Dec 10 2012

Ten Tips to Stay Sober at a Party: Infographic

It's the holidays--Christmas and New Year's--some of the hardest times of the year to stay sober--especially at a party. And chances are, every December, you get invited to multiple Christmas or New Year's events. Is it actually possible to hang out with your friends and not drink? If you're in recovery (or just don't want to drink), consider some of these helpful tips for staying sober at a party. (By the way, these tips aren't time sensitive--you don't have to use them just during the holidays; they'll actually work any time ... Read More →

Dec 6 2012

Why is it hard to stay sober during the holidays? A Staying Sober Tip

Staying sober during the holidays isn't easy, probably because you're surrounded by friends and family, creating emotionally charged and stressful situations. Some of the sticky situations you might encounter this season might may include Family conflict. Strained relationships may complicate holiday planning--or leave you with little to plan for. Past Guilt. Memories of what happened during past holidays create feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Self-consciousness. Worrying about what others think of you and fear of being put on the spot may further add to the holiday stress. These situations are prime opportunities to trigger a ... Read More →

Dec 3 2012

What is Christmas?

It's finally here--the best time of the year--but sometimes the hardest time of the year for those of us still in our disease of addiction or recovery. This anonymous poem helps us all to remember exactly what Christmas is. Every time a hand reaches out To help another . . . that is Christmas Every time someone puts anger aside And strives for understanding That is Christmas Every time people forget their differences And realize their love for each other That is Christmas May this Christmas bring us Closer to the spirit of human understanding Closer to the blessing of peace! ... Read More →

Nov 26 2012

Does Alcohol Cause Weight Gain?

Question: Does drinking alcohol cause me to gain weight? Answer: Yes. Drinking any kind of alcoholic beverage will cause you to gain weight. Alcohol slows the rate at which the body burns fat by nearly one third. The body’s fat, which would ordinarily be broken down and sent out of the body, is more likely to end up on the hips, thighs or abdomen. Why does alcohol cause me to gain weight? Alcohol that enters your body is broken down into a chemical compound called acetate. Since acetate cannot be stored in your body, it must be immediately ... Read More →

Nov 22 2012

What I Almost Lost In My Disease

We sit around the table at my parent's cottage on the lake, the afternoon light reflecting off the water, blinding me through the windows and casting a golden hue on us. This is how I remember everyone, in this light, at this time of day. This is my family, like flawed angels with makeshift halos on their heads. We’ve been coming to the lake for Thanksgiving since I was a kid. So far, I haven’t had a single Thanksgiving anywhere else--except for last year. Last Year Last year, I spent Thanksgiving with my friends in ... Read More →

Nov 21 2012

“I’m Thankful For” Infographic

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Between turkey, celebration, pumpkin pie, and more pie, it's easy to get distracted from the real meaning of the holiday. So, I encourage you to step away from the busy hustle and just reflect on the blessings you have--and perhaps take the time to personally thank those who have made your recovery possible. To get you started, we have created an infographic of 10 things we can be thankful for in recovery. ... Read More →

Nov 21 2012

1. Freedom and Hope

I am grateful. . . . . . that I have a kind of freedom I never thought possible. . . . for clarity to pursue discovering who I really am. . . . for hope in a brighter tomorrow. . . .for hope to stay sober tomorrow because I am sober today. . . . for a future to look forward to. ... Read More →

Nov 20 2012

2. My family

I’m grateful . . . . . . for a family who forgives, encourages, cooks for, laughs with, (and occasionally annoys) me. . . . that I can watch my children grow up, and that I can actually be a part of their life. . . . for parents who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth. . . . for discovering and rediscovering the love of my life and being present enough to know it. . . . for the constant, unconditional, and undeserving love of my family. ... Read More →

Nov 19 2012

3. The Ability to Work

I am thankful. . . . . . for strength to move, the ability to think, and the opportunity to work. . . . for a job that helps pay the bills and support for my family. . . . for the ability to perform responsibilities I could never have done during my addiction. ... Read More →

Nov 18 2012

4. My Friends

I am grateful. . . . . . for my friends who love me for who I am, despite who I was, and regardless of who I will be in the future. . . . for those friends who stuck around even when I didn’t want them to and those friends who let go when I wanted them to stay. . . . for the friends who held my head up when I was vomiting, who forced me to listen, who drove me to the hospital (and then back again), and who cared enough to do the hard things. ... Read More →

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