Step 9 of all 12 step programs for addiction recovery calls for a complete making of amends to those who we have wronged through our behaviors while using. Not something that many of us look forward to, but a valuable and ultimately very
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7 Habits of an Addict About to Relapse
Many addicts in recovery that are nearing a relapse episode exhibit predictable and identifiable habits and behaviors before the actual relapse occurs. Recognition of these habits is critical in order for people in recovery and their loved ones to
Continue ReadingCan an Alcoholic Couple Help Each Other to Get Sober? Alcoholism and Co-Dependency
So you are an alcoholic in a relationship with another alcoholic, and you've both decided you want to help each other to get sober. How realistic is it that you will achieve success in attaining that sobriety? Whether you've been in your
Continue ReadingWhen Relapse Triggers Are Vacation Land Mines
Vacations offer a longer chance to unwind and a change of scene that can be difficult to capture the rest of the year, but they may also become relapse land mines to those in recovery. Vacations are not exactly stress-free anyway, especially when
Continue ReadingCreating Moments of Joy
When I was caring for my mother who had Alzheimer's, I got this book called "Creating Moments of Joy." It specifically focuses on being in the present moment with people with dementia and celebrating whatever happiness you can have, right
Continue ReadingDrug Abuse and the Gender Gap
Usage rates for prescription drugs continue to rise with nearly 3 in 5 Americans taking prescription drugs including antidepressants and opioids. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that
Continue ReadingBipolar Disorder & Substance Abuse – Dual Diagnosis
When someone with bipolar disorder also has a problem with alcohol or drugs, it is usually referred to as "dual diagnosis." It isn't known yet whether people abuse alcohol or drugs as a result of their bipolar disorder, or have symptoms as a result
Continue ReadingFinding Your Spiritual Self in Recovery
How can we find our optimum spiritual self in recovery? The answer to that is a process that unfolds before us over a period of years or even decades. Why is it like this? Because everything in recovery is essentially a process. Take, for example,
Continue ReadingThe Benefits of Sober Living
For recovering addicts who are trying to remain clean and sober the choices made upon graduating from treatment program can be crucial. Many people graduate from treatment programs and are then returned back to the exact same place and situation they
Continue ReadingAn Introduction to the 12 Steps
The Twelve Steps is the recovery program instituted by Alcoholics Anonymous at its founding in 1938. These Twelve Steps are "attitude adjustments," decisions to remake your life and overcome addiction. This process has become the basis for many
Continue Reading4 Meditation Techniques for New Meditators
Learning to meditate is one of the most important skills you can master and the sooner you learn to meditate the sooner you will gain more control over your life. Meditation in essence is about finding your inner peace but there is more to meditation
Continue ReadingWhat Are You Thinking? How Your Thoughts Affect Your Recovery From Addiction
What We Put Out Comes Back to Us The Secret addresses the idea of the Law of Attraction, which you may already be familiar with. This "Law" simply states that what we attract into our lives is a direct result of what we think about. It teaches
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