You’re stuck with it. Your brain has changed. Addictive substances have re-structured the inner workings of your mind, and the squishy stuff beneath that head of hair (or lack thereof) has taken on a new challenge: the challenge of addiction—and all that comes with it.   Read More →

Have you ever chased something—a person, a job, or an idea—only to discover that that wasn’t really what you wanted or thought it would be? Sometimes we alcoholics and addicts chase being “clean” and “dry” in the same way. We say, “If I could just get dry” or “If I could just stay clean.” But then we get dry for a few hours or days, and discover we’re miserable. If we’re honest with ourselves, just being dry and clean didn’t cut it for us—so, we easily go back to what made us happy—drinking and Read More →

In general, we addicts and alcoholics pop our pills and drink our alcohol because the substance makes us feel better. Maybe we just fought with our spouse. Maybe we just had a bad day at work. Maybe we just watched our favorite TV show. Either way, we needed to escape reality, so we could feel better. So what do we do after we’ve been dry and sober? How do we re-create that good feeling without using or drinking? Read More →

Former NBA star and stand-out Fresno State point guard Chris Herren talks about his drug addiction and recovery. “Truth is, I should be dead,” he says in the interview with CNN. “[I am alive] by the grace of God, 12 steps, and my recovery program. If it wasn't for people extending their hand and offering me treatment and staying in treatment, I probably wouldn't be here today.” Read More →

Duffy's is a family business for a family issue. And the stories prove it. Periodically, we like to share these stories with you on our blog. Today's story comes from a Dec 19th entry in our online guestbook:    Read More →

We just made it through trying to stay sober during the holidays. Whether we passed with flying colors or struggled, it’s a new year and we can stay sober, no matter how difficult, day by day. Read More →

Being addicted to something isn’t always bad. In fact, sometimes addiction to a noble goal or cause can push us to accomplish what we never thought was possible before. The other day, someone sent me this YouTube video about Todd Crandell who spent 13 years in a drug and alcohol addiction spiral. But in 1993, Todd chose a new addiction—the Ironman Triathlon. Read More →

Holiday parties without liquid spirits may still seem to be a dreary prospect to new A.A's. But many of us have enjoyed the happiest holidays of our lives sober--an idea we could never have dreamed of, wanted, or believed possible when drinking. Read More →

According to a CNN’s article from December 2010, Christmas and New Year’s show a significant increase of alcohol-related accidents over the rest of the year. The article quotes Kenneth R. Warren, acting director of the National institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, who identifies the statistical significance that Read More →