Every September, Recovery Month offers us a poignant reminder of the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing journeys of individuals and families navigating the path of addiction recovery. It’s a time to reflect on the impact of substance use disorders, celebrate the strength of those who choose recovery, and acknowledge the vital role of families and communities in this process. My own story, from a harrowing 15-year battle with opioid addiction to over 38 years of sobriety and a rewarding career as … [Read more...] about Recovery Month: Honouring the Journey of Families and Loved Ones
Blog
Relapse Is Not Normal or Expected
“Open the door and let me in!” “I just need 20 bucks. I’ll pay you back, I promise!” “I’ll start fresh again next week!” As the loved one of a person struggling with addiction, it is sometimes difficult to know what to say or do in moments like these. We hear from our clients—loved ones of addicts—that they feel torn, pulled between wanting to help and not wanting to enable. They often say they don’t know the words to use in these conversations. They walk the line between not wanting to “set … [Read more...] about Relapse Is Not Normal or Expected
Celebrating 38 Years Clean and Sober
38 Years. So hard to believe. At that time, I was 37 years old, and life was very difficult for me. I was feeling depressed and suicidal, not knowing why I was on this planet. With great fear, I decided to reach out for help, which turned out to be the most important decision of my life. Now 75 – a young 75 – and things are easier. Life isn’t always fantastic, I still have problems and things to deal with, but – most days – I understand myself a lot more, which makes life much better. Less … [Read more...] about Celebrating 38 Years Clean and Sober
Self-Care Strategies… if You Love an Addict
We wanted to offer a thought-provoking analogy, if you love an addict. See if it fits for you. The “big rocks” analogy was created by the late Steven Covey, who wrote The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The analogy relates well to being a loved one of a person struggling with addiction because our time, energy and resources often go to helping the person we love. Imagine having these supplies on your kitchen counter: A jar Some big rocks (e.g. the size of an egg) Some … [Read more...] about Self-Care Strategies… if You Love an Addict
Assertiveness
M.S. asks: I have a relative I’m very close to. I already know he is not good at emotional regulation, and he talks loudly. I try to calm down, but if it's a sensitive and hard subject, I feel like he's yelling at me or telling me what to do. So I get worked up, and then both of us are emotionally unregulated. How can I bring myself down to a calmer state? This person is staying with me. Hi M.S., He’s there 24/7, so that's an interesting situation to be in. I think that you can tell your … [Read more...] about Assertiveness
