In our journey toward sobriety, we may find ourselves at a point where we feel as though we are just “going through the motions” of our program. We find ourselves losing the feeling of excitement we had when we first entered into our recovery program. Boredom was often a reason for our past use, and…
Taking a break from life is important when you are in recovery from addiction. It is hard work navigating this new phase of the journey, mentally and physically. If you find yourself exhausted, try giving yourself a break with these tips. 3 Tips to Having Fun Learn to Laugh Laughing has the potential to bring…
Control is a funny thing because none of us really have any but we like to think we have all the control of our lives. Addiction is about the false sense of having control when really everything is spiraling out of control. Letting go may seem counter-intuitive but is the only way to move forward…
12-Step recovery programs often refer to the necessity of a spiritual awakening or experience to maintain long-term sobriety. Carl Jung, as quoted in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, described the nature and importance of a spiritual awakening, explaining that “once in a while, alcoholics have had what are called vital spiritual experiences. To me…
They say that a grateful alcoholic never relapses. In early recovery, it’s easy to lose touch with all the things we have gained through sobriety. Showing gratitude everyday helps us stay mindful of the new life that we have been given, allowing us to maintain an awareness of why we made the decision to enter…
Poor money management and overspending can lead to lots of stress and anxiety. Stress can lead to addiction relapse. Learning to manage money wisely takes time. Addiction will affect so many areas of your life but if you are able to manage money better, recovery will be much easier to handle. Addiction and Money If…
After the perils of detox, a person early in sobriety may still have feelings of depression, anxiety, insomnia, loss of interest in things they previously enjoyed, and/or an inability to concentrate. These problems, coupled with strong drug cravings, may be overwhelming to someone early in sobriety, but they do get better over time. According to…
Self-Care Our goal in recovery is to get a new lease on life as sober, happy individuals. It can be easy in early recovery to develop routines around our recovery that take up nearly all of our time. Recovery should remain at the forefront of our minds, but whenever we dedicate all of our time…
The 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous states: “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs”. We are encouraged to carry these spiritual principles with us through our daily lives. The core principles of the program…
Strong communication skills are a necessity regardless of where you are in life. When battling addiction, substances can get in the way of really communicating effectively at work and with family. Treatment programs can really benefit you by helping shift your skills into a new gear. Learn to Listen During therapy and support groups, learn…