December often raises many questions for family members who have a loved one active in an addiction – or a loved one early in recovery. It can be difficult to know how to support our loved one. Below are a few simple tips.
- INTENTION: Begin each day with humility. Reach out and connect with something greater than you, in whatever way resonates for you. Help me. Show me. Guide me. Take away my difficulties. Heal and care for me. Lead me with Love. Breathe in, breathe out. Ask your Higher Power to assist you with navigating this day as it unfolds.
Staying sober during the holidays can be a challenge. Alcohol permeates our society and is associated with many traditions of the season like baking recipes, festive holiday drinks, or celebratory toasts. All of these traditions seem to revolve around alcohol. However, just because this may describe the season, it doesn’t dictate the season or us. We don’t have to trip over something that is behind us. We can make new holiday traditions.
In 2020, around 40 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and up were suffering from substance use disorder. But, only about 10% of them sought support and recovery. The reason is mostly because they could not rely on the traditional system of clinical settings or professional therapies. This is where peer-led recovery centers come into play, offering a unique and practical approach to help individuals overcome addiction.
“If only you believed in miracles” – Marty Balin
Recently I was discussing the topic of miracles with some friends. We read pages 188-189 in the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous). The section described AA number three and how he came into the fellowship. The topic and story resonated with all of us. It truly is a miraculous story.
When we are discussing addiction, we often come across the term alcoholism addiction. And it's important. It is a common issue in the recovery journey from alcohol addiction and can hinder progress towards sobriety.
Every September, the nation comes together to recognize National Recovery Month. While the leaves are turning and the crispness of autumn is in the air, Recovery Month beckons us to bring awareness to the ever-growing recovery community. More than just an annual observance, National Recovery Month represents a powerful opportunity for lowering stigma and increasing recovery options through cooperation and collaboration.
Dear Alumni and Friends of The Retreat,
Are you seeking to deepen your connection to your recovery journey? Do you wish to experience the transformative power of selflessness and compassion? Look no further - we invite you to embrace the incredible benefits of service in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and join us in spreading the light of recovery in our community.
An individual's recovery from alcohol or drug addiction depends heavily on triggers. A trigger is an internal or external stimulus that triggers cravings or emotional responses associated with substance abuse. In order for individuals to achieve long-term sobriety, identifying triggers is crucial. In this article, we hope to shed light on identifying and dealing with triggers in recovery.
Excerpt from August 2023 Mpls. St. Paul Magazine Mental Health Section:
