Andrea asks: How do we deal with the shame that comes from living with an addict and feeling like their addiction is now also a reflection of who we are? It is so painful to be misunderstood and shamed when it's somebody else's behaviour that has caused our pain in the first place. Hi Andrea, That’s a fantastic question, and so many people feel what this person is asking about. This question is about feeling shame around what the addict in your life is doing. I believe all loved ones … [Read more...] about How do we deal with the shame that comes from living with an addict?
Recovery from addiction
Reborn in Recovery:
A New Life Beyond Addiction
by Christine Zitscher
Spring is almost upon us and I for one could not be happier about that! As the dark, gloomy days of winter begin to subside, I am filled with new energy and optimism. New life begins to appear with the tiny buds that blossom on the trees, and the baby starlings I hear out my bedroom window every morning provide me with a sense of hope about the future. After all, spring is the season of rebirth, and it’s a reminder to me that there is always a chance to start again.
I … [Read more...] about Reborn in Recovery:
A New Life Beyond Addiction
It’s Okay to Ask for Help!
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!
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”
