Rock Steady

BY CAPUCINE HOLMES

There is so much going on in Las Vegas, from the lights to the parties, that you sometimes sit back and ask yourself whether it is real. A person can lose themselves in the fast pace of the limelight — overbooking, overworking, and running from place to place to soothe constant feelings of FOMO.

Reality does tend to catch up with all of us, and for some people that fast pace can lead to issues of substance abuse. And it can be tougher on women: studies from the National Institute of Substance Abuse suggest that women are more influenced to use drugs by drug-using partners.

Helen Hessel, who overcame domestic violence and substance abuse years ago, wants to highlight women who are successful in recovery. She founded the Recovery Girls Rock Community Development Corporation, to let them know that they can still stand tall and hold their heads high. We were privileged to be in the house for the organization’s inaugural retreat at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa — a four-day event featuring seminars, yoga, painting, networking, poetry, meditation, fireworks, banquets and more.