Through engaging in a 12-Step recovery program, we begin to feel a connection to a power greater than ourselves for the first time. This can alternately be described as a “psychic change”—our thoughts and behaviors have shifted to a point where we no longer feel the need to use drugs or alcohol. This “spiritual experience”…
Everybody needs a motivational boost from time to time. We can easily fall victim to depression or self-pity in early recovery that keep us from feeling excited about all that sobriety has to offer. If we can stay inspired, we won’t lose the spark that keeps us going in our recovery. Inspiration seems to come…
In a state of active addiction, we tried and failed to control our drug and alcohol use. No matter how hard we tried, we could not face the reality of the fact that we had lost control of our ability to use substances without our lives spiraling out of control. Surrender and acceptance go hand-in-hand.…
An entire subgroup of therapy has sprouted from an understanding of the potential for emotional growth through human-animal interaction. Equine therapy, which utilizes interactions with horses, has been proven to be effective in helping to treat ADD, anxiety, autism, depression, trauma, and many other behavioral and mental health issues. The therapeutic benefits of horseback riding…
Everyone needs to unwind from the stress of life every now and then. Making time to focus on relaxation and self-care can be crucial in recovery. After all, stress and anxiety were often major factors in our decision to begin using drugs and alcohol. When we take time for ourselves by engaging in relaxing activities,…
As we enter into a life of sobriety, it may be difficult to address minor aches and pains without the use of mind-altering substances. Fortunately, there are a variety of non-medication-based treatments that are effective in treating aches, pains, and a variety of other mental and physical health conditions. One of the most effective alternative…
Many people say, “Meditation is too boring.” They are under the impression that mediation means they have to sit in the lotus position and close their eyes and try to clear their minds. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. A great way to meditate is by getting outside and walking. Many experienced meditation teachers, from Jack…
Transcendental meditation has grown in popularity as more and more celebrities are discussing its benefits. The practice is a form of silent mantra meditation aimed at avoiding distraction and promoting relaxation and awareness. Transcendental meditation is described as an effortless form of meditation that bring about wonderful benefits with only twenty minutes of practice twice…
Many recovery programs focus on a spiritual experience as a necessary means of changing our thoughts, behaviors, and reactions in our lives. Some people experience a sudden and drastic upheaval, while for others, the spiritual experience occurs more gradually. While the experience may be powerful in momentarily changing our views, it is rarely enough unless…
Meditation is a great way to let go off the stress and anxiety that weighs you down. When we meditate, we effectively pull ourselves up from patterns of negative thinking and feel ready to take on the day. It may seem difficult in early sobriety to sit with our own thoughts, but once we begin…