Harm reduction creates opportunities for positive change Having worked in public health for the last ten years, I have spent a lot of time talking with people—in meetings, work groups, task forces, steering committees, and workshops—about the negative effects of substance use. In addition...

I am a person in long-term recovery and work at the Bangor Area Recovery Network in the field of peer-based recovery support services. I am intimately familiar with the barriers individuals face when entering the workforce and/or while working to sustain their recovery. Among many other...

Providing support and guidance along your path by Leslie Clark What is a peer recovery coach? A peer recovery coach occupies a unique role in a recoveree’s journey. They offer coaching at every recovery community center in Maine, as well as increasingly in...

Spa Tech may be just the ticket Spa Tech Institute founder and co-owner Nancy Risley started taking exceptional care of her body and mind after having a near-deadly case of hepatitis when she was just 13. “I think when you have an experience like that,...

Wearing multiple hats The purpose of my job is genuinely to help people move on with their lives.” That’s how Alicia Smith, Probation Officer with the Department of Corrections, describes her job. She works in Portland now, having transitioned recently from working primarily with people...

Karen and Eddie’s story “Who do we turn to?  Who do we go to?” These are some of the questions Karen and Eddie asked themselves when their oldest daughter showed signs of addiction. They went through shock, anger and loneliness, constantly wondering where they had...