Words like “God” and “spirituality” can make newcomers to recovery run for the door. After all, what could spirituality possibly have to do with addiction recovery? The answers may be surprising. Spirituality and living by spiritual principles is a major part of many recovery programs. The concept is that addiction is a complex disease that…
There is nothing wrong with discussing one’s past during treatment and recovery. The problem arises when our discussions turn from a frank and honest examination of our past to romanticizing our addiction. Often, addiction has consumed our lives to such a degree that we have little else to talk about. When we begin telling “war…
We all have past experiences that we are ashamed of. Our lives were hijacked by addiction and we become selfish and self-centered, caring little for anything except our next drink or drug. In the past, we may have harmed others, ruined relationships, or done any number of harmful things to others. We may find it…
The first thirty days of sobriety can be the most difficult. We are in a position where we want to overcome alcohol and drug addiction but have yet to develop the coping skills and engagement with a recovery program necessary to live happily, joyously, and freely in our sobriety. The first thirty days of sobriety…
Improve Your Health by Going Swimming Swimming is one of the most versatile and effective exercises we can do. If we are lucky enough to be near a pool, the ocean, or any body of water, we should take full advantage of the work out opportunities offered by swimming. Not only is swimming a fun…
Fear is powerful. It can keep us lost in the past or too focused on the possibilities of the future for us to enjoy the present. When we overcome fear, we are able to overcome much of our anxiety and depression in recovery. Although we may never be rid of our fears, through recovery we…
Many people entering into recovery are conflicted by the prospect of giving up drugs and alcohol forever. They may recognize that they need help and be entirely willing to stop for some time, but the thought of never using drugs or drinking again can be a frightening prospect. We are taking on the lifelong journey…
There are many well known stories in Zen Buddhism meant to teach a specific lesson. One such story may be specifically meaningful for men and women suffering from addiction, as it deals with the power of habit and our inability to live meaningful, directed lives when we are at the mercy of our “habit energies,”…
Addiction is chronic disease that carries with it a high rate of relapse. What separates addiction from other brain diseases is the importance of environment and social context in regards to recovery. Recovery requires that one address physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the disease, as well as social factors that may contribute to one’s…
Addiction is a complex disease that affects one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. As addiction progresses, it is common for one to fall victim to depression and despair. Men and women suffering from addiction may feel trapped in the cycle of substance abuse and see no way out. They may think that their addiction has…