Hangovers, Sober Mum and Cupcakes – the Best of the Sanford Blog…
In case you didn’t see them, these are the three most popular articles we have posted on the Sanford House Blog in the past three months: Hangovers: Why Doesn’t the Morning After Deter the Night Before? May 3, 2016 by Marilyn Spiller My favorite part about being sober is the morning. Especially […]
What is Recovery? We Asked the Experts – Women in Rehab.
There is no “correct” answer to the question, “What is recovery?”. In fact, the definition of addiction recovery is so subjective, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) uses 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery and a “working definition”. It reminds me of the pirate Barbossa, in The Pirates of the Caribbean. When […]
The Bahamas and Alcoholism – 36 Years Sober in Paradise…
When my dear friend Marilyn invited me to share on the Sanford House blog, I had to struggle for words, even though I am an author and writing has always come easy for me. Marilyn and I have a lot in common, but she was in active addiction when we met on a small island […]
Mummies’ Night Out – Booze Soaked World
I went out with a bunch of girlfriends last night. A big group of us mummies hitting the town for dinner and a comedy show. Pretty unusual for me to be out and about in town – let alone on a Wednesday night! – but yes it definitely happened. Walking through town I […]
5 Ways Cycling Improved My Recovery (and a Killer Muffin Recipe)
If you’d have said to me 18 months ago, I would be using a bike as my main mode of transport; I’d be cycling in excess of 50 miles a week, I’d no longer wear makeup every day, and my priorities would be eating well and getting enough exercise, I’d have asked you where […]
Run, Paul, Run! The Role of Exercise in Recovery.
I never wanted to run. My father ran for many decades. When I was a kid, he would come home, his face all sweaty, in defiance of his headband, and he would chase my brother and me trying to kiss and hug us while wiping his face on our t-shirts. We squealed in delight […]
Crying in Rehab – The Emotional Thaw
It’s springtime in Michigan. Early yet – the trees are budding, but there is still snow on the ground in places where the sun doesn’t reach. We all tiptoe around, hoping it isn’t a false spring, but knowing there will probably be at least one more “surprise” snow storm between the Ides of March and […]
Sober Sex Part Two: Who is this Stranger in My Bed?
When I look back at the two men I dated in the lacuna after my divorce and before I quit drinking, I actually have trouble imagining I was a participant. The choices I made in romantic partners, seemed to be based on how different they were from my ex-husband and how bad they were for me. […]
Sober Sex Part One: Inhibited and Tongue Tied
I have a confession to make. I felt sexier when I was drinking. That is not to say I was sexier when I was drunk, but I felt more attractive. And as a single woman, there is no question I was more daring, friendlier and more approachable. I haven’t had a drink in over […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How SAD Can Derail Your Sobriety
How SAD Can Derail Your Sobriety I got dressed this morning in my usual black ensemble with boots. It is October after all and autumn is my favorite season. I opened the door and a blast of searing, wet air enveloped me like a life-sized, airline hot towel. Mother Nature gazumped me once again. I’ve […]
