Addiction can affect anyone. We often associate addicts and alcoholics with those living on the streets, but in reality, drug and alcohol addiction can affect anyone. At Duffy’s we recognize the reality that your addiction has become a disease in your life and needs to be treated. Therefore, we embrace the medical model that your addiction is a disease, and we use the social model—which includes education, counseling, and peer support—to treat it. The following blog posts and articles are designed to help you to better understand the disease of addiction.
“There is a divine plan of good at work in my life. I will let go and let it unfold.” – Ruth P. Freedman CONTROL. I have always needed to be the one in charge, the one in the driver’s seat.When I felt in control of my life, I felt safe and secure. Nothing unforeseen … Read More
Recently, I had a discussion with a new friend. Upon hearing that I was sober, he asked, “Isn’t the whole AA thing a bit ridiculous? I mean, why bother?” It became clear as he continued that he thought that attending meetings on a regular basis, often for years on end, was unnecessary. “Go, do those … Read More
“Admitting that he is somewhat at fault, he is sure that other people are more to blame.” —Alcoholics Anonymous, The Big Book, page 61 My addiction was absolutely everyone else’s fault. If my parents had been more attentive to my emotional needs, if my husband had been more loving and if my friends weren’t so self-centered, … Read More
“Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead…” –Alcoholics Anonymous, Big Book, page 83 I often find myself baffled by all that I have accomplished in my sobriety. Now, I’m not talking about wealth or fame—I’m referring to a quality of life, peaceful days, if you will. I use the word ‘baffled’ because I was … Read More
Recently, I asked my adult son to tell me which time in his childhood was the best and which was the worst. First, he animatedly described a favorite, gleeful story. Then his persona changed. Feeling the Guilt of the Past For the worst memory, he recalled my period of alcoholism and drug addiction as he … Read More
Addiction is serious business. So serious in fact, that it’s often a matter of life and death. Part of the beauty of recovery is that, after the darkness of addiction, there’s hope and joy in the life. And because we’ve tasted despair, the hope seems that much sweeter. ENJOYING THE GIFT OF LIFE I think … Read More
If you’re reeling from the effects of addiction, it’s important to know that there’s help available. In fact, there are many different kinds of help to choose from. Some choose to get plugged into the A.A. program and get sober by attending meetings. For those who have been in their addiction for quite a while, … Read More
Leaving an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting about an hour ago, I feel so out of sorts. A Destiny of Despair A woman who is about my age, (59) had gone back to the bottle. In the meeting, she unabashedly shared “I don’t care if I am drunk. It was my destiny to be an alcoholic … Read More
Nicknamed “Silky,” William Silkworth (1873-1951) was an American medical doctor and specialist in the treatment of alcoholism. In the Big Book, we find his words in, “The Doctor’s Opinion,” pages xxviii –xxix. “…Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it … Read More
There are many factors that contribute to someone becoming addicted to a substance. While genetics play a part, environmental factors like personal experiences and physical surroundings also play a large role. Environmental factors can be a hindrance for someone even after they decide to get help. Overcoming the Environmental Cues of Addiction Simply put, it … Read More
