The Power of Words in Recovery – The Best of Excursions Magazine
We are all seeking pleasure in our lives. Especially those new to recovery. After a long stretch of misery cloaked in the “reward” of an addictive substance, folks who have quit their drug of choice are looking for the real deal. Listening to Our Readers… Many of our Excursions articles stand the test […]
I’m an Expert on Cravings…
The wall of words… I feel like I’ve become a bit of an expert on cravings. It’s been hard not to, given I am an addict through-and-through and my brain likes to crave things… How the Brain Craves… After I quit booze I became very aware of how my brain craved. I spent many, […]
Michigan Recovery – Hiking Your Way to Sober Success!
I was at a presentation last month. An august fellow in a well-cut suit was so excited about his topic (convincing us that voting to legalize recreational marijuana was a bad idea), he actually jumped up and down at the podium. DO (jump)! NOT (jump)! ALLOW (jump)! THIS TO HAPPEN IN MICHIGAN (jump, jump)! Sometimes I […]
I Am Wickedly Rebellious (Sober)
One of the things I love most about being sober is the notion that it’s a wickedly rebellious act. It is! Think about it. An alcohol soaked world… We live in a world that is literally soaked in booze. Every social occasion, gathering, celebration, achievement, commiseration, high point, low point and Friday night is […]
Toxic Masculinity – The Hidden Trauma in Men’s Lives
Updated 4/29/2024 Human suffering is all around us. We learn of untold, hidden trauma—sexual abuse, bullying, domestic violence, early and sudden deaths of loved ones, exposure to combat, life-altering injuries, etc. It makes us wonder how men and women survive and move on to live life after traumatic experiences. Heroic stories of survival and […]
A Firsthand View – Art Therapy and the Treatment of Anxiety
In group therapy, I ask members to “keep within their own experience.” No advice giving. No telling others how to feel. This helps create safety within the session. A college mentor of mine once said, “Never assume to understand the experience of someone else. Even if it’s one you’re familiar with, like sadness or […]
Dysfunctional Drinking – Am I Being the Fun Police?
I was scrolling through Instagram a couple of days ago when I saw a photo that a local celebrity had posted. It was of a takeaway cup filled with wine and the caption read: “Sneaking a light beverage into the school prize giving tonight.” The photo was liked by over 2,000 people […]
Boredom and Isolation in Recovery…
Yesterday afternoon at about 4pm I sat at the kitchen bench and stared off into space. I felt bored and restless. I would have rather been somewhere else. Working at an office in town maybe. Or out doing something – anything – stimulating and interesting. But because I’m a stay-at-home mum who works part-time […]
Why Did You Choose Alcohol and/or Drugs Over Me?
It’s seven o’clock and the school play is starting. Or it’s your birthday dinner with all the relatives. You could be sitting awkwardly with your boss at an introductory lunch, or waiting at the agreed upon spot for a morning walk. Whatever the commitment, you are looking at your watch with your heart in […]
Addiction Treatment Alphabet Soup – What Do All Those Letters MEAN?
I remember using acronyms in grade school to help me recall items for upcoming quizzes and tests. One of my favorites was “HOMES”, the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. When I got to college, I still made up acronyms to help me study and memorize for tests. While […]
