The importance of being connected with others in recovery cannot be understated. Getting involved with others who are attempting to recover from addiction is a great way to develop a support system that can help us get through the difficult times we may face in on our journey of recovery. Attending meetings, having a sponsor,…
DetailsMetta is a Buddhist concept that loosely translates to “loving-kindness.” Additional meanings of the term may be friendliness, benevolence, goodwill, amity, and empathy for others. Metta is a means of recognizing that there is a sense of solidarity in humanity, and approaching others with a sense of friendliness, consideration, and generosity. Recovery focuses on living…
DetailsMany men and women suffering from the disease of addiction have problems with humility. Our egos are often overblown and not reflective of the true reality of our lives. That is not to say we cannot be confident, but we cannot allow our egos or overconfidence to get in the way of our sobriety. When…
DetailsIn sobriety, sometimes all we have is our word. We lived our lives in such a way that our friends and loved ones have grown accustomed to our lies. They have heard time and time again that we are sorry and that we will stop drinking or using drugs, but we were never able to…
DetailsAddiction is a disease that entirely takes over our lives. We come to rely upon substances to control every aspect of our feelings. We use on good day, on bad days, on days when we are overwhelmed, and on days when we are bored. Using drugs becomes our only source of enjoyment and comfort, relieving…
DetailsPatience can mean the difference between recovery and continued addiction. When we are patient, we are able to stay honest, open-minded, and willing to go through the process of recovery. Without patience, we may be less likely to reach a point where we are able to develop all the tools necessary to overcome addiction. Patience,…
DetailsRock bottom is a complicated concept. Many people assume that rock bottom must include serious consequences such as financial problems, homelessness, and jail time or legal problems. However, rock bottom is a different experience for everyone and can be entirely internal. Peg O’Connor, in a 2014 Psychology Today article entitled What’s Wrong With ‘Rock Bottom’,…
DetailsPat Schneeweis, better known as Pat the Bunny of the band Ramshackle Glory, sings in the song Never Coming Home (Song for the Guilty): “Forgiveness from those that we hurt in this world never was guaranteed.” Schneeweis, whose struggles with heroin and sobriety are well documented in his songs, touches on an important note about…
DetailsWords like “God” and “spirituality” can make newcomers to recovery run for the door. After all, what could spirituality possibly have to do with addiction recovery? The answers may be surprising. Spirituality and living by spiritual principles is a major part of many recovery programs. The concept is that addiction is a complex disease that…
DetailsThere is nothing wrong with discussing one’s past during treatment and recovery. The problem arises when our discussions turn from a frank and honest examination of our past to romanticizing our addiction. Often, addiction has consumed our lives to such a degree that we have little else to talk about. When we begin telling “war…
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