Addiction is a family disease. When a loved one is suffering from addiction or alcoholism, the entire family suffers as a result. Living with a loved one in the throes of active addiction can cause untold amounts of stress, anger, resentment, and fear. If the familial relationships are to be mended, recovery is necessary—for the…
DetailsFellowship can be one of the best parts of entering into recovery. We go to meetings and are surrounded by others who understand the struggle of addiction and alcoholism—we realize we are no longer alone and can help and be helped by others who are just like us. Yet, there are times when we simply…
DetailsAddiction is a complex disease that depends on many factors. Many people who suffer from the disease of addiction have a parent or relative who also does. Addiction does run in families and there is a genetic and biological component to the disease. However, biological predisposition does not mean one will inevitably become addicted. There…
DetailsEntering into a program of recovery requires one to make a commitment to go to any lengths to achieve victory over addiction and alcoholism. There are moments, however, when we feel overwhelmed with mental, physical, and spiritual pain. These feelings are entirely normal and strike most significantly during the stages of withdrawal. If we are…
DetailsPets can be our best friends, and coming home to a happy animal after a long day can be a source of comfort and stress relief. Interacting with animals can do wonders for our attitude and help us get through tough times. Researchers have found that owning a pet can actually make us feel better…
DetailsCleaning 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…
Details12-Step recovery programs focus on the development and maintenance of a spiritual awakening and psychic change as a means of recovering from addiction and alcoholism. By having the vital spiritual experience through working the 12 Steps, an individual’s motivation, desires, and thinking changes—one is no longer interested in drugs or alcohol, and instead focuses on…
DetailsMany people entering into Twelve Step recovery fellowships are uncomfortable with the seemingly ubiquitous use of the word “God.” Twelve Step recovery, however, is not religious—the use of the word “God” is simply referring to the concept of a power greater than oneself. We realized that we were powerless over alcohol and drugs, and to…
DetailsDetox is one of the first steps toward a life of sobriety. It is the process of detoxifying the body of all traces of drugs or alcohol. Chronic drug and alcohol use can lead to physical dependence, and if we are to recover from addiction we must go through the process of detox, no matter…
DetailsSometimes 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…
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