One of the most challenging hurdles for an alcoholic/addict, in early recovery, is overcoming the curse of walking through life with a distorted perception. Stress is the perception that more is being demanded, of an individual, than he/she can manage. Stress can be rooted in many areas such as work, finances, family ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: The Hardest Part of Recovery
Whether we have been sober 3 years or 30 days, most would agree our sickness is propelled by negative thinking and behaviors. The common connection between all addicts is our fundamental inability to deal with emotions. Many addicts turn to drugs/alcohol in order to escape reality and shift our thinking. Once we escape ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: Reconciling Regrets in the Search for Self-Acceptance
“...we can fortify and cheer ourselves by remembering what A.A. experience in this Step has meant to others. It is the beginning of the end of isolation from our fellows and God.” (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions pg. 82) For as long as I can remember, I always found a way to turn any disastrous trauma into utter ... Read More
Alumni Outlook: A Woman’s Take on Grief, Loss and Emotional Trauma
“Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” ― Leo Tolstoy January 6, 2013, was just another day, seemingly like any other day. After battling (what we all believed to be) the flu, I remember it ... Read More
Finding Happiness in Recovery: How the Ultimate Hype Girl Turned Her Life Around
My addiction gracefully led me down many roads. More often than not, I found myself in complete isolation and I reveled in the chaos ruling my thoughts. When the noise became intolerable, I’d be sure to hang out with the “trainwrecks”. A sick satisfaction and justification came with hearing the stories of the people, I ... Read More
‘Tis the Season: How I Turned Grief into Gratitude
Florida House Alumni Patricia reflects on her experience in rehab and it's meaning during the holidays. Patricia explains how she was able to finally deal with unsettled resentment with lost family members. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The holidays are supposed to be filled with lots of family, tidings, ... Read More
