The rise of intervention-based reality TV has created a false notion in the realm of substance use disorders and recovery: that a person must reach a “bottom” or the end of the road before they are willing to get sober. While it’s true that family members and loved ones should set and hold onto healthy […]
sobriety
Grieving Sober
Grief is one of the most unique and challenging things in any human experience. It’s often associated with the loss of a loved one or someone close to us, but it can also be experienced during any major life shift, such as the loss of a job or the end of a relationship. Within grief, […]
Hitting the Wall Sober
In regards to our ability to practice what we learn in recovery, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says, “No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. We claim spiritual progress […]
The Odd Man Out
We leave treatment and the world around us is exactly the same, even though we have profoundly changed. Leaving treatment and entering back into daily life can feel like leaving the nest, a scary yet freeing experience. The world around us still uses substances at social events and gatherings and it can be hard to […]
How to Find More Fulfillment and Joy in Recovery
People who enter recovery are often concerned about living sober and staying happy. Many have used substances during every social occasion and associate using and/or drinking with any type of fun. When they become sober, they may still attach having fun to substances rather than finding joy and fulfillment within themselves. It is a long […]
Why Gratitude for the Old Life Helps Build New Memories in Recovery
The only way to move past what was, is to focus on the present. Even though people hurt others, make poor choices, and find themselves at a crossroads in their lives, it is a huge accomplishment to have a goal of living sober and making it a reality. It is vital to recognize steps along […]