pick your favorite activities that are what you love about winter:
 
-       Go see a special screening of a holiday movie at the local theater.
-       Attend a bonfire or cozy up by your own hearth at home.
-       Spend time playing with your dog outside in the snow. Or just cozy up with your pet indoors.
-       Tour your city’s best holiday lights and decorations.
-       Listen to your favorite holiday music while you do things around the house.
-       Go sledding or ice skating.
-       Throw an “ugly sweater party” where people get to wear their tackiest holiday attire.
-       Bake your favorite holiday treats.
-       Volunteer with a local charity that needs extra hands during the holidays.
 
 
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The holidays are a difficult time for people that are grieving. We are constantly reminded that this time of year is to be spend with the ones we love, which can be a harsh reminder that one of your loved ones is gone. To help get through the season, embrace coziness with the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Don’t forget to take time for yourself to exercise. It only takes 30 minutes of light activity a day to help boost your mood. Finally, take advantage of all the season has to offer. You shouldn’t repress your emotions, but a fun distraction every now and then is fine.
 
 

Americans have a way of taking something cute and innocent and transforming it into an excuse to party. Perhaps no example serves better than Halloween. What used to be a holiday for kids to dress up in drugstore costumes and go door-to-door receiving candy is now a debaucherous occasion for adults. In fact, Halloween now beats out New Years Eve in drinking related auto fatalities 3 to 1.
 
If you’re going through recovery, you may think your only option is to avoid Halloween altogether. However, the feeling of “missing out” tends to make things more difficult and there’s no reason to deny yourself a healthy, fun time for all. Despite what college frat boys may think, Halloween can be plenty enjoyable sans alcohol and drugs.
 
Act Like a Kid Again
 
People love telling each other to “grow up,” but then they get sloshed and act like irrational, mewling babies. It’s a much better look to embrace your inner child on Halloween and focus on the wholesome aspects of the holiday.
 
Plan on wearing a costume! Whether you’re a Liz Lemon who wears the same Princess Leia outfit year after year or you’re a Heidi Klum type who loves to go all-out year after year, the joy of dressing up is pure. If costumes aren’t really your thing, consider decorating your place to make it more inviting for neighborhood kids. Just steer your mind in the direction towards making the holiday as it was when the only buzz you needed came from sugar.
 
Make Some Money
 
If you are lucky enough to have your own automobile, sign up for a ride share program and take advantage of the insane surge charges that happen on one of the most lucrative nights of the year. You can make big bucks while also helping people get safely home and reducing the amount of alcohol related auto fatalities. An added bonus: seeing all those drunk, obnoxious, messy people while you are clear headed will remind you why you became sober in the first place.
 
Celebrate Sober
 
If you have the itch to stay social this Halloween, there’s no reason why you can’t party in a sober environment. Some places of worship throw Halloween get togethers where families can celebrate in a safe environment. People from your recovery group may be interested in a get together where you can dress up and avoid temptation together. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone when going through recovery, so reach to those in your community and see where the (sober) party is at!
 
Time for a Movie Marathon
 
For many people, the best part of the Halloween season is staying in and binging scary movies. It gives you all the thrills of the season from the comfort of your own home. Order your favorite pizza or takeout and bundle up for a veg-a-thon. A lot of people have their go-to horror favorites (The Shining, anyone?), but if you’re strapped for ideas, check out this Paste list of The 100 Best Horror Movies of All Time. Even better, Netflix has a plethora of scary movies in queue. If streaming isn’t your thing and you’re a little strapped for cash, your local library should have of the classics for free… just be sure to get there early before everyone else snatches them up!
 
If you just love the experience of going to the cinema, many branches show double headers and special screenings for Halloween. October is also one of the best months for new release horror movies, so your options are plenty. While you’re there, treat yourself to popcorn AND a candy… it is a holiday, afterall.
 
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Halloween doesn’t have to be a buzz kill-- there are plenty of ways to have fun while sober. Embrace your inner child and embrace the candy and costumes. Make a little money and help keep people safe by driving for a rideshare. Celebrate with like minded people who avoid drugs and alcohol, or keep it chill with a monster movie marathon. Whatever you choose to do, feel proud for bettering yourself and your life with sobriety.
 
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​Often, counselors talk to their clients about being aware of "HALT". This is about being aware of when you are  hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. What can be equally important is being aware of breathing. Are you holding your breath, is it shallow? Here are some simple breathing techniques for you to build awareness of your breath.

1. Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”
Start in a comfortable seat on the floor or in a chair. Begin to become aware of your breath. Breathing in and out of the nose. If your inhale is the count of 3 match the inhale to the exhale. Begin with an inhale for a count of three, then exhale for a count of three (all through the nose). Got the basic breath down? Interested in more of a challenge? You can try six to eight counts per breath. The goal is to create balance and calm the nervous system.  

2. Abdominal Breathing Technique

Place one hand over your heart and the other over your belly. Breathing in and out of the nose. Take a deep inhale and imagine all that air traveling up towards your heart. Then exhale that breath back down to the belly. Take up to ten deep breaths.

3. Progressive Relaxation

Start at the crown of the head. Release any tension in your forehead, muscles around your eyes and cheeks while focusing on a nice deep breath. Focus on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Following that relaxing sensation all the way down each muscle of your body until you get down to your toes.
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