Newsroom
The Council on Recovery places great importance on our efforts to inform the public about the prevention and treatment of alcoholism, drug abuse, other addictions, and co-occurring mental health disorders. On this page, you will find the latest news and announcements regarding our work. Read our press releases. Download our Press Kit. View our media coverage. For our latest blogs, click here.
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On our blog, we speak out on current events and important issues related to recovery, as well as provide helpful links to articles, reports, newscasts, videos, social media, and other sources of useful information. Here are some of the highlights:
Supporting Those in Recovery during the Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, a time usually filled with joy and celebration, it can also spark a range of emotions, especially for families navigating the complexities of recovery. Whether it's a loved one overcoming addiction, managing mental health challenges, or healing from a significant life change, the holiday season can …Read More »Maintaining Recovery during the Holiday Season
The winter holidays are usually a time of celebration, but for those in recovery, they can also bring added challenges. In this blog, we'll explore practical strategies for maintaining recovery during the holidays.Read More »Welcome Chief Impact Officer, Tracey Burnett-Greenup
We are excited to announce the newest addition to The Council’s Executive Leadership team, Tracey Burnett-Greenup, MLS(ASCP), LPC, who has taken on the role of Chief Impact Officer.Read More »The Council on Recovery Welcomes Community Service Dog
Meet The Council on Recovery’s newest team member, Emmy! Emmy, a three-year-old black Lab mix, came home to The Council’s therapist Sarah Myint, LMSW in August after completing more than a year of training to become a community service dog.Read More »The Council on Recovery Earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation
We are excited to share that after intense review, The Council has received a three-year accreditation from The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Since our founding in 1946, The Council on Recovery has been at the forefront of helping individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by alcoholism, drug …Read More »Houstonian Brené Brown Helps The Council on Recovery to Raise More Than $932,000
Houstonian and New York Times bestseller Brené Brown inspired a crowd of more than 1,500 Houstonians at The Council on Recovery’s 40th Annual Spring Luncheon on Friday, April 19, 2024. Co-chaired by Diane Erbstoesser, Pasha & George Joseph, and Neeraj Parasher, the event raised more than $932,000 to help individuals …Read More »Council On Recovery To Host Symposium On Co-occurring Disorders
February 7-9 Symposium to Gather Multi-Sector Experts to Confront Addiction and Mental Health Crisis & Forge Solutions The Council on Recovery announces their Symposium on Co-Occurring Disorders: Bringing Care for Substance Use, Mental Health and Physical Health Together, February 7-9, the first conference of its type in Houston to bring …Read More »The Council Joins Forces with Teen and Family Services to Support Teens and Parents in the Face of Rising Overdose Deaths
The Council on Recovery is excited to welcome Teen and Family Services whose central office will now be housed at The Council’s campus on Jackson Hill Street in a strategic move that will multiply impact and conserve resources. The two recovery-focused nonprofits will maintain their distinct identities while sharing space …Read More »A Conversation with Dan Cartwright, Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Since our founding in 1946, The Council has been able to continue and expand upon our mission because of the incredible individuals who have stepped up and supported us. For three decades, Daniel S. Cartwright has been one of those individuals. Dan began serving The Council as a volunteer shortly …Read More »How we’re combatting the opioid overdose crisis
The Council is troubled by the alarming spike in drug overdoses, which is now the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. After a number of recent losses close to home, we wanted to provide an update on our efforts to combat this crisis in our community. What …Read More »Comedian Craig Ferguson to Serve as Keynote Speaker at The Council’s 2023 Fall Luncheon
The Council on Recovery is excited to announce that award-winning comedian and host of the Late Late show Craig Ferguson will serve as keynote speaker at our 2023 Fall Luncheon on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Hilton Americas – Houston Hotel! Craig Ferguson is a multiple Grammy-nominated, Peabody and …Read More »Providing Pathways to Stability and Success with Navigation Services
Our Community Navigators are helping clients access the services they need to achieve their personal goals. For more than 75 years, The Council on Recovery has served as the place to start for anyone impacted by addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. We understand that we alone cannot prevent and …Read More »“Full House” star Jodie Sweetin Helps The Council on Recovery to Raise More Than $460,000
Star of the hugely popular 90’s sitcom “Full House” Jodie Sweetin inspired a crowd of more than 800 Houstonians at The Council on Recovery’s 38th Annual Spring Luncheon on Friday, April 21, 2023. Co-chaired by Kim and Kevin Boone and Matthew and Meredith Goldsby, the event raised more than $460,000 …Read More »How We Are Helping Address Texas’ Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
In 2023, 98% of Texas’ 254 counties are wholly or partially designated by the federal government as mental health professional shortage areas. Here's how we're helping address this crisis.Read More »Announcing Jodie Sweetin as Keynote Speaker for our 38th Annual Spring Luncheon
The star of the classic 90's sitcom "Full House" and recovery champion, Jodie Sweetin, will share her story of recovery at The Council's premiere fundraising event on Friday, April 21, 2023.Read More »The Council and Recenter Partner to Expand Access to Addiction Treatment Services
Discovering Choices is The Council’s outpatient addiction treatment program that serves individuals who may not have the financial resources to afford them.Read More »Event Recap: Lauren Anderson Inspires and Entertains at Council Fall Luncheon
Houston Ballet star Lauren Anderson inspired a crowd of more than 800 Houstonians with her reflections on recovery, parenting and the arts at The Council’s Fall Luncheon on Friday, October 21. Presented by The Moody Endowment and co-chaired by Chris Flood and Jenifer & Joseph Matula, the event raised $425,000 …Read More »Common Bond Creates Specialty Macaron to Support National Recovery Month
During National Recovery Month, Common Bond will offer a specialty macaron benefiting The Council on Recovery. A nod to the end of summer, the macaron features a vanilla shell, cherry limeade ganache and nonpareils in our brand’s signature colors. The limited-time macaron will be available at all Common Bond locations …Read More »Grief and Addiction
This blog post is contributed by Lori Fiester, LCSW-S, ADS, CIP, CDWF, Clinical Director of The Council on Recovery Grief is an often overlooked feeling in clients who are on the path of recovery. Research indicates unresolved grief can lead to addiction as the person searches to numb the feeling …Read More »The Origins of Co-Occurring Disorders
This blog post is contributed by Izzie Karohl, NREMT, Policy Research Intern SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health estimates that 45% of adults with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health condition. Because people with mental health conditions make up such a large portion …Read More »RECAP: The Council Recognizes Former Interns and Fellows at Reunion Event
Last week, former interns and fellows of The Council on Recovery gathered at the Hamill Foundation Conference Center to celebrate the impact and legacy of the Behavioral Health Training Institute, which has trained more than 120 Bachelor’s and Master’s level interns, recovery coaches and postgraduate fellows. We also recognized the …Read More »The Importance of Compassion and Connection in the Referral Process
This blog post is contributed by a counselor with The Council’s Outreach, Screening and Referrals department, which provides free screenings and referrals to detox services, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and other recovery options. A while ago, a client was referred to me from the Harris County Psychiatric Center. During …Read More »Combatting the Stigma of Addiction
We have understood addiction to be a disease for nearly a century, yet shame and stigma continue to keep people from seeking treatment and support. This has always been the case, but skyrocketing overdose deaths, substance abuse, and suicide rates both locally and nationwide renew a sense of urgency in …Read More »RECAP: Danny Trejo’s Story of Recovery & Redemption Inspires Hundreds at The Council’s 37th Annual Spring Luncheon
Actor, activist, author and restauranteur Danny Trejo inspired a crowd of more than 900 Houstonians with his story of recovery and redemption at The Council’s 37th Annual Spring Luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Presented by The Moody Endowment, the event raised more than $450,000 to help local individuals and …Read More »Addiction & The Family: Unwritten Roles & Unspoken Rules
This blog post is the second in a series contributed by Rachel Evans, LMSW, of the Center for Recovering Families at The Council on Recovery and Ashley Taylor, MSW, LMSW, of Heights Family Counseling. Read the first post here. When someone has a substance use disorder, the people within their …Read More »Finding Recovery at The Council’s Luncheons
The Council’s beloved Annual Speaker Series is more than a luncheon: time and time again, it has served as the starting point in a person’s recovery journey. It’s a big claim – and to the outside observer, may seem far-fetched. How could a luncheon be the doorstep to recovery? The …Read More »Announcing Danny Trejo as Keynote Speaker for our 37th Annual Spring Luncheon
The actor, activist, author and restauranteur Danny Trejo will tell his story of recovery and redemption on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Hilton Americas – Houston hotel. The Council on Recovery is excited to welcome Danny Trejo as the keynote speaker for our 37th Annual Spring Luncheon on Thursday, …Read More »Now is the Time to Address Co-Occurring Disorders
As Houston’s leading nonprofit provider of prevention, education, and outpatient treatment services for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, The Council on Recovery has helped thousands of people enter recovery and families heal. As a leader though, it is our obligation to do more than serve. We need to look …Read More »The Impact of Addiction on The Family System
The process of addiction recovery is rarely linear, nor does it only impact the person working to overcome substance use disorder. When addiction is viewed as a systems disease, it can be addressed throughout the whole system. By viewing this process in a more collaborative light, we are able to …Read More »A Message to Those Affected by the Opioid Crisis
This blog post is authored by Mary H. Beck, LMSW, CAI, President & CEO of The Council on Recovery Most of us are well aware of the opioid crisis facing our communities. We read the grave statistics about addiction and overdose deaths experienced by so many. Impassioned advocates call us …Read More »The Council Responds to the State of Emergency on Child and Adolescent Mental Health
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children’s Hospital Association declared a state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the inequities that result from structural racism. The Council on Recovery remains steadfast in our goal to …Read More »Do You Know the Signs & Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder?
The term “substance use disorder” is frequently used to describe misuse, dependence, and addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. While the substances may vary, the signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder are the same. Do you know what they are? First a few definitions: Signs are …Read More »The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 45
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 45 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In the aftermath of the fall of Rome in the 5th century and the loss of …Read More »9th Annual Run for Recovery Raises Money for The Council on Recovery
The 9th Annual Run for Recovery took place Sunday, November 2nd. One of Houston’s largest recovery events, the race attracted more than 400 people of all ages. Runners, walkers, and other supporters of recovery participated in the 5K run/walk (timed and untimed) and Kids Race along scenic Memorial Drive next …Read More »Rock Legend Alice Cooper Helps The Council on Recovery Raise $495K to Fund Addiction Prevention, Education, & Treatment Programs
Alice Cooper, the Godfather of Shock-Rock and Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer thrilled an audience of more than 1100 with his personal story of recovery from alcoholism and addiction this past Thursday at the Hilton Americas-Houston. In the process, he helped The Council on Recovery raise more than $495,000 to provide addiction …Read More »The Lifelong Quest For Sobriety…The Ultimate Hero’s Journey—Part 36
Guest Blogger and long-time Council friend, Bob W. presents Part 36 of a series dealing with Alcoholism and Addiction from a Mystical, Mythological Perspective, reflecting Bob’s scholarly work as a Ph.D. in mythological studies. In 1993, comedian Bill Murray stared in a film called Groundhog Day. It is about a …Read More »Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Remain a Popular Hallucinogen
Among the hallucinogens abused by those who have a substance use disorder (SUD), psilocybin mushrooms are still a popular source of getting high. Similar to other hallucinogens, such as mescaline and peyote, and known on the street as “magic mushrooms”, they contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin and are found throughout …Read More »2018 Houston Opioid Summit Creates Vital Awareness and Cooperation in the Battle Against Opioid Addiction
For two full days last week, nearly 250 leaders from across Harris County gathered at The Council on Recovery’s first Opioid Summit. In keynote addresses, topical breakout sessions, panel discussions, round-table discussions, and interpersonal networking, people on the front-line in battling the opioid crisis exchanged ideas, information, and experience …Read More »CDC Report: Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Women’s Health
Recently reported data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are shedding new light on the links between excessive alcohol use by women and the increasing risks to female health. Here are vital the facts from the CDC. Although men are more likely to drink alcohol and drink …Read More »Why Opt for an Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program?
Discover the benefits of an intensive outpatient program. Flexible, effective care helps you recover while maintaining daily responsibilities.Read More »
- Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino at The Council on Recovery's Fall Luncheon (10/9/2024)
- Local Nonprofits Highlight Recovery Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month (9/23/2024)
- Houston Recovery Community Raises $1 Million for Addiction Treatment with Record-Breaking Luncheon Featuring Brené Brown (4/22/2024)
- Council on Recovery to Host Symposium on Co-Occurring Disorders (1/30/2024)
- Award-Winning Comedian and Late Night Host Craig Ferguson to Share Recovery Story at The Council on Recovery’s Fall Luncheon (10/4/2023)
- Recovery-focused nonprofits join forces to support teens and parents in the face of rising overdose deaths (9/28/2023)
- Full House Star Jodie Sweetin to Share Recovery Story at The Council on Recovery's Luncheon (3/21/2023)
- Houston Ballet Star Lauren Anderson Advocates for Addiction Recovery (10/10/2022)
- Texas Bar Foundation Grant Awarded to The Council on Recovery to Support Services for Substance Use Disorders (5/5/2022)
- Jeff Bagwell Champions Recovery as Astros Advance to ALCS (10/13/2021)
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The Council on Recovery Appoints Mary Beck, LMSW, CAI, To Be the Next President & CEO (8/3/2021)
- Council on Recovery President & CEO to Retire After 28 Years of Service, Search for Replacement Underway (3/8/2021)
- Council on Recovery Opens Virtual Fundraiser to Community at no Cost (10/29/2020)
- Media Alert - COVID-19 Puts People in Recovery at Risk (4/17/2020)
- The Council on Recovery to Host 2020 Houston Vaping Summit (2/21/2020)
- The Council on Recovery Responds to Rising Trend of Adolescent Vaping with Specialized Services for Teens and Parents (8/21/2019)
- Rock Legend Alice Cooper Helps Council Luncheon Raise $495K (11/2/2018)
- Council on Recovery to Host 2018 Houston Opioid Summit (7/10/2018)
- Media Alert - Council on Recovery to Host 2018 Houston Opioid Summit (6/18/2018)
- The Council on Recovery Launches Free Counseling and Treatment Services for Those Still Struggling with Trauma from Hurricane Harvey (5/1/2018)
- The Council on Recovery Receives $375K from Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund (3/20/2018)
- Kristen Johnston Keynote Speaker at The Council on Recovery's 35th Annual Spring Luncheon (3/8/2018)
- Council Deploys Counselors to Shelters After Hurricane Harvey (9/1/2017)
- Back to School CEU Workshop to Focus on Vaping, Pornography, Teen Trauma, & Tech Addiction (8/1/2017)
- Rob Lowe to Speak at Council on Recovery's Fall Luncheon (7/18/2017)
- Bizarre Foods Star Andrew Zimmern Raises Nearly 500K to Fight Addiction (5/3/2017)
- Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods Star, to Speak at Council Luncheon (4/5/2017)
- Council on Recovery Launches Houston’s First Relapse & Renewal Clinic for Alcoholics and Addicts Struggling to Stay Sober (1/3/2017)
- The Council on Recovery Hails Surgeon General’s Report as a Critical Turning Point for Drug & Alcohol Addiction in Houston (11/17/2016)
- “Wonder Woman” Lynda Carter to Inspire and Entertain Houston Audience with Her Heroic Story of Personal Recovery from Addiction for The Council on Recovery’s 2016 Fall Luncheon (10/13/2016)
- Patrick Kennedy Incites a Packed House with Anecdotes on Recovery to Help Raise Over $450,000 for The Council on Recovery’s 70th Year (5/17/2016)
- Gov. Greg Abbott launches new 'One Pill Kills' video with Texas college football coaches (KHOU11) 10/4/2024
- Addiction recovery treatment aimed at helping Spanish speakers in Houston (KPRC2) 10/3/2024
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When Curiosity Kills Q&A: How parents can address fentanyl with kids (KPRC2) 3/21/2023
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KPRC 2 Investigates Stashed: Do you know where your kid's drugs are hidden? (KPRC2) 3/20/2023
- Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson (Texas Observer) 10/20/2022
- COVID-19 pandemic complicates opioid recovery in Texas (Community Impact) 3/16/2022
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Deadly Fentanyl contaminants found in various drugs, not just heroin (Houston Public Media) 12/9/2021
- The Council on Recovery's LaToya Shields on Whole Mother (KPFT Houston 90.1) 5/17/2021
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'Pandemic drinking' among women increases, survey finds (ABC-13) 5/4/2021
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Opinion: Address the link between substance use disorder and mental illness (Houston Chronicle) 3/17/2021
- Substance abuse counselors worry 2020 holiday season will increase alcohol abuse (Fox26) 12/18/2020
- Recovering Addicts in the Pandemic Face Another Hurdle - Isolation (Houston Public Media) 6/5/2020
- The Bigger Picture: 'The Way Back' Highlights the Isolation of Addiction (Houston Public Media) 3/26/2020
- Houston Organization Hosts Vaping Summit to Address E-Cigarette Use Among Teens (Fox26) 2/21/2020
- Houston Community Leaders of Color Talk Maternal Health: ‘From Birth, our Babies Face Discrimination’ (Houston Chronicle) 10/26/2019
- Coalition launches to help pregnant women in Third Ward, Sunnyside (Houston Chronicle) 2/22/2019
- Meth’s Resurgence Spotlights Lack Of Meds To Combat The Addiction (Kaiser Health News) 1/14/2019
- Senator Cornyn visits Council on Recovery to discuss opioid addiction (Fox 26 News) 10/30/2018
- Alcohol and Young Adults (The Buzz Magazines) 3/30/2018
- Over-the-counter meds better at pain treatment than opioids, new study finds (Chron.com) 3/11/2018
- How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? (Get Smart About Drugs, a DEA Resource) 4/13/2017
- National Opioid Epidemic Felt Locally in Spring, Klein (Community Impact Newspaper) 12/11/2017
- Cy-Fair Officials Examine National Opioid Epidemic (Community Impact Newspaper) 11/18/2017
- Drug-Impaired Driving Report (Governors Highway Safety Association) April 2017
- Programs Available for Those Struggling with Addiction, Relapse (Jewish Herald Voice) 6/15/2017
- Around H-town - KRBE's Freddy Cruz Interviews The Council's Lori Fiester (KRBE 104.1) 5/21/2017
- District Empowers Parents to Communicate with Students (Austin American-Statesman) 9/24/2016
- Kush is a Growing Problem in Houston (NewsFix 6/24/2016)
- $1.5B Powerball is addicting to some (Cw39.com) 1/12/2016
- Drug Addiction is a Family Problem, So Solving it Needs To Start in the Home (Chron.com) 11/7/2015
- Choosing an Addiction Treatment Facility (Journal of Employee Assistance) October 2015
- More Texans Seeking Treatment for Meth Abuse (Valleycentral.com) 7/27/2015
- More Texans Seeking Treatment for Meth Abuse (KHOU) 7/27/2015
- Sixth Annual Run for Recovery: Over 1,500 professional, recovering adult runners expected (Chron.com) 7/24/2015
- Researchers Find Startling Trend Among Pregnant Teen Drinkers (KXAN) 7/10/2015
- City Hall, Synthetic Drugs & Lacrosse: Thursday’s Show (Houston Matters 88.7 FM) 6/18/2015
- Stage Production Aims to Help Those Struggling With Alcoholism (Houston Matters 88.7 FM) 6/11/2015
- Local Students Witness Reality of Drinking and Driving (KHOU 11 News) 4/22/2015
- Restaurants Offer Mocktails for Alcohol Awareness Month (Houston Chronicle) 3/26/2015
- Report: Houston Region Students Using More Pot, See It As Less Harmful (Houston Chronicle) 10/22/2014
- LSC-Montgomery Student Organization to Sponsor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Series (Woodlands Online) 9/15/2014
- Americans Will Spend More Than $1 Billion on Beer This Weekend (KUHF NPR for Houston) 6/30/14
- A Music Superstar Opens Up On Her Fight With Addiction in Houston, Helps Raise More Than $500,000 (CultureMap) 5/12/2014
- Natalie Cole Shares Her Story at Speaker Luncheon (Houston Chronicle) 5/9/2014
- Natalie Cole Shares Secret to Beating Addiction (Houston Chronicle) 4/22/2014
- David Feherty Makes Alcoholism Real and Brings the Funny, Setting the Stage for a Surprise Celeb (CultureMap) 11/21/2013
- Local Golf Notebook – Feherty Raises Funds (Chron.com) 11/19/2013
- Ex-Pro Feherty to Speak about Addiction (The Houston Chronicle) 11/12/2013
We welcome press inquiries on all levels - from local news outlets to international press. If you are interested in reaching out to us for an article or an interview - or simply wish to get information on addiction and recovery - use our contact form. We also have a Press Kit ready for you to include in your publications. Check out our Resources page, for wide variety of information about The Council on Recovery and the people we serve.