Many people tend to relate religion to 12-Step programs. While religion may factor into some, these programs are much more spiritual than they are religious. 12-Step programs involve surrendering and admitting your powerlessness over your addiction and your need for external help. Although there have been many misconceptions regarding 12-Step programs, they can be beneficial…
From sand volleyball and biking to cooking or making music, experiential therapy is a transformative experience that helps one find their authentic self. Practicing new hobbies and skills can provide you with the opportunity to discover a new side of yourself while serving as a therapeutic method to continue your recovery. The combination of conventional…
There is a book titled, A New Pair of Glasses, by Chuck Chamberlain. Chuck C. was an influential member of Alcoholics Anonymous leading up to his passing in 1984. The message in this text is that, in recovery, we have the opportunity to see life through a new lens every day. No day is exactly…
Healing from substance use disorder (SUD) involves emotional ups and downs. Some people feel uncomfortable during quiet moments because they have become used to constant emotional drama. Recovery requires finding balance, emotional stability, purpose, and peace within a sober space. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation states, “By practicing mindfulness to savor everyday pleasant activities, an individual…
Founder of the Franciscan Order, Francis of Assisi, once said, “It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.” Many people believe that recovery cannot be fully achieved without forgiveness. There is a saying in the “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous that refers to the dangers of resentment. To paraphrase, it is like hitting yourself in…
By the time many people reach an advanced age, they begin taking prescription medication. It’s now common even for people in their thirties to be on several prescription drugs, which often are added to throughout the years. This leads to the view that taking highly addictive prescription drugs (including opioids) is simply another part of…
Now and again, everyone can get a bit down. Life circumstances do not always go the way we want them to. Sometimes the car will break down unexpectedly, or we do not get the promotion we are seeking. However, when sadness persists and does not go away easily, you may be experiencing signs of a…
For many years, substance abuse was only seen as a male problem. While men have higher rates of substance abuse, women still face the challenges of drug and alcohol use and ultimately addiction. There are many unique challenges and barriers that women specifically face when battling a drug addiction that need to be addressed when…
There is something about being outdoors, surrounded by the raw wonder of nature, that can heal many afflictions. Many people with all sorts of mental and physical problems find it beneficial to get outside for a few minutes for some fresh air and natural light. For those suffering from the effects of substance abuse, nature…
When you choose to commit your life to recovery, there are bound to be bumps in the road. There will always be inevitable struggle and stress from time to time, especially when you find yourself in situations where drug and alcohol use is normalized. If you’ve completed a treatment program, you have likely been taught…