Many of us relied on drugs and alcohol to provide a false sense of happiness. The illusion was fleeting, and we spent incredible amounts of time and energy attempting to give ourselves brief moments of happiness and relief through intoxication. When we make the decision to get sober, we often have no idea how to…
Cleaning up our past and moving forward is a vital part of recovery. We must learn to let go of our previous lives in addiction if we are to be successful in maintaining our sobriety. Often, there are those whom we feel have harmed us, and moving forward means learning to forgive. This can be…
Sometimes the best thing we can do when faced with a stressful situation is take a moment to breathe and focus on the present moment. When we stay in the moment and accept the present situation as is, we are in less danger of building up feelings of anxiety about what may or may not…
The term “Higher Power” can be confusing for newcomers to 12-Step recovery. Upon first hearing the term, it is easy to equate it with “God” and religion. The concept of a Higher Power, however, is far removed from and religious associations. A Higher Power simply means finding belief in something greater than yourself—it can be…
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can be difficult to manage. We may feel tired, anxious, depressed, and have trouble staying positive. Being stuck in pessimism can spell disaster for our ability to effectively engage in a program of recovery, especially in the early stages of our sobriety. However, there are many ways that we can improve our…
Exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling task. You can gain all the benefits of powerful cardiovascular exercise through surfing. Not only do you work out your body by surfing, but you can also improve your mood, mental health, and reap all the health benefits of being out in the ocean. According to The Surfing…
Early recovery can be a tough time in regards to our physical health. We may have entered into treatment in a state of malnourishment, deficient in the vitamins and minerals that we need to feel happy and healthy. Exercise and a balanced diet are of crucial importance, but we may find it beneficial to begin…
Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that have proven benefits to the body and mind. It even has properties that can be preventative in the formation of certain diseases like cancer. In early sobriety, our health is beginning to be restored, and by…
There is a saying in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous: “A grateful alcoholic never relapses.” This is true for all addictions. When we stay grateful, we find that we are in much less danger of giving up on our sobriety. We stay appreciative of all that we have been given that has helped us along…
As men and women suffering from the disease of addiction, we have trouble appreciating the moment. Before we found sobriety, we were consumed by thoughts of the next drink or drug and developed a preoccupation with what the future may or may not bring that we became unaccustomed to living in the present. Early sobriety…