Getting up and facing the new day may seem like a struggle at times. This is even truer for those of us in early recovery, especially since we haven’t yet become familiar or comfortable with a routine that helps keep us grounded in the principles of sobriety. While this can be a particularly unsettling time,…
DetailsOn March 27, 2012 I celebrated 5 years of recovery. I was addicted to drugs, I was addicted to alcohol and couldn’t stand to take another drink but couldn’t live without it. I showed up at Sundance’s door step alone. Everything was gone, I had no job, my house was in foreclosure, the power was…
DetailsDrug rehab – check. Daily 12-Step meetings – check. What’s next on the list of recovery tasks? Most experts advise, “Get a sponsor.” But why? And how? Addicts helping addicts is part of what makes AA/NA so effective. Sponsorship involves one recovering addict walking another through the Steps and helping them stay sober. A sponsor…
Details“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.” – Orison Swett Marden, American writer associated with the New Thought Movement (1850-1924) Has it ever seemed as if someone we know has an immediate future that looks preordained, that catastrophe and tragedy are surely…
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As 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…
DetailsWhile 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…
DetailsThird 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…
DetailsIf 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…
DetailsThe 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…
DetailsAfter 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,…
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