Shopaholics: How Retail Addicts Are Similar to Substance Abusers

“Retail therapy” is a term used jokingly in American society. However, people who suffer from shopping addiction encounter personal trials that can be just as serious as any other kind of addiction. Much like compulsive gambling, the most apparent negative outcome of compulsive shopping is usually the toll it takes on finances and relationships. Read more

Humility: The Seventh Step of Recovery

In the sixth step of recovery, individuals recovering from addiction first begin to visualize positive change. They begin learning to see beyond present circumstances to what is possible with recovery. They become acquainted for the first time with the hope and true possibility of their best self, which waits for them on the other side of recovery.

The seventh step of recovery begins the process of moving from what is to what is possible. In a traditional 12-step recovery program, the individual in recovery asks God to remove each character defect and flaw, saying “We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.” Read more

Proper Nutrition for Recovery

An important part of recovering from addiction is learning to properly nourish the body. From a physical standpoint, a healthy body is a happy body, and a happy body supports recovery better than a sick or pained body. In addition, eating certain foods can help assuage cravings and avoiding other foods can help stabilize moods swings, both of which can help prevent a relapse into substance abuse. In mental and spiritual terms, learning to eat properly is part of learning to care for oneself and learning to make strong life choices. Read more

Willingness: The Sixth Step to Recovery

Many substance abuse treatment programs rely heavily on a single criterion for admission – the applicant’s willingness to change. Experienced addiction treatment counselors know that while a healthy support network is a crucial component of recovery, well-intentioned family members and friends cannot force an individual to recover from addiction. Invariably, the substance abuser himself must become ready and willing to change his life. Without this willingness, the efforts of any other person are futile.

This is the wisdom contained in the sixth step to recovery. Following the “fearless and searching moral inventory” of step four and the admission of all wrongs to another person in step five, step six asks individuals in recovery to bring forth a true willingness to change. Individuals who are involved in a traditional 12-step program say: “We were entirely ready to have God (as we understand him) remove these defects of character.” Read more

Relapse: Prevention, Symptoms, and Recovery

“The lust for comfort, that stealthy
thing that enters the house a guest,
then becomes a host,
and then a master.”

-Kahlil Gibran

This phrase from 19th century poet Kahlil Gibran resonates with anyone who has struggled with substance abuse. One of the most difficult experiences that a recovering addict can go through is a relapse into drug and/or alcohol abuse. Read more

Cleaning House: The Fifth Step to Recovery

In the fourth step to recovery, individuals who are recovering from addiction make a “fearless and searching moral inventory” of their lives. In the fifth step, they are asked to deal with what they have found. Individuals who have completed the fifth step of a traditional 12-step program say: “We admitted to God (however we understand him), to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” Read more

Addiction and the Holidays

When families and friends gather together for the holidays, it becomes difficult to avoid the fact that a loved one may have a substance abuse problem. Read more

Getting Real: The Fourth Step to Recovery

In order to make genuine progress toward a life without alcohol or substance abuse, individuals in recovery must learn to be honest with themselves. Read more

Five Tips for Staying Sober Over the Holidays

Staying sober can be challenging under the most “normal” circumstances, but when routines are interrupted and stress levels are increased, avoiding alcohol can be exponentially more difficult.

For some in recovery, the holiday season is a particularly trying time. Financial pressures, family stress, and the dramatic increase in social gatherings can tempt even the most resolute individuals. Though every person has specific strategies that enable them to pursue lifelong sobriety, the following are five common-sense tips that can help you remain alcohol-free throughout the holiday season: Read more