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.

Facing drug or alcohol addiction (or both!) can be overwhelming, and millions around the world experience that. But seeking rehab is a vital step towards reclaiming your life. It's an acknowledgment that you want to break free from the cycle of substance abuse and embark on a path to recovery. During this journey, you may ask yourself, 'What happens in rehab?' Let me shed some light on this for you.

An excerpt from The Cathedral Crusader published February 28, 1979.

Author’s Note: This article was published nine-months after I got clean and sober. My high school newspaper asked me to write a story about going through treatment. I was glad to do so. The published story set off alarm bells with the school administrators and it led to changes in school policy toward drug and alcohol use.

I woke up this morning and my wife sent me a post that she had shared/read about someone who decided to not let drugs and alcohol numb them, to not just say that they are fine when things are really upsetting them or they are having a hard day. I told her that honestly that was the same reason that I decided to get sober so many years ago because I was numb for so long and I really like feeling all of the emotions good or bad that come with life and it makes me feel strong to face them everyday and not give up.