There is a wonderful saying that tells us “Our secrets keep us sick.” Many loved ones of addicts don’t talk about their struggles or reach out for help because of the shame they feel for being in this situation. But until we ask for and receive the help we need, we don’t learn how to do things differently. Recovery begins with self-awareness and with the willingness to ask for assistance when we need it. … [Read more...] about It’s Okay to Ask for Help!
Recovery from addiction
The Concept of “Choice” in Addiction
Having compassion for the addict you love does not mean that you continue to enable them. Enabled addicts do not recover – because, really, why should they if others are going to do everything for them? Having compassion means learning how to be emotionally healthy in your relationship with your addicted loved one, so that both of you – and your whole family – can truly recover. … [Read more...] about The Concept of “Choice” in Addiction
The Important Downside of “Powerlessness”
The only reason that millions of us are in recovery from addiction is because we have made the CHOICE, over and over again, one day at a time, to be in recovery. If that wasn’t the case, those of us who are in recovery would still be in active addiction – or we would have died from our addiction. Recovery is a choice, plain and simple. … [Read more...] about The Important Downside of “Powerlessness”
Are You Stuck in Your Comfort Zone?
I love the saying “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” because until we can allow ourselves to feel the discomfort of healthy change, we will continue to choose to keep ourselves stuck. The reason we people-please is to try to keep discomfort at bay. But when we can instead learn how to handle difficult emotions and begin to learn how to use them in positive ways – learning their lessons – we can then become much more authentic and life becomes much easier. … [Read more...] about Are You Stuck in Your Comfort Zone?
Matthew Perry: Addiction and Recovery
Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m a “Friends” fan. I have been since its inception so many years ago, and I’ve been known to watch a rerun every now and then. That show told an amazing story of six young people with very different personalities, values, and opinions who simply loved each other through all of it and would always have each other’s backs. It was funny and heartwarming, all at the same time. My favourite character was Chandler Bing – I loved his irreverent sense of humour and, let’s face … [Read more...] about Matthew Perry: Addiction and Recovery
