Am I as Sick as My Secrets?
When I was growing up, people minded their own business. We didn’t ask each other how much money we made, why we were a part of a particular religion, or who we voted for in an election. And we all followed the golden rule that “whatever is said in this house, stays in this
7 Tips to Stay Sober During the Winter
No matter where you’re spending the winter, the season can be a difficult one for anyone. With less sunlight, no leaves, cold weather, and often some amount of isolation because fewer people go out and do things, many of us are prone to depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder known as S.A.D. If you’re recovering
I’m Alone, Can I Stay Sober Over the Holidays?
For most people, the holidays are about spending time with family, being loved, and having fun. But, if you’re a recovering alcoholic, facing the holiday season can be significantly more challenging. If you’re alone and preparing to face Christmas and New Year’s without your family and friends, it can be even more daunting. But,
How to Maintain Your Sobriety Over the Holidays
For most of us, the holidays are a time of celebration and spending time with family and loved ones, or simply enjoying life with friends. But, for those of us recovering from an alcohol use disorder, the holidays, from Christmas to New Year’s and all the parties and events in between, can be more
Emotional Sobriety – Do I Have It?
I had no idea that sobriety was anything more than getting clean. I thought, “I stop drinking, and I get my life back.” I quickly realized, however, that abstinence was only the first step towards my happily ever after. Suddenly, I was being repeatedly slapped in the face with all of these emotions that
7 Ways to Deal with Cravings in Early Recovery
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol is a long, painful process, where your body adjusts to not having a substance. While the worst is over after the first few weeks, you still have to deal with cravings, which will range from mild to extremely intense. Learning to cope with cravings in early recovery is crucial
7 Ways to Have Summer Fun Without Using
Most people who have never used or experimented with drugs or heavy alcohol use would probably laugh at the idea of not knowing how to have fun, but for a recovering addict, that question is normal and natural. Drugs, including prescription medicine, change the way you think and behave, because they stimulate your brain,
5 Questions for Finding the Right Recovery Coach
Even though I had been sober for a significant period of time, I was still struggling. In fact, it seemed the longer I remained sober, the harder it was getting to continue to do so. Every day while travelling to work, I passed by my favorite bar, and my old stoner buddies kept calling
7 Tips for Staying Sober While Traveling
Whether you’re recently sober or have been clean for some time, traveling anywhere on vacation can be a test of your sobriety. Because many vacation destinations and even business events focus heavily on alcohol and drinking in social settings, traveling may mean being constantly exposed to temptation, being pressured into drinking by friends and
What is Refuge Recovery?
Working through a substance addiction often means seeking help, and part of that is finding a recovery option that works for you. While options like 12-step groups are the most popular in the United States, alternatives like Refuge Recovery are quickly gaining in popularity as non-theistic and non-12-step recovery becomes more mainstream. Refuge Recovery