Medication-Assisted Treatment – Busting the Myths
When managing addiction, many people fear the judgement of others for their choices about treatment decisions. There are multiple ways to approach recovery. And medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a viable and appropriate choice for some. You and your treatment team will decide which course of action is best for you. When talking with others you […]
Counselor Self-Care: Protecting the Instruments of Healing
When I was a newly graduated counselor, over thirty years ago, I took my first job in an outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center. I remember my feelings of anxiety upon seeing my first clients. And I wondered, “What treatment modality should I apply?” I also worried, “Are my listening skills adequate and professional?” […]
Sober Dating? How on Earth Do I Master Relationships?
Life as a single sober person can be difficult. And sober dating? Fellowship meetings are not social clubs, and I tend to focus on recovery and helping others while there. So it’s difficult to meet someone (although it does happen). I am also acutely aware that many of my fellows share stories of partners who […]
Recovery Kayaking – The Uncomplicated Joy
Sobriety, once you get the hang of it, makes life uncomplicated. Take kayaking for example. In my active addiction, a kayaking trip would have been an elaborate affair. I would leave the sunblock, water and bug spray behind, but stockpile wine in plastic water bottles. My balance was so bad, I would never have been […]
Quit Brooding – Be Happy in Recovery!
I’ve been feeling down lately. I won’t burden you with the details. And sure, there’s nothing wrong with feeling down. I practice coping skills to move through the rough parts: physical exercise, following a routine, and asking for help. I’m also fortunate to have a handful of folks who bestow help when I ask. Sometimes […]
My Drinking Dreams – They’re a Nightmare!
I get so much out of living my life sober. And I am really working towards happiness and fulfillment. I feel like I am on the precipice of something or someone. But I haven’t quite worked out what or who. I suspect this is my spiritual awakening to a new life. And this time it […]
Fostering Feelings of Awe in Group Therapy
Updated 2/15/2025 Michiganders have always been my favorite group of people for many reasons. First, I LOVE the way that Michiganders love their state. From Detroit to Grand Rapids, Traverse City, to the Upper Peninsula – you would be hard-pressed to find a Michigander who did not endorse and thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty of […]
I Went to Detox – Do I Still Need Addiction Treatment Dear Rae?
Dear Rae: I just got out of Detox and I feel pretty solid. Do I still need to go to an addiction treatment program? L.J. Dear L.J: In a word, yes. You need some type of addiction treatment program or intensive therapy after a stay in a detox unit. The purpose of detox is to […]
When Loved Ones Enable Addictive Disease
In the world of addiction, to “enable” means to assist the progression of the disease by interfering with the natural consequences of addictive behaviors. As you are reading this, you’re probably thinking, “Why would anyone enable addictive disease? Make the situation worse?” Unfortunately, and often very unintentionally, family members dealing with addictive behaviors, do just […]
What is Early Recovery? And When Do I Graduate?
I was hiking with a group of people who are new to recovery. And out of the blue, one of them asked, “What’s early recovery?” Before I could answer, someone else said, “Yeah. What is early recovery and how do I get out of it?” Still a third said, “I have a friend […]
