This is an exciting time–your loved one is coming home from treatment! But how should you prepare to help them? How will help them in this new recovery stage? What should you say to support them? What do you do if they falter? And what about all the practical questions–like job, hobbies, and events on the social calendar?
“Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” –Charlie Kaufman We communicate in many ways. We use touch to say unspoken words. Our eyes are the “windows to the world” and our bodies turn and gesture in an intricate dance of conveyance. Addiction found me sorely wrapped up in myself and my conversation topics followed suit—I talked about … Read More
“Imagine trying to live without air. Now imagine something worse.” ― Amy Reed, Clean The stairway railing splintered into dozens of pieces. Two holes in the bedroom sheet-rock and a kicked in door completed my tirade. Forever a pacifist, I was told that I had spit on a police officer and shouted obscenities from the … Read More
If there’s ever a time that it’s “okay” to drink, it’s on New Year’s Eve. Society seems to conspire around us to make that very point. Ads on the television, radio and bilboards along highways try to convince us that one particular brand of liquor or another will deliver us the greatest party, making everyone … 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
I began drinking in my early 40s. I was a wife and a mother . . . and a complete wreck. Depression and anxiety saw me living each day in a place akin to hell. At that point in time, I sought to do anything that would give me relief from those symptoms. Drinking worked … Read More
I recently got to sit down with Lia, a counselor at Duffy’s and talk about the ups and downs of dating in early recovery. There are so many opinions out there when it comes to romantic relationships in the program and her wise insight cut through all the clutter and confusion providing practical tips relevant … Read More
We asked one of our counselors some questions that loved ones of individuals in treatment will likely be interested in. I think you’ll find her answers helpful. Q: What can I expect from my loved one when he/she returns home from Duffy’s? Is there anything I can do for them? This is a huge subject. But … Read More
In nine days (September 3), more than 4,000 people affected by alcohol and drug addiction will gather on the west steps of California’s State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate their renewed life attained through recovery. The annual event called “Recovery Happens” aptly kicks off recovery-themed September as Californians from all walks of life come together … Read More
When the principles of 12-Step recovery began to seep into my everyday life, I also learned to appreciate how my new way of living had enabled me to cope with life’s other challenges. My earliest challenge in recovery was simple: not drinking. Nothing else mattered. I knew, that if I picked up a drink, all … Read More
