Boredom was often a contributing factor in our drinking or using. We felt restless and discontent, so we filled our time with alcohol and drugs because we felt that it was the best way to pass the time. In early sobriety, it is imperative that we find healthy ways to fill our time and stay…
Everybody needs a motivational boost from time to time. We can easily fall victim to depression or self-pity in early recovery that keep us from feeling excited about all that sobriety has to offer. If we can stay inspired, we won’t lose the spark that keeps us going in our recovery. Inspiration seems to come…
We strive for feelings of peace and serenity in our recovery. When we are at ease with ourselves and the outside world, we don’t feel the familiar compulsion to use alcohol and drugs because we no longer need to “fix” anything in our lives. Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-Step recovery fellowship, open each meeting…
In early sobriety, when are brains are healing from the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol, we usually have to deal with problems relating to memory and concentration. Early recovery is a difficult time because we have so much to learn, but may still feel mentally “foggy” for a long time. Here are three tips…
Addiction is powerful. We can put together some time sober, but inevitably the urge to pick up a drink or a drug strikes us. In early recovery, this is a constant source of anxiety, agitation, and worry. We must remember that cravings are temporary. If we can get through the moment of obsession without drinking…
Addiction diminished our ability to properly communicate with others. When we enter into treatment, we may feel overwhelmed by strong emotions and unable or unwilling to properly communicate our needs. If we want the best possible outcome from our time in treatment, however, we must be willing to open up and effectively communicate with others.…
We were always playing a character in our addiction. Our walls went up and we chose what to let other see, rarely giving anyone a glimpse at our true self. Alcohol and drugs allowed us to feel comfortable with ourselves for a brief moment in time, but when we were not using, we could rarely…
Before sobriety, we rarely gave much thought to taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasure of life. However, in recovery we begin to take notice of the small joys and beauty in our lives. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness of the present moment allows us to feel better and carry a sense of awe with…
Everyone is concerned with their appearance. In active addiction, we are often unable to see the damage we have caused to our looks. It can be quite a blow to finally see ourselves the way that others have seen us. The natural progression of sobriety usually repairs the harm we have done to our appearance.…
12-Step recovery programs focus on spirituality as a tool to achieving sobriety. Newcomers to 12-Step recovery programs often see the word “God” and assume that the program must be religious in nature. While spirituality and a belief in a higher power are necessary to the program, there is a strong distinction between “spiritual” and “religious”.…