You’ve sent your loved one to alcohol or drug rehab. Now what should you do? How do you support them while they are in treatment? Should you visit them? How often?
For many individuals, struggling with an addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs can be a painfully lonely experience. A great deal of time is often spent acquiring, using, and recovering from the abuse of the substance(s) upon which one has become dependent. Additionally, those who are addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs frequently give up … Read More
“Giving, rather than getting, will become the guiding principle.” –Page 128, the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous I have mentored four women during my 15 years of sobriety. There is nothing that makes me more content than to watch these women continue to grow in their sobriety. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to … Read More
You’re a busy person—most of us are. You have a job, a family, a pet, a house to keep up with, and a long list of unchecked boxes on your bucket list. In short, you might not be able to take 30 or 60 days off from these responsibilities and pursuits to attend an inpatient rehabilitation program. … Read More
Obstacles can unexpectedly pop up during sobriety. But having the first three steps in place can give us the knowledge and the wherewithal to cope. Here they are for reference: Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater … 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
If you haven’t been to Duffy’s, I’d like to introduce you to one of our counselors, Christy. Christy is an art therapist with an incredible amount of wisdom. A lot of times, I think we view wise people as somber, quiet individuals who don’t enjoy life, but not Christy—she embodies fun! I had the opportunity to pick … Read More
Dear One, As you challenge yourself to stay sober, I write to you as a fellow addict. I am hoping to bring solace and a bit of comfort to your day. Of course, we do not know one another, yet we truly are kindred spirits. Our journeys are likely different in content and likely similar … Read More
Like so many things in life, the more effort you put into something, the more you get out of it. This is certainly true of group therapy. Whether you are in a 12 Step meeting or any other type of session filled with people dealing with common challenges. Ironically, the success of a “group” comes … Read More
Alcohol and drugs consume us to the exclusion of all else. Friendships become strained and broken because of our errant behavior. Professionalism at work disappears. Family ties are sacrificed for our own immediate needs. We come to the point where we have alienated the very people that we love the most. Eventually we find ourselves … Read More
In early sobriety, I was asked by my sponsor to write a daily gratitude list. I recall answering in this fashion, “Gratitude? You’re kidding, right? What do I have to be grateful for? My life sucks and you want a gratitude list?!” My First Gratitude List That first list was short and sweet: “I am grateful … Read More
