Recovering from an “addictive behaviour” requires a lot from us – we need to make sure that a number of life pieces are in place before we can be successful. Whether we are dealing with mind-altering substances like drugs and alcohol, or other mood-altering behaviours such as disordered eating, smoking, excessive internet use, gambling, over-spending or codependency in our relationships until we can think in holistic terms about our recovery we will most likely be doomed to repeat our … [Read more...] about The Knee-bone’s Connected to the Thigh-bone: The Benefits of Healing Holistically from Addictive Behaviours
Setting boundaries with addicted loved ones
Allowing Discomfort: The Secret to Successful Recovery From Addictive Behaviours Challenging Your “Yeah But’s…”
You've given it a lot of thought. You know that your addiction is overwhelming your life and causing you a lot of problems. You really want to stop engaging in these self-defeating behaviours and have a better life. You're so sure you're ready, but… "It's going to be so hard!" you tell yourself. "How am I going to get through the rough times without having that substance or behaviour to fall back on?" The truth is, you're right! It will be difficult. When we have been soothing ourselves with … [Read more...] about Allowing Discomfort: The Secret to Successful Recovery From Addictive Behaviours Challenging Your “Yeah But’s…”
Setting Boundaries with Your Addicted Loved One
As loved ones, when we stay in denial or decide to not speak our truth in order to avoid conflict, we are basically arguing for our addict’s limitations. Sometimes, when addicts hear someone tell them the truth about how their addiction is affecting other people, they make the choice to relapse – perhaps to show others how emotionally fragile they are. But this coping mechanism is usually a manipulation, designed to teach their loved ones not to bother them – so that they can make the choice to … [Read more...] about Setting Boundaries with Your Addicted Loved One
Addiction and the Holidays: Doing It Differently This Year
Another year has gone by and “The Holidays” are fast approaching – although if you’re anything like me, you’re still wondering where September went! The time has come when we are once again seeing commercials on TV and in magazines about how wonderful the Christmas season is, that it is better to give than to receive, and how warm and loving families are, especially at this time of year. But the reality is that, for many people, this is not a time of peace and joy . . . And that is especially … [Read more...] about Addiction and the Holidays: Doing It Differently This Year
Holding the Addict in Your Life Accountable
When we don’t hold an addict accountable for their unhealthy behaviours, we prepare them for a world that doesn’t exist. They begin to believe that they can act in whatever ways they choose and get away with that. It can be a huge shock when they are held accountable by the societal systems that are in place – for example, being fired, arrested or incarcerated. We can actually love the addicts in our lives by setting – and maintaining – appropriate, respectful boundaries, so they can see that … [Read more...] about Holding the Addict in Your Life Accountable
