Recovery 101 Living Sober
RECOVERY 101: What are the Twelve Traditions?
The readings at various 12 Step recovery meetings are plentiful, regardless of the fellowship — but newcomers often listen to one of the longest and find themselves asking, “What are the Twelve Traditions?” Various Alcoholics Anonymous groups read both the Preamble and the Promises. Narcotics Anonymous meetings usually include readings such as “Who Is an…
Read MoreNational Recovery Month highlights a way out of addiction’s grip
September is National Recovery Month, and given the dire headlines surrounding addiction and alcoholism that are often buried beneath more urgent news items, it’s more important than ever to recognize it. National Recovery Month, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “is a national observance held every September to promote and…
Read MoreThe Aviation Family Fund lends a helping hand to newly sober aviators
When Dana Archibald left a drug and alcohol treatment center in the spring of 1998, he had his wife, Marcia, and his job as an American Airlines pilot to go back to, but not much else. He was grateful for it all, and more importantly he was grateful for sobriety, but life on life’s terms…
Read MoreRefreshment or relapse: Can alcoholics drink nonalcoholic beer?
Can alcoholics drink nonalcoholic beer? It’s a fair question, especially in the heat of summer, when a sweaty job of mowing the grass is often followed by the thought, “a cold beer would be nice right now.” And despite the trappings of alcoholic consumption — namely, to drink as much as possible, as quickly as…
Read MoreIs being sober boring? A look at life after addiction and alcoholism
No matter how much pain addiction and alcoholism bring to those who suffer, one of the biggest impediments to going to treatment comes down to a single question: “Is being sober boring?” It’s understandable, because even after a drinking problem gets out of control … long after casual drug use turns into a daily exercise…
Read MoreFive reasons why a sober Memorial Day is more fun
One of the biggest reasons those new to recovery dread observing a sober Memorial Day — or any big holiday, actually — is the misconception that sobriety is boring. It’s not true, but it sure seems that way sometimes. For many of us, however, the idea of a sober Memorial Day means being left out…
Read MoreWhat happens after alcohol rehab? Setting you up for sober success
You’ve made the decision to get help for a drinking problem, you’ve scheduled your admission appointment to a treatment facility and you’re already beginning to wonder: What happens after alcohol rehab? Ideally, of course, the goal is to stay sober — but just as treatment involves more than simply putting down the booze, staying sober…
Read MoreMay the Fourth Be With You! Examining ‘Star Wars’ and addiction recovery
Star Wars and addiction recovery may seem like random, completely unrelated topics, at least on the surface. After all, the former is a massively popular film franchise that’s become part of the pop culture zeitgeist over the last 50 years, spawning endless sequels, television series, animated shows, toys, games and conventions. May 4 is actually…
Read MoreErin go Bragh! Tips for celebrating a sober St. Patrick’s Day in recovery
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to spend a sober St. Patrick’s Day, there’s a simple solution: Just don’t drink. It’s understandable however that when you’re newly sober that’s easier said than done, especially when days like March 17 can be triggering because you’ve always spent them with a drink in hand. Of course…
Read MoreAddiction and Black History Month: Past, present and future challenges
Addiction and Black History Month aren’t exactly synonymous, but in a month set aside to “recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story,” [1] it’s a worthy endeavor to examine the ways in which African-Americans have been plagued by addiction, influenced recovery and address the ongoing drug epidemic. There are,…
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