Dating Under the InfluenceDrug Addiction InfoBy PromisesFebruary 25, 2016Most of us know “DUI” stands for “driving under the influence.” But the acronym has another meaning, one with consequences that rival the damage done when one gets behind the wheel impaired. Although dating under the influence doesn’t cause motor vehicle accidents, it certainly can run your personal life off the road. One study suggests…
How to Make a Plan for Life After RehabRecoveryBy PromisesJanuary 28, 2016Life after rehab is fraught with risk, but it can also be a joyful time of new beginnings. To avoid the negative outcomes, like relapsing, and to fully embrace your new life of sobriety, it’s important to make a plan. Perhaps the most dangerous way to approach recovery is to wing it. With a formal…
The Link Between Substance Abuse and a Bad DietPersonal ResourcesBy PromisesDecember 31, 2015An unhealthy diet or substance abuse problem can quickly derail one’s well-being. But few people understand the relationship between the two. To gain some insight into how a bad diet and substance abuse relate to each other, I spoke with Keith Kantor, PhD, and expert in nutritional science and naturopathic medicine. Dr. Kantor, who frequently…
4 Reasons to Change Your SponsorRecoveryBy PromisesDecember 11, 2015One of the first things you have to do when you are newly sober is to choose a sponsor. A sponsor is often your closest friend or mentor in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. He or she is the person you are most likely to turn to in order to ask questions or share your…
4 Things You Can (and Can’t) Do to Help an Addicted Loved OneFamily ResourcesBy PromisesDecember 7, 2015Family and friends who try to help a loved one struggling with addiction get a lot of mixed messages: “You’re one of the single greatest influences in your loved one’s life.” “You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it and you can’t control it.” The first statement and the “three Cs” of addiction recovery are…
How to Drop the Curtain on Drama in Your LifePersonal ResourcesBy PromisesSeptember 18, 2015“When you are not honoring the present moment by allowing it to be, you are creating drama.” — Eckhart Tolle Chaos and drama: Some people thrive on them, seemingly on a mission to find ways to stir them up lest life become boring. Drama shows up in many situations. It can appear as a couple…
Hobbies Can Help You Stay on Track in RecoveryRecoveryBy PromisesAugust 12, 2015Drinking heavily or using drugs takes a lot of time and energy. Once you’re in recovery, you’ll likely have a big void in your life. Finding positive activities to fill the empty hours is key to not only a successful recovery, but also a healthier, happier life. Hobbies — from rock climbing to antique collecting…
How to Stay Sober and Still Have Fun at Social GatheringsStaying SoberBy PromisesAugust 7, 2015It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating social gatherings with alcohol consumption. It can feel as though every birthday, every holiday celebration and every single social occasion you’re invited to is built around the consumption of alcohol. But when you’re overcoming alcoholism, breaking this link is central to moving to a healthier lifestyle…
How to Be a Good Friend to a Recovering AddictRecoveryBy PromisesJune 14, 2015Recovering addicts need all the friends they can get. Social support from friends, family members and the community is essential to a good recovery and to maintaining abstinence. As the friend of someone in recovery, you can be an important part of that social circle, but you might not be sure how. It’s normal to…
Enjoying Life Without DrinkingAlcohol AbuseBy PromisesMay 4, 2015Getting sober doesn’t mean living a life that is always dreary and somber. Some of the best days of your life are still ahead, but it may not seem like a lot of fun at first. You may feel nostalgic when you think of some of the parties you’ve attended and the wild excitement of…
