In recovery there are many clichés and phrases which are repeated often in 12-step support meetings. You may also hear these same phrases in a group setting typically found in an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. These clichés are often used frequently in recovery, because they mean a lot to the recovering person and are…
I am sure you have heard the popular recovery cliché, “Stay away from old people, places and things.” This statement is a heavily emphasized suggestion for any newcomer coming into recovery, because it is a strong belief that it is important to distance yourself from things that may trigger or surround you with your old…
When an individual is in their active addiction they are faced with a lot of consequences from physical to financial losses but also their support system and family supports are typically affected as well. When you are starting your recovery process this can be overwhelming in regards to focusing on not only making amends with…
So, you are wondering if the 12 steps really work? Well, I guess that depends on what you consider to “work.” In my opinion, I do believe that the 12 steps work, but I also want to define some things first before we get into why I think they work. My Old Solution The…
Dana’s Perspective If you’re familiar with 12-step recovery, you may have heard the suggestion from some members to stay out of new relationships within your first year. While this is not a requirement to find or maintain recovery, there are some valid reasons why people often make this suggestion. Relationships are not easy for most…
Having the task of planning a bachelorette party is a big responsibility, whether you’re planning it for yourself or someone you love. Maybe you’re sober, or the bride is sober, or you just want to have a bachelorette party that isn’t revolved around alcohol. All too often we see pictures on social media and Pinterest…
Obviously, the number one thing to do in order to have a sober bachelor party is to not drink, but can it be that easy? Yes, it can be very easy to celebrate someone’s bachelor party and still have fun without drugs and alcohol. Early in recovery it can be hard to think about those…
In the beginning of sobriety, trying to find fun activities can seem hard. Typically, this can be due to the fact that almost everything prior to getting sober involved drugs and alcohol. Now, you have to find new ways to have fun that do not involve any mind or mood-altering substances. Sometimes it can feel…
Entering into recovery for the first time can be scary, nerve-wracking, anxiety provoking and can sometimes feel lonely. We hear all the suggestions about ‘building a network’, ‘get to know people’, ‘let people get to know you’, as well as the ones about changing ‘people, places and things.’ This often feels overwhelming; especially when we…
There may have come a time where you were concerned whether it is for yourself, a friend, or a loved one where you question, is that too many drinks? Is it normal to feel the way I do? Should I cut back on drinking? Is it social drinking or is it more than that? This…