Attaining peace and serenity in sobriety isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely easier when life is going smoothly than it is during difficult or challenging times. At some point in your sobriety, you will have to deal with situations that feel overwhelming or painful. No matter what happens, you don’t have to drink or drug. […]
Staying Sober Through the Worst of Times Read More »
When you give up alcohol or drugs, you may experience a rollercoaster of emotions, especially in the early months of recovery. You may experience extreme anger, sadness or anxiety. Worst of all, your emotions may become extremely turbulent without warning. Since you have spent so much time and effort running from your feelings, it’s probably
3 Ways to Tame Erratic Emotions in Early Sobriety Read More »
You’ve made the decision to get sober, and now that you have given up drugs and alcohol you want to do the right things. In meetings, you’ve probably heard the saying “progress not perfection,” but somewhere deep down you might believe that doesn’t sound good enough. You want to strive for perfection. You’re afraid that
How Perfection Can Ruin Your Sobriety Read More »
When you’re overcoming an addiction, staying sober is a full-time job. Whether it’s the rigid schedule of a rehab center or your own internal battles with cravings, you have a lot on your mind in the earliest stages of recovery. But then it all falls away—fewer rehab commitments you’re just spending less time thinking about
5 Books to Read in Treatment or Early Sobriety Read More »
The weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year can be a stressful time for those in recovery. It is usually a particularly stressful time if you are newly sober and not accustomed to getting through the holidays sober and without the crutch of a chemical to numb your feelings. It’s a busy time full of
Getting Through the Holidays Sober and Sane Read More »
By Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW One of the most challenging aspects of getting sober, regardless of your drug of choice, is exposure to drugs and reminders of drug use in daily life. Alcohol, for example, is omnipresent. Characters in movies and television shows are often portrayed with a drink in hand. Advertisements make imbibing seem
Staying Sober When You’re Surrounded by Drugs Read More »
Holidays can be a risky time for people who are newly sober. Statistics show that as many as 50 percent of people in recovery experience at least one relapse. For many people, relapses can be triggered by family functions where alcohol is being consumed, making July 4 a day fraught with danger. On the 4th
Tips for Enjoying a Sober 4th of July Read More »
Weddings, anniversaries, graduations, job promotions, retirement, weight loss and birthdays – these are just a few of the occasions that are celebrated in the course of a life. Parties or dinners are given in honor of significant achievements and milestones. And it is a very healthy practice. But when a person finishes time spent recovering
Why It’s So Important to Celebrate Sobriety Milestones Read More »
Most people who end up in court and in front of a judge for drug offenses are addicted. The disease of addiction causes many people to make choices they wouldn’t have otherwise, to commit crimes in order to get money to feed their habit. Many also end up getting into trouble simply for possessing an
Going to Jail to Get Sober: A Desperate Choice Read More »
“We aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 132) Ten steps for making your sober life more fun and rewarding than the drinking days: Dive in head first. You can choose to stay aloof, sit
Live Sober, Live Happy! Read More »