When we first realized that our drinking has gotten out of control, many of us searched for excuses rather than admit that we were suffering from alcoholism. We felt as though our loss of control...
Welcome to the Oceanfront Recovery Blog
Ramana Maharshi, Hindu sage and jivanmukta, once said, “There is nothing wrong with seeking happiness. It is our birthright. The problem is where we look for it: outside of us instead of inside.”...
Many of our addictions progressed to the point of using hard drugs, like heroin or cocaine, and we are left wondering if it would be possible to return to the point where we were using “softer”...
One of the greatest fears for anyone in recovery is that of judgement. Many of us spent a long time wearing masks or cultivating a persona to keep others from judging us. It can be hard to shake...
The recent decriminalization of marijuana in many states has led to many people to the conclusion that marijuana is a safe a non-addicting drug. Although the addictive potential of marijuana is not...
The first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” What, then, does it mean to lose manageability in one’s life? Most...
Our decision not to use mind or mood-altering substances is no reason to allow our health to suffer. Physicians have our best interest in mind, but it is our responsibility to openly communicate...
In treatment, we may feel shame for the feelings that we are experiencing. However, we need to recognize that our depression, loneliness, and regret are not unique. Nearly everyone who has overcome...
When a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, we want to be as supportive as possible. However, sometimes our love can cause us to hurt them rather than help them. Our attempts to...
Feelings of depression are very likely during withdrawal and the early stages of sobriety. It is important to speak with a professional about feelings of depression to determine the best course to...