The Depression Spiral Dealing with depression and its everyday affects can be crippling. One of the things we have learned about is the depression spiral. It can take an ordinary happy day and destroy it within minutes. The sweaty palms, the nausea the negative thoughts, can intrude instantly. The key to this dealing with this is recognizing …
Recovering from addiction of any kind is a process that we live each day on an ongoing basis, seeking consistent improvement daily. Recovery is a way of life, not something you do once and forget about. Immersing yourself in your recovery, surrounding yourself with information and help and positive stories, and constantly learning to
Whether you’re trying to recover on your own and attending 12-step or are recently out of a drug and alcohol treatment center and ready to move on to aftercare, going to 12-Step is huge personal commitment. 12-Step meetings like AA or NA are one of the most common ways to support long-term addiction recovery,
When I first got sober, I wanted nothing to do with having a higher power. I loved alcohol, irregardless of the fact that it never loved me, and I took the high road and gave it up. I didn’t want to have to give up anything else. Why Can’t I Just Be Free? I
12-Step, or the set of guiding principles for self-help groups and addiction recovery first outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, is the most popular and common addiction treatment guideline in the world. Today, as many as 75%-95% of all inpatient treatment centers (rehab) in the United States offer some form of 12 step as
Choosing to step away from an addiction and into recovery is an important choice and one that will intrinsically change your life forever. Getting help means that you are deliberately working to build a better version of yourself, one unconstrained by substance abuse and addiction. At the same time, it’s important not to lose
Traveling while in recovery can be intimidating, especially when going on vacation. While many may see vacation as a time to drink and often to excess, you need to maintain your sobriety for the sake of your mental and physical health. However, being sober doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It just means you
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
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
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,
