Since our founding in 1967, Duffy’s has consistently implemented and utilized the 12 step approach from Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs.
I have spent hundreds of hours sitting in AA & NA meetings. During these sessions, I have heard a thousand stories that are different in nature, yet similar in content. We are all addicted to some mood-altering substance and we are all struggling to get well. Making Friends in the Rooms In my neck of … Read More
“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” –Eleanor Roosevelt During a traumatic event in my chlidhood, a ‘horrible monster’ invaded my psyche. Since that time, I have always been quite the pessimist, often struggling from crippling … Read More
“Oh, Janelle, what have you done!” I fumed. As I sat in a large circle in Lakeside Behavioral Health Center trying to make sense of it all, I spoke with therapists, clinicians, and others. I struggled to even slightly alleviate the rage burning inside me. Anger first comes on in a flash of bright fire, … Read More
“Many people are living in an emotional jail without realizing it.” –Virginia Satir Anxiety, depression, tension, unhappiness, confusion, anger…these may be factors that cause us to drink and/or drug. I was definitely a ‘self medicator;’ using alcohol and narcotic pills to try and escape uncomfortable feelings. Finding Myself in a Prison of Addiction When I began … Read More
Rule 62: Don’t take yourself too seriously If you’ve been in the rooms at all, you’ve probably heard it more than once: “Dont take yourself too darn seriously.” We thought it would be fun to apply this principle to turning down a drink. Next time someone asks you to imbibe, why not try one of … Read More
In 2014, San Francisco had its first REEL Recovery Film Festival. We were thrilled to be a part of this pioneering event and also, to enter a film of our own in the contest. We were excited to release the Serenity Prayer at the festival, but didn’t know what the reception would be like. Would the story … Read More
“…to have a crisis and act upon it is one thing. To dwell in perpetual crisis is another.” –Barbara Grizzuti Harrison Being raised in an affluent area by parents who showed their love by doling out money and material goods, I was a young adult with a major attitude. I never really learned to take care … Read More
Maintaining sobriety through the holidays can be a challenge, especially early in sobriety. I know an “old timer” that says, “Going to a holiday gathering this time of the year in early sobriety was like walking into a college final exam. You can study all you want, but you still don’t know what’s going to … Read More
Some years ago I owned a restaurant. My produce supplier and I became fast friends, hitting it off right away. Sometimes on weekends, his wife would sometimes accompany him on deliveries. They both knew I loved coffee, so one morning they came into the restaurant and brought me a thermos of fresh coffee. They warned … Read More
“What then could be more appropriate than to set aside Thanksgiving week for discussion of the practical and spiritual values to be discovered in our Traditions?” –Bill W. November is Gratitude Month, a time to express our gratitude for sobriety. And this week is Gratitude Week, so let’s explore one of the Traditions: Tradition Five … Read More
