The Love of a Child

The Love of a Child

There comes a point in the life of an addict, when life isn’t very pretty anymore.  It is scary, and brutal, and getting from day to day feels excruciating. But it wasn’t always this way.  Before we were hurt, or betrayed in our life, we were all children – maybe a very young child, or…

I Keep Relapsing, But Why? 5 Ways You Can Get Stronger

I Keep Relapsing, But Why? 5 Ways You Can Get Stronger

Have you been asking yourself this question recently? Or maybe you have been asking yourself this question regarding a loved one, co-worker, neighbor, etc. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand that relapse is actually a normal part of the recovery process. If you have successfully completed an addiction treatment program, went…

Grown Children Don’t Need Enabling; They Need Empowerment

Grown Children Don’t Need Enabling; They Need Empowerment

For the previous two decades, society has begun to become a structure that supports parents who enable their grown children. Lack of opportunities for employment, outstanding college loans, and various other issues in society have all led to a culture where parents are taking care of their kids much longer than they used to, creating…

Courage, My Friend

Courage, My Friend

There are so many things that require courage.  The degrees of courage may vary, sure, but I would venture a guess that almost all of us, every day, make some sort of courageous action – or, let’s be forgiving here, maybe at least we think about doing something courageous – let’s take what we can get! I…

Trusting the Process

Trusting the Process

Entering treatment can feel like culture shock.  You are leaving a life lived with your addiction, which probably consisted of a lot of… chaos.  Very little routine.  Your life probably was lived by wondering how you can get your next fix, then engaging in your addiction, and then trying to get your next fix.  And then…

Strong Takes on a New Meaning

Strong Takes on a New Meaning

Strong /strôNG/ adjective 1. having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. The above definition is probably the definition for strong that most of us think of.  Alternately, for those that suffer with mental health or behavioral issues, one would almost never describe themselves as strong, but as weak, even…

Always Evolving

Always Evolving

The really cool thing about this life is that we always have the opportunity to change.  Maybe for a while, you’re a vegan yogi, and then maybe you decide to get married, have a family, and feed them animal protein every night!  And it’s all alright.  Who we want to be, or how we want…

Fun In Recovery

Fun In Recovery

When entrenched in addiction, nothing matters but feeding the addiction, at whatever cost.  All the responsibilities of life – your job, or your family, or your friends, seem to matter less and less.  And then, everything that makes your life fun and fulfilling – especially for someone who loves to use their body for adventure,…

It Will Get Better

It Will Get Better

In our lives, before we were ever in any addiction; at some point, maybe even as a small child, we had faith in this world.  We were optimistic and hopeful.  If something happened that hurt us, or if we are sad, we are able to tell ourselves, It will get better. And then maybe something…