Northstar Recovery Center

11/10/2025

At Northstar Recovery Center, we believe that recovery doesn’t end at discharge—it’s a lifelong journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. That’s why our Alumni Network exists: to provide ongoing connection, accountability, and community for current and former clients alike.

One of the pillars of our alumni program is the weekly meetings, held at both of our locations. In Southborough, we meet Tuesday nights, and in West Springfield, Wednesday nights. Every gathering offers something meaningful: we celebrate sobriety milestones, hear from guest speakers, and create space for fellowship and support. And new members, whether newly discharged or current clients in early recovery, are always welcomed with open arms.

These meetings are a place to stay grounded, share your story, and build relationships with peers who understand because they've been there. Through this ongoing engagement, alumni stay plugged into recovery, reinforce their commitment, and also give back—offering hope to those just starting out.

Many of our alumni go on to become the voices of inspiration in our community. Their stories are living proof that long-term sobriety is possible.

Staying connected to peers in recovery is one of the best ways to keep your sobriety strong. Join us at one of our alumni meetings. We’d love to welcome you!

11/07/2025

Motivational Interviewing, or MI, is a compassionate, client-centered approach we use here at Northstar Recovery Center to help people find their own motivation for change. It’s not about telling someone what to do—it’s about having an open, honest conversation that helps you connect to what you truly want out of life and recovery.

In a Motivational Interviewing session, your clinician isn’t pushing you or judging you. Instead, they’re asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and helping you explore the reasons behind your choices and your goals. Together, you look at what’s working, what’s not, and what you’d like to do differently.

This approach is especially powerful for people who feel stuck or unsure about taking the next step. Whether it’s around substance use, mental-health struggles, or both, MI helps you move from ambivalence to action—on your own terms.

At Northstar, we use Motivational Interviewing throughout treatment because we believe lasting recovery starts with your own “why.” When you discover that internal drive, change doesn’t feel forced—it feels possible.

If you’re ready to explore what’s holding you back and find the motivation to move forward, our team is here to help guide that process every step of the way.

Learn more here: https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/therapy/motivational-interviewing/

11/06/2025

In many cases, addiction leads to financial instability long before recovery begins. Substance misuse can affect your ability to maintain employment, manage money, or meet financial obligations. But there is hope to be found in recovery.

Learn how to rebuild financial stability after life in addiction. This guide explores budgeting, credit repair, and mindful money management to support long-term recovery and independence.

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/rebuilding-financial-stability-in-recovery/

11/05/2025

Grounded in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone, we create a safe and empowering environment where clients can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. Visit our website to learn more about our addiction, dual diagnosis, and mental health treatment programs: https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/

Need help today? Call 888-339-5756.

A Guiding Light on Your Journey to Recovery

Specialized addiction and mental health treatment services in Massachusetts, providing personalized and trauma-informed care.

Start healing today: 888-339-5756

11/04/2025

By writing down the things you’re grateful for, instead of seeing only what’s missing, you start to recognize what’s still present and meaningful in your life. This is a critical perspective shift in early recovery.

Learn why practicing gratitude is so important, including a sample gratitude list to get started, in our latest blog post.

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/gratitude-list-in-early-recovery/

10/31/2025

Reminder: You don't need potions or spells to feel good tonight.

👻 🦇 🎃 🕸️ 🕷️ 🧙 🧛 🐈‍⬛ 🧟 🪦 🦸 🦹 🥷 🌕

From all of us at Northstar, Happy Halloween!

10/30/2025

Did you know there are 8,000-9,000 OUI arrests in Massachusetts each year?

If you get arrested for operating under the influence, both the RMV and the court system require that you complete a substance use or drug and alcohol evaluation with a qualified provider like Northstar Recovery Center.

Learn what that looks like and how it's used to decide if your license can be reinstated: https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/massachusetts-drug-and-alcohol-evaluation/

10/28/2025

Around 2012, the same year smartphone use became nearly universal, rates of depression, anxiety, and su***de began to climb sharply. For individuals already navigating mental health challenges, social media can intensify symptoms in subtle but powerful ways.

Check out our latest blog to learn if seeking help or taking a break from social media could benefit you or someone you love.

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/social-media-mental-health/

10/27/2025

The moment we stop fighting ourselves is the moment our recovery can begin. Accepting who we truly are (flaws and fears included) isn’t weakness. It’s the starting point for real change and healing.

10/24/2025

At Northstar Recovery Center, we know that when someone is ready for help, every minute matters. Our admissions team is available 24/7 by phone, chat, or email. We can even do same-day admissions.

When you contact Northstar, you never go to a call center. You speak directly with myself or another staff member who has been in your shoes. The first call is simple—we listen, answer your questions, and get the details we need to guide you toward the right level of care.

We’ll verify your insurance benefits and explain any costs up front. If your insurance isn’t accepted, we’ll help connect you with the best possible treatment options that your insurance DOES cover. From there, we match you with the program that fits best—whether that’s Day Treatment (also known as PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), our Mental Health Program, or, if medically necessary, detox.

When you join us, we work with you to tailor a recovery plan that is built to last, based on your personal circumstances. That includes offering support and resources for your loved ones, so they can walk the journey. Throughout the process, everything is confidential, supportive, and focused on getting you into care quickly, so you can begin recovery without delay.

Learn more about Admissions at Northstar here: https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/admissions/

10/23/2025

You may have heard the term “wet brain” used to describe the long-term effects of alcohol misuse. While the phrase might sound informal, it refers to a very real and serious condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS).

Read our latest blog to learn the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for wet brain.

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-wet-brain/

10/22/2025

Meet Karen, Clinician at Northstar Recovery Center 🤝

Karen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience supporting individuals as they navigate the challenges of mental health and substance use recovery.

Since joining the Northstar Recovery Center team in May 2023, Karen has played an integral role in helping clients take those first, courageous steps toward healing. She approaches her work with passion and accountability, blending Motivational Interviewing with a deep belief in each person’s ability to own their story, rewrite their narrative, and build a fulfilling life in sobriety.

Karen ensures that every client feels welcomed, informed, and supported from their very first interaction. She empowers clients to take an active role in their recovery journey, believing that true change occurs when individuals embrace ownership of their choices, understand their tools for growth, and commit to creating the life they envision.

With specializations in trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, and EMDR therapy, Karen is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and safe therapeutic space where clients can explore their experiences and rebuild from within. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Westfield State University and remains committed to providing evidence-based, person-centered care.

Outside of her clinical work, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring others in recovery, and finding balance through creativity and quiet reflection.