Living a life of recovery and sobriety can sometimes be a daily, moment-by-moment battle. Below are some posts and articles to help you realize a successful journey of recovery.
Addiction comes at a price. There’s no debate about it. But how much of a price? Addiction is really good at not telling us just how costly it really is. Addiction is costly in multiple areas: Financial People who may have a difficult time paying rent or buying groceries somehow find money to buy drugs. The true … Read More
Recently, I heard someone say, “AA is nothing but a cult.” Honestly, I had similar reservations when I went to my first meeting. Several AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) fellows introduced themselves prior to the start of that session and after a bit, I asked, “Is this like—you know, like a cult?” AA—A Fellowship One woman laughed … Read More
There are healthy and unhealthy ways to face our fears. Looking back, I realize I chose the unhealthy route. Drinking and drugging myself into addiction seemed to be my only option as I struggled with my adult boogie men. Yes, I was genetically predisposed to addictions, and I certainly had experienced my fair share of … Read More
[Dedicated to C. Greaves, counselor, who could confidentially say, “I tell people what they already know, but have hidden from themselves.”] As a young adolescent, I found myself to be the class joke. Overweight, awkward, tall and acne-ridden, I was prime material for that role. I suppose one could speculate that my classmates chose me … Read More
“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
We all know that excessive consumption of alcohol is unhealthy, but what we may not know much about is how to counteract the effects of alcoholism to enjoy a healthy life in recovery. We recently talked with Maxime Zara Stadlen, MSHN, a celebrated local holistic nutritionist here in Northern California to learn more about how … 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
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
I’m Patrick, a counselor at Duffy’s, and I’d like to share some observations on the topic of emotional maturity. I’ll focus primarily on the emotional maturity of two groups: The alcoholic/addict in active addiction. The alcoholic/addict in recovery. I’ll often hear that the emotional maturation process is stunted for those with addiction issues when they … Read More
