Keeping a Journal during Your Recovery: Organizing Your Thoughts as You Re-organize Your LifeRecoveryBy Promises AustinJune 11, 2012As you seek to put the scourge of substance abuse behind you, you will inevitably need to go through a period of intense self-reflection. Remembering the things you did in the past while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be a pleasant experience. But it is something that you will… Details
How Employers and Co-workers Can Spot a Colleague with a Substance Abuse ProblemDrug Addiction InfoBy Promises AustinJune 7, 2012While addicts can cause their family and friends a lot of grief, frustration, and aggravation, relatives and other loved ones are not the only people who are affected by the actions of those who suffer from a substance abuse problem. Employers and co-workers will also have to deal with the consequences of sharing a workplace… Details
Important Characteristics of Sobriety: Surrender and SpiritualityStaying SoberBy Promises AustinJune 5, 2012Third in a Series: Surrender and Spirituality We often focus on the problem of addiction more than the results of a successful recovery. True, sobriety is a wonderful transformation that showcases the beauty of humanity. However, the challenge of achieving long-term sobriety can seem unattainable to those who suffer from addiction. Addiction is a masterful… Details
How to Know When You are in RecoveryRecoveryBy Promises AustinMay 31, 2012If you feel like you’ve climbed out of a deep, dark pit and are just beginning to see daylight after treatment, it may still seem like you’re in a fog. You may very well be filled with uncertainty, even fear, over what you’re supposed to be doing now to help maintain your sobriety. This period… Details
Success Stories: “I Finally Found My Solution”TestimonialsBy Promises AustinMay 21, 2012The following story comes directly from a Right Step alumna in recovery. We hope that this story will inspire others who are addicted, and their loved ones, to seek out recovery programs like Right Step and Promises P.A.T.H to learn how to live life sober. “I started using substances at the age of 12. I… Details
The Risk of Addiction to Post-Surgery Pain MedicationsPrescription DrugsBy Promises AustinMay 11, 2012After going through the ordeal and possibly the trauma of surgery, you face another tough battle. Pain is inevitable after most surgeries and the more extensive the surgery, the more severe and long-lasting the pain. Together with your doctor, you must come up with a plan for managing your pain after surgery. This is important,… Details
5 Surefire Signs of Painkiller AddictionPrescription DrugsBy Promises AustinMay 2, 2012You may not fit the stereotype of the “typical addict,” but if you’re using prescription painkillers beyond the scope of your doctor’s recommendations, you may need to take a second look. Prescription drug addiction can sneak up on anyone – soccer moms, high-profile executives and even grandma or grandpa – often without their knowledge. Here… Details
When Your Family Has Turned Their Backs On YouPersonal ResourcesBy Promises AustinApril 23, 2012When we speak of recovery for a drug addict or alcoholic, this means recovering all the joys and treasures of life that were lost in the fog of substance abuse. But for those going through the process of repairing their bodies and regenerating their spirits following a bout with addiction, what they treasure most of… Details
Becoming a SponsorRecoveryBy Promises AustinApril 21, 2012The final step in the twelve step program states, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Whether you are recovering from an addiction to alcohol, narcotics, overeating, or anything else, if you have made… Details
Starting Over After You Have Lost Everything to AddictionRecoveryBy Promises AustinApril 19, 2012There is a common myth that claims drug addicts and alcoholics must hit rock bottom before they will finally be ready to get clean and sober. This is certainly not true of everyone; however, the terrible dynamics of addiction are such that many men and women caught in its clutches can spiral downward so quickly… Details