Sober Grocery Shopping (Without the Anxiety)
Sober Grocery Shopping – imagine this… You have been having a great day. You didn’t hit traffic that made you want to roll down the windows and scream. Your boss was pleasant this morning. You even planned a special meal the kids can eat for dinner – Zucchini Raviolis. (Yes, sometimes they can be tricked […]
The Legacy of Inter-Generational Addiction and Recovery
I was re-reading my last article on controlling behaviors, and thoughts about the inter-generational aspects of addiction kept coming to mind. Because so many people raised in families where there is addiction present, grow into adulthood and connect with people who have substance use disorders (SUDs). Inter-Generational Addiction and Recovery According to the National […]
Recovery Nutrition – The Rundown on Not Feeling Run Down
When someone begins treatment for a substance use disorder, “recovery nutrition” is not at the top of their priority list. The importance of nutrition often gets lost in the process of attending counseling sessions, finding local meetings, adjusting to new environments, and doing the exhausting work of forming better habits in every area of […]
Control Your Controlling Behavior! Family Recovery …
When most of us think of controlling behaviors or people who are controlling, we think of people who bully others. Folks who yell commands, behave in an overbearing manner or are just plain rude. We think of the obvious behaviors that catch our attention. In this article we focus on controlling behaviors that are […]
Family Member Recovery – Reactions and Responses
In my article, When Loved Ones Enable Addictive Disease,I discussed the idea of family member recovery and battling a person vs. the disease of addiction. I said, “When we battle an addictive disease process, we engage in purposeful and strategic behaviors to disrupt the process of the addictive disease progression.” Referring to family member […]
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 […]
