It is never easy watching a loved one fight substance use disorder. It damages their well-being and destroys their lives. Not only does it harm their physical health, but it also causes their mental health to deteriorate. It is common for addicts to suffer from anxiety. This indicates that there is a relationship between anxiety and addiction.
This phrase, taken from an essay written by AA co-founder, Bill Wilson, describes the philosophy Bill wanted AA to adopt when it came to cooperation with the professional community. Bill understood that for people to find the AA program, AA needed to have good relations with the medical community, law enforcement, religious organizations and the like. This is as true today as it was in AA’s early days.
Addiction destroys lives. It is an age-old truth. The effects of substance abuse have a profound neurological impact. And it causes addicted individuals to often hurt those close to them. This strains relationships and ruins families and friendships.
One of my favorite writers is David Brooks, who writes a column for the New York Times. He normally writes about politics, government, and public affairs. I was surprised to find a column last month about faith. His title was “The Shock of Faith, It’s Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be.” It was published on December 19, 2024, and if you have access to the New York Times website, you can read it there.
Recovering from addiction isn’t easy. It is a long and difficult process that many fail to complete. Even after making progress in recovery, cravings can hit when you expect them the least. This makes the fear of relapse very real and something many people struggle with during substance use disorder recovery.
Dear Alumni, Friends, and Supporters,
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared at The Retreat. With immense gratitude in my heart, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound impact we’ve made together. To date, we have helped nearly 33,000 men, women, and families find the road to recovery, each one a testament to the power of community, compassion, and hope.
A great number of people recovering from depression experience relapse in the first six months. But this doesn’t mean there’s no progress. Relapse is a normal part of recovery. If you or a loved one is going through this, remember, you're not alone.
I started going to recovery meetings when I was 15. I heard in the meetings, “What the hell are you doing here? I lost my wife, my kids and my job because of my drinking. What the hell did you ever lose?
“We thank God, from the bottom of our heart, that we know Him better.”
---Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75.
