Coping with Boredom
By Tom Horvath, PhD Boredom is the perception of being under-stimulated. We all have optimal levels of stimulation (some generally want more, some generally less). Whatever your level, when you are not getting enough, you are bored (and when over-stimulated, you may be stressed). Boredom is often considered an undesirable state. However, let’s start with […]
The Year of the Dog – Movie Review
by Tom Horvath, PhD The Year of the Dog, a roughly 90-minute film, presents a fictional account of a mid-30s man and his early to middle change process out of alcohol problems. The story begins at the end of day 2. Matt has been released from jail, still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Over the next several […]
Addicted in Film: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate (A Review)
Addicted in Film: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate, by Ted Perkins A review by Tom Horvath, PhD www.addictedinfilm.com I have already provided advance praise for this book, and I am pleased to repeat it: [Addicted in Film: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate] is a must-have if you or anyone […]
Netflix Miniseries Mentions Rational Recovery
by Tom Horvath, PhD In September 2021, Netflix released a seven-episode miniseries that mentions Rational Recovery (RR) as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in episode II (starting in minute 46). Ironically, the mention of RR occurs in a very small (two-person) AA meeting. The pro-RR speaker is required to attend AA as part of […]
Staying Sober in a “Let’s Grab Drinks” Culture
By the team at Practical Recovery Separating libations from social situations in American culture is about as easy as separating hassle from air travel. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that alcohol consumption is on the rise in the United States, especially among women, older adults, ethnic minorities, […]
The Best College Recovery Programs for Students in Every State

A collegiate recovery program can mean all the difference to a young person in recovery. Having a program like this available on campus means they do not have to choose between recovery and a higher education. It provides students with an avenue to stay committed to recovery, while focusing on school, and having a community […]
Sober Things to Do in San Diego
Whether you’re new to recovery or have been in at it for a while, it can be tricky finding new activities you can do sober. The good news is, you don’t have to hole up in your house to protect your recovery; there are plenty of ways you can enjoy the sober side of San […]
14 Addiction and Recovery Movies to Add to Your Queue Right Now!
Revised and expanded from original Jan. 23, 2015 post on Addiction and Recovery Movies In early recovery, many people feel like they suddenly have a lot of free time that they aren’t sure how to fill. Movies can be a great way to stay entertained for a couple of hours… and there is no shortage […]
Party-Time: Enjoying the Holiday Party Season… Sober
With a little planning and strategy, the summer party season can be an enjoyable and successfully sober experience!
Tackling Boredom
3 Great tips for tackling boredom, useful info during the holidays, when we tend to have a bit of extra time off from our usual activities.