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All of recovery, of course, is about starting over. But to start over means even more than giving up drugs, rediscovering a sense of responsibility and making amends to those
The majority of substance abusers retain some elements of “normal” life up to the time of entering rehab. Chances are that, treatment completed, you have a family, home and job
Research has confirmed that connection to a Higher Power is associated with better recovery outcomes for clients in treatment. But connecting to a Higher Power isn’t always an intuitive process
Regular exercise reduces stress and depression as well as improving overall health—and emotional and physical strength are powerful defenses against relapse. But if you have a full-time office job plus
“Logotherapy” is a school of psychotherapy that takes its inspiration from psychiatrist and neurologist Viktor Frankl’s (1905-1997) concept, “will to meaning.” Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, came
If every criticism cuts you to the heart, you may have a TTP (Taking Things Personally) problem. If you assume that everyone who fails to answer your messages is laughing
You think you know the truth. The truth is you know nothing.”– Harlan Coben With enough humility, you are teachable; without it, you’re stuck and you cannot grow. Of all
Relapse is always a danger for recovering addicts, especially in the first 6–12 months after treatment. Complete avoidance, though the best defense against relapse triggers, isn’t always an option, so
Life without purpose is like a body without a soul.” – Tasneem Hameed I’m now in the second week of my new job as a behavioral health tech. I’m finding
Just about anyone in recovery knows that relapse can deal a blow to your self-confidence. Studies have also shown there is a strong link between poor self-confidence and addiction and
The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it.” – Anonymous It’s 5:00 in the morning. It’s still dark outside, yet this is my new
If you need proof that sticking with a plan of recovery is a big achievement, here it is: just eight percent of the nearly half of all Americans who usually
What is now proved was once only imagined.” – William Blake Tuesday was the slowest night of the week, yet the parking lot at my AA home group meeting was
“All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal or fattening,” the 20th century American critic and writer for The New Yorker, Alexander Woollcott, once joked. He
For every fear that shakes your peace, for every night you feel alone, for every moment, you lose a little hope, there is an angel who whispers: “I am here.”
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson My mom is going to the hospital. She’s diabetic with
“Clean, as clean as I’ll be” croons the singer Martin Gore in the 1990 Depeche Mode hit — and the sentiment can resonate for those fresh out of rehab for
Lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at you.” – David Brinkley The life skills I learned from AA led me to successful living in sobriety. So
During the holidays, most people think about giving to charities as well as to loved ones. Since the best holiday charities help people help themselves, you may be able to
This month’s theme is about “dual diagnosis,” meaning another mental illness that coexists with a substance use disorder (SUD). The term reportedly describes roughly half of all people in recovery
Transformation literally means going beyond your form”– Wayne Dyer Just like a butterfly, I feel newly emerged from my isolated cocoon. I am no longer darting off to rescue others
Fans of early-twentieth-century American literature often choose this time of year to reread “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. In that story, a poor housewife sells her only
This month we’ve been looking at important milestones in recovery: sober anniversaries (and finding opportunities to celebrate them) were one; gratitude (and practical ways to cultivate it) were another; and
Did you survive Black Friday? Officially, the “black” in the name refers to “being in the black” economically, because it’s among the biggest business days for retailers and among the
The best way to find yourself is in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi I’ve just joined the service and I’m chock full of patriotic fervor. I’m happily sober and
