Courage, My Friend

Courage, My Friend

There are so many things that require courage.  The degrees of courage may vary, sure, but I would venture a guess that almost all of us, every day, make some sort of courageous action – or, let’s be forgiving here, maybe at least we think about doing something courageous – let’s take what we can get! I…

Trusting the Process

Trusting the Process

Entering treatment can feel like culture shock.  You are leaving a life lived with your addiction, which probably consisted of a lot of… chaos.  Very little routine.  Your life probably was lived by wondering how you can get your next fix, then engaging in your addiction, and then trying to get your next fix.  And then…

Strong Takes on a New Meaning

Strong Takes on a New Meaning

Strong /strôNG/ adjective 1. having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. The above definition is probably the definition for strong that most of us think of.  Alternately, for those that suffer with mental health or behavioral issues, one would almost never describe themselves as strong, but as weak, even…

Always Evolving

Always Evolving

The really cool thing about this life is that we always have the opportunity to change.  Maybe for a while, you’re a vegan yogi, and then maybe you decide to get married, have a family, and feed them animal protein every night!  And it’s all alright.  Who we want to be, or how we want…

Fun In Recovery

Fun In Recovery

When entrenched in addiction, nothing matters but feeding the addiction, at whatever cost.  All the responsibilities of life – your job, or your family, or your friends, seem to matter less and less.  And then, everything that makes your life fun and fulfilling – especially for someone who loves to use their body for adventure,…

It Will Get Better

It Will Get Better

In our lives, before we were ever in any addiction; at some point, maybe even as a small child, we had faith in this world.  We were optimistic and hopeful.  If something happened that hurt us, or if we are sad, we are able to tell ourselves, It will get better. And then maybe something…

10 Things Parents Should Know When Dealing With An Addict Child

10 Things Parents Should Know When Dealing With An Addict Child

Parents always make their children’s well-being their number one concern. As children get older, they often experiment with drugs and alcohol. However, no parent ever dreams that that experimentation will turn into drug and/or alcohol addictions. Unfortunately, it can, and it often does. Many parents are right there beside their children along for the rollercoaster…

Dos and Don’ts of Convincing a Loved One to Go to Rehab

Dos and Don’ts of Convincing a Loved One to Go to Rehab

When you see a loved one—family or friend—destroying themselves and others around them due to a substance abuse problem, it can feel like the worst thing in the world because you feel absolutely helpless. Addiction is a disease that will take hold of an individual—and continue to rip that person apart—if it is not properly…

Heroin: Why It’s So Addictive and How You Can Help a Heroin Addict

Heroin: Why It’s So Addictive and How You Can Help a Heroin Addict

More than likely, you have read or heard stories about people getting addicted, but you may be curious as to why this particular drug is so addictive. Heroin is considered at the top of its “class”. In fact, it is considered among the most addictive of all available drugs. The name itself means “heroic, strong”…