For some folks, the decision to abstain from alcohol is completely clear . . . there is simply no other alternative. But what about when an individual’s relationship with drinking isn’t as clear? According to author Ruby Warrington, being sober curious means “literally to choose, to question, or get curious about every impulse, invitation and … Read More
Change is hard. So hard that in the 1980s, Carlo C. DiClemente and J.O. Prochaska began making personal observations of the clients they treated for alcohol addiction. They noticed that people go through stages of behavioral change as they address their alcohol and substance misuse. This “Stages of Change Model” continues to be used in … Read More
Healthy connection is an important part of sustainable recovery. One way we can connect to others is by reading about personal experiences in the media. The New York Times has compiled a list of recovery memoirs, told from different perspectives, about substance use and journeys of recovery. Their stories are educational and informative for friends … Read More
Physical abstinence from alcohol and other drugs is one of the first steps on the road to wellness, but emotional sobriety, the ability to regulate emotions without external sources, is what allows for true freedom. This article tells us that “the essence of emotional sobriety is good self-regulation.” Emotional sobriety allows us to self-regulate without … Read More
The effects of substance use disorders can be generational. Many times adult children, whose parents struggled with addiction, will notice behavioral patterns in themselves like isolation, approval seeking, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment and fear of authority. The recognition of these traits often surface in treatment as people are working toward their own sobriety.
Sometimes people just starting on their path to recovery are hesitant to engage in 12 Step programs. This can be a significant barrier to healing for people seeking recovery, as research has shown that community connection is vital to sustained abstinence. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can support individuals as they begin their journey.
Substance use disorders are baffling, often times for the person with the disorder, as well as the people who love them. “Why can’t they just stop?” is a common question from friends and family members. People with substance use disorders also find themselves feeling lost and not understanding why they have put themselves in the … Read More
On occasion, we’ll hear someone in recovery introduce themselves as a “grateful alcoholic.” For some, this is a recognition that their struggles to overcome substance use have granted them a new view on life, which may not have otherwise been seen. Today, this unexpected gift of wisdom provides an opportunity to help ourselves and others … Read More
What is mindfulness? How does it relate to recovery? Very often, drugs or alcohol are used to either make us feel less or make us feel more, while taking us out of the present moment. Simply put, mindfulness is the ability to notice what is happening right now. This awareness can serve to help people … Read More
Upon first glance, models of addiction that view drugs and alcohol as the problem can be quite compelling. For instance, it is hard to argue that if there are no methamphetamines, there are no meth addicts. But what about the second and third glances? That is what the Hungarian psychoanalyst, Radó,* contemplated in a 1933 … Read More
