What is addiction? And why is it often called a “disease”? How do I know if I’m addicted? Can I have a psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs, but not be addicted? When do I need treatment to overcome a substance abuse problem? Is there hope for me?
“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
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
“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
“…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
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
We’ve all felt the disappointment of one of our heroes messing up. America’s most recent scene of disappointment comes in the form of the arrest of 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps. Phelps was arrested for a DUI this past week in his home town of Baltimore, MD. Jail or Rehab? In situations like this, we … Read More
This September marks the 25th annual celebration of National Recovery Month. The simplicity of this year’s theme—“Speak Up. Reach Out,” demonstrates the community’s continued effort to smash addiction’s stigma. “Hi, I’m an alcoholic. But I still have a family, and love to play, and laugh, and feel valued. I’m no different from you, really.” Statements … Read More
As a child we accept most everything around us as normal. We just don’t know or can’t perceive the difference. Mommy and Daddy love us, only sometimes they don’t. Mommy and Daddy make sure we have meals to eat and clean clothes to wear; only sometimes they don’t. Mommy and Daddy praise my art work … Read More
In the first episode of The Grant, a series of short talks by Gene Duffy, Gene talks about cost of Alcoholics Anonymous. We all know Alcoholics Anonymous is a free program, but that doesn’t mean the program requires nothing of its members whatsoever. There is no cost for attendance, but there is a cost of attention, … Read More
The Serenity Prayer is both beautiful and powerful. It’s simple, yet so much depth is packed into those lines. It’s general, yet can be specifically applied to every struggle. The story behind the Serenity Prayer Every prayer has a story behind it. Most sources cite the original prayer coming from a man struggling to come to … Read More
