In November and December, during the six weeks from Thanksgiving through New Years, our schedules fill up with celebrations and festivities. While the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for some, it’s one of the hardest times of the year for others. For those with substance use disorder, the holidays often come with challenges. The biggest seasonal challenges are holiday triggers – a term that refers to any behaviors or activities that can tempt those with substance abuse disorder to lean toward substance misuse during the holidays. Triggers are something that all in recovery manage, but more work is needed during the holidays to minimize, address, and cope with triggers. And since knowledge is power, the first step in navigating holiday-specific triggers is … [Read more...] about Common Holiday Triggers & How To Navigate Them
Mental Health
“National Recovery Month reminds us that we are all recovering from ‘something’ and helps reduce the stigma attached to substance use disorders/addiction,” said De’netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House. September is National Recovery Month. During National Recovery Month, Sojourner House celebrates and supports individuals who are in recovery from substance use disorders and their families. Sojourner House is planning Yoga in the Streets, a free community event held in celebration of September as National Recovery Month. The event will take place on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Kelly Street (between N. Murtland Avenue and N. Lang Avenue), Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Yoga in the Streets will feature a resource fair of local organizations … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Celebrates National Recovery Month with Yoga in the Streets Community Event
By Lindsey Hayakawa Jan. 25, 2021 Self-care. Work-life balance. Effective coping strategies. Addressing harassment. All of these are crucial topics to discuss. And that they were, during “Women & Workplace Wellness,” a recent virtual panel discussion hosted by Ola Jackson, owner of Onyx Women Network (OWN). The candid discussion, sponsored by Highmark and Allegheny Health Network, took place on Dec. 29. “Our Women and Workplace Zoom event was so badly needed at this time. It turned out to be one of the most successful online events that we had. The response great,” said Jackson. One of the panel participants: Sojourner House’s very own Executive Director, De’netta Benjamin-Miller. “De'netta Benjamin-Miller brought so much insight to … [Read more...] about Sojourner House Executive Director took part in Women & Workplace Wellness panel discussion
By Katie Orr Sept. 30, 2020 Sojourner House friend Patty Jasko has spoken with Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS residents numerous times over the past several years, to share her story of addiction and recovery. Patty scheduled yet another visit - originally set for April - in February, before COVID-19 took hold of the world. But the Florida resident wasn’t going to let the pandemic prevent her from seeing, as she lovingly refers to Sojourner House residents, “my girls.” Via a Zoom meeting on June 18, Patty spoke to the residents about her own struggle with addiction and the ways in which she has overcome the battle. Now in recovery for almost 13 years, Patty started by admitting to the women that she “made a lot of mistakes that can’t be fixed,” but … [Read more...] about Long-time Sojourner House friend meets with residents via Zoom