Early recovery from addiction will take some drastic life changes, and you'll likely still feel those familiar urges to go out with friends "just like old times." In recovery, we're told to be especially careful in social situations, especially those with friends who are still entrenched in your old lifestyle or in ... Read More
Step 12 of AA: Sharing Your Spiritual Awakening With Others
What Is the 12-Step Program? Originally described in a book called Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism (1939), the 12-step program consists of a set of precepts guiding substance abusers towards achieving a sober life. Some of these precepts include admitting ... Read More
Helpful Parenting Tips for Dads in Early Recovery: How to Reconnect with Your Child After Rehab
Leaving behind addiction and entering the world of sobriety is a unique experience. The truth of the thoughts, feelings, justifications and activities maintained during the height of addiction become clear as the fog lifts, leaving many people with a new and often harsh perspective on life. The toxicity of habits and ... Read More
How Drug Use Impacts Your Family: An Intimate Look at the Fallout of Addiction
People who take drugs often tell themselves their addiction doesn’t affect anyone other than themselves. Consumed by alcohol or drug abuse, the user typically doesn’t see how their behavior has far-reaching impacts. According to the Chicago Tribune, drug use by family members not only affects the abuser and their ... Read More
An Essential Survival Guide for Your First Weeks Sober
Staying sober is one of the most challenging steps you’ll take on the path to long-term success. The rate of relapse is high, as much as 40 percent according to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse. Yet, with the right tool kit and resources, you may find it's possible for you to stay the course. The Seriousness of ... Read More
Step 11 of AA.: Deepening Your Connection with a Higher Power
Updated July 19, 2023 In Step 10 the 12 steps of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, you're taught the value of looking internally and trying to react to the world with grace and humility. This makes Step 11 a natural next phase in recovery. After finding the grace to admit your wrongs, this ... Read More
Step 7 – Removing Our Defects: The Ask That Takes Guts
Step 7 of AA is about committing to a new way of living. It doesn't mean changing fundamentally who you are: you have a personality, spirit, and history that is uniquely you, and getting sober doesn't change that. In fact, working through the 12 steps and seeking a drug- or alcohol-free lifestyle helps you live a life ... Read More
How to Make the Most of Group Therapy: Topics That Get Addressed
In a group setting, you come together with others who understand your problems and know what you are experiencing. You can benefit most from group therapy and feel comfortable getting the help you need if you put time and effort into the process. The Advantages of Group Therapy Group therapy is a popular source of ... Read More