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Living in Recovery
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A Lesson in Conquering Addiction
Addiction isn’t something to be conquered by force, but examined and embraced with love. When we seek to understand, the answers appear.
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Riding the Wave of Disappointment: Beware of the Bear!
People who have trouble dealing with the inevitable disappointments in life tend to experience the most disappointment with themselves.
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New Study Shows Young Women Are Drinking Just as Much as Men. Yikes!
Recent findings have revealed that millennial women (born between 1991 and 2000) are “drinking” as much as their male counterparts.
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Addiction in the Family: Is Someone You Love Affected by Another Person’s Addiction?
Being the loved one of a loved one of someone who’s struggling with addiction can be equally as frustrating and painful.
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Falling Down…and Getting Up
What lessons from Tracy’s story that might help those dealing with their own unexpected struggles come into our lives,
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Boundaries for the Sensitive Soul
The need for healthy boundaries is often emphasized in recovery. Little by little, people learn to become more assertive, speak […]
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Is it a Reason or an Excuse? Maintaining Your Self-Respect in the Face of Life’s Challenges
Have you ever used a reason as an excuse for not doing something? If so, you’re definitely not alone!
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Why is Giving Up People Pleasing So Difficult?
The thought of giving up “being the nice guy” can be so overwhelming and paralyzing that we put our heads in the sand.
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What’s Shame Got to Do With It? Successful Recovery From Addictive Behaviors
“I’m not enough” and “I’m not worthy” are perhaps the biggest shame pieces that catapult people into addiction in the first place.
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The Underbelly of Being Nice
If nice is “the right way” or “good,” does it mean I am wrong or bad if I am not nice? If I have been trained to be nice, where are my real feelings going to go?
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Relapse and Addiction: The Straight Truth
Saying relapse is a “normal” part of recovery is in no way helpful for an addict or their loved ones; it’s simply arming them with biased and untrue information.
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Dreams in Recovery: “Using” and Relapse Dreams – What Do They Mean?
Why do relapse dreams and using dreams occur? And how do they affect recovery?
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To Go or Not To Go: How to Navigate Professional Happy Hours When You’re in Recovery
When it comes to professional happy hours, there are questions and tools you can use to make the best decision for both your career and your recovery.
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Who Are You, Anyway? The Changing Perceptions of Yourself During Recovery
How you see yourself and the fundamental beliefs you hold about yourself are instrumental to your success or failure in recovery.
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Interview With an Old-Timer
I sat down with Gene, who is 35 years sober, to talk about the changes and inconsistencies he’s observed in Alcoholics Anonymous over the decades.
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Using Anger as a Gateway to Your Power
Anger used to be one of the most uncomfortable emotions for me. I hated it because I felt powerless in […]
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What Our Athletes Can Teach Us About Recovery!
Whether you follow cycling, tennis or any of the competitions that took place in Rio, it is hard not to be inspired and learn from some of the stories.
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Healthy Love After Addiction
Clinging is a dangerous coping mechanism, especially in romantic relationships. In recovery, we tend to give our power away, leaving us more vulnerable and unsafe.
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Staying Sober
If you’re utilizing the right tools and support systems, they will help you achieve, maintain and embrace a life of long-term and continuous sobriety.
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I Stopped Drinking; So Why am I Still Such an Asshole?
I am going to do it differently, and return to the one thing I know has worked for me in the past; I am going to be vulnerable and publicly share my struggle.
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Journaling as an Aid to Recovery
Journaling is a self-reflective activity, and it can be aided by the use of other activities that also foster an inner, reflective state. The use of a journal can be an important tool in your recovery toolbox.
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5 Ways to Be Comfortable in the Present Moment
Learning how to feel comfortable in the present moment is a critical part of thriving in a new life that’s centered around recovery.
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Spotlight on the 12-Step Sponsor Relationship
It’s perfectly normal to have questions about 12-Step sponsorship, including how to choose the right sponsor, who can be a sponsor and the ultimate role of a sponsor.
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Recovery Roadblock: Overcoming Your Resistance to Change
There are plenty of healthy, positive ways to obtain the same mental and emotional “highs” associated with substance abuse.
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How to Cultivate Goodness Through a Sober, Giving Life
With a growing number of mood and anxiety disorders, stress, narcissism, loneliness, intolerance, we need a resurgence of goodness like never before. As a genuine and thoughtful approval of others’ existence, goodness is manifested by countless forms of kind and selfless acts.
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Do 12 Step Fellowships Promote Dependence or Healthy Interdependence?
I began to feel increasingly uncomfortable with the level of dependence generated by AA and with the idea that I couldn’t trust my own thinking. -
Exercise: An Underappreciated Recovery Tool
In addition to the general benefits of regular exercise, exercising during recovery offers specific benefits related to the recovery process itself. -
Addiction and Family Systems: The Real Story
We know that certain types of family dysfunction are linked with addiction. Family Systems Theory involves taking a close look at how your family operates […] -
How to Cope With Being a Hot Mess in Long-Term Recovery
Over the past few months, I have experienced such strong emotions that they overwhelmed me to the point I don’t recognize myself. -
How to Stay Healthy While Loving an Addicted Person
Is it possible to love an addict in active addiction and stay healthy ourselves? My answer is an emphatic “yes," but the focus has to […] -
An Introduction to Masculine and Feminine Energy in Recovery
When it comes to addiction and recovery, masculine and feminine energy balance become very important. -
How Better Sleep Helps Your Chances for Successful Recovery
The use of alcohol and drugs is one of the most common ways that sleep patterns get disrupted and insomnia, or an inability to have […] -
The Current State of Substance Use Disorder Treatment: My Interview With Joe Schrank
I recently spoke to Joe Schrank about the current state of substance use disorder treatment and his view that it is inherently flawed. -
Make No Mistake: Support is a Basic Building Block of Recovery
I think it’s unfortunate that in this day in age, asking for help has somehow become a sign of self-perceived weakness or failure. -
How Culinary Entrepreneur Janie Deegan Found a Recipe For Success in Recovery
Janie Deegan was formally homeless, bouncing around from couch to government-funded treatment center. Today, she's an NYC-based culinary entrepreneur and baker. -
Visceral Intelligence: How to Hone This Skill for a Healthy Mind and Body
Visceral intelligence is the literal feeling that you get in your body that correlates with a decision you’re trying to make or an experience you […] -
5 Recovery Mantras to Help on a Tough Day at Work
One of the greatest values of a recovery mantra is how it can help you beyond recovery – like at work. -
The Benefits of Buddhist Mindfulness: My Interview with Pablo Das
I recently attended a workshop led by Pablo Das on trauma-informed Buddhist mindfulness; I have not felt that connected, understood, and part of something greater […] -
Fears That Can Sabotage Recovery and How to Manage Them
Addressing fears in recovery is important because, despite being mere flights of imagination, fears have the power to derail many of your recovery efforts. -
Knitting Your Way to a Strong Recovery
Laurie Kimmelstiel teaches a monthly knitting class for people in recovery, pointing to studies that show people feel calmer and happier as a direct result […] -
Taking CBD in Recovery: Are You Still Sober?
I can’t help but be swayed by the positive experiences of those in recovery who benefit from the therapeutic use of CBD oil. -
Honest Self-Assessment: Are You Ready to Date in Recovery?
Attraction is a powerful force and human beings tend to do things that are not smart because of its magnetic pull. -
Dealing With a Toxic Coworker in Recovery? Here’s How to Manage…
We all know them – and many of us have worked with them. The toxic coworker. Whether they’re gossiping behind […] -
Community is Key to Overcoming Disordered Eating
Something that I learned over the course of my own struggle and through the work that I do now is that community is key to […] -
My Interview with Nadia Ghaffari: Meet the Amazing 18-Year-Old Founder of TeenzTalk
Nadia Ghaffari is the 18-year-old founder of TeenzTalk, a non-profit dedicated to supporting and empowering youth by harnessing peer-to-peer connections. -
Mindfulness: A Valuable Tool for Your Recovery Toolbox
What is mindfulness? The concept of mindfulness was popularized in 1979 as a stress reduction technique by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PH. […] -
Recovery and Moving Up At Work: Am I Ready?
New jobs bring new responsibilities, team dynamics and added stress, so it's important to think through the decision before you make it. -
When Self-Help Hurts
Your focus should not be on “getting there.” Your focus should be on self-discovery and accepting and loving who you already are. -
How I Achieved Body Confidence in Recovery
Empowering myself to focus on health finally led me to achieve what I’d wanted all along: body confidence and self-worth. -
My Diagnosis is Not an Excuse, It’s a Responsibility
If we want to be understood, we need to gently explain to the people we love most that we have an awareness of what is […] -
Your Ticket to Sober Travels
Vacations are wonderful times to let loose, immerse in a new culture and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. But what do you do if […] -
Reflecting on Dry January: Insight, Hindsight, and Clarity
There are too many “signs” and nuances of alcoholism to cover in one story, but as far as Dry January goes, a good place to […] -
Healing From Betrayal
Betrayal is one of life’s greatest challenges, so it can be one of life’s greatest teachers. -
8 Recovery-Friendly Resolutions That Are Actually Worth It This Year
Here are a few recovery-friendly resolutions you can use to make healthy changes at work, at home, or in your personal life. -
Trauma and Its Role in Addiction Recovery: An Interview With Jamie Marich
Whenever we see individuals coming back for multiple engagements in addiction treatment, we must examine whether or not their trauma was adequately treated. -
Alternative Therapies: Talking Endobiogenic Medicine With a Naturopathic Doctor
When someone has suffered from addiction, the entire system becomes dysregulated and the communication between various systems becomes imbalanced. -
How Addiction Can Interfere With Your Job Performance
One of the first areas people begin to notice being negatively affected by addiction is their fulfillment and performance at work. -
Is Our Perception of Self-Care Distorted?
Let’s start to give ourselves more credit for the everyday self-care we undertake, rather than trying to achieve the unrealistic. -
If Addiction Impacted Your Job Performance, Here’s How to Make it Right
Recovery brings integrity to your life. That integrity should dictate how you reconcile the past, how you go to work today, and your work efforts […] -
Did AA Save My Life?
I used to credit AA for saving my life. But if you ask me today whether or not I still believe AA saved my life, […] -
New Year’s Recovery Resolutions That Work
Our intentions are certainly good, and we are serious about making positive changes. But sadly, simply resolving to make a change does not get the […] -
Alternative Therapies: Talking With an Experienced Intuitive About the Energetics of Addiction and Healing
In speaking with Sarah Renee, an experienced intuitive, I inquired about what she sees in people’s energy field while they are struggling with addiction or […] -
The Law of Attraction: Help for Addiction Recovery
I have come to realize that most people – myself included sometimes – generally go through their days from beginning […] -
Overcoming Addiction: My Journey From Prison to Practicing Lawyer and Advocate
I’m a lawyer and an entrepreneur, and I have an amazing life. It took a lot of work, pain, and discipline to get here, but […] -
Supporting an Addicted Friend or Family Member During the Holidays
For an addicted person, the pressures of the holiday season can cause long-dormant behaviors to re-emerge, as people often return to old habits during times […] -
SAD: Let’s Talk About Seasonal Affective Disorder and Relapse
As with any form of depression - or any other mental illness for that matter - we often self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to overcome […] -
Setting and Keeping Boundaries
Boundary-setting is required when there is danger of someone overstepping the limits of acceptable behavior. And this can only occur if it is allowed. -
It’s Time: You Deserve to Raise Your Standards
Raising your standards is the first step to getting everything you want out of life, and it’s a step that you deserve to take. -
Are You Ready for Treatment? My Enlightening Conversation With an Interventionist
In speaking with Britton Turkett, founder of Active Recovery Network, I learned that each person has their own path and that readiness level, for some, […] -
Music for Mental Fitness: Mood Control
Music therapy offers a way out of addiction into recovery, a pathway through an emotional continuum of mood music facilitated by a board-certified music therapist. -
Should You Smoke Weed With Your Kid – Even if They’re 18?
It’s probably safe to say that parents of both adult children and teenagers are trying to figure out how serious an offense it is or […] -
Chiropractic Care and Addiction: What Are the Recovery Benefits of an Aligned Spine?
In our society, it’s common to treat pain with pharmaceuticals, which has led to our current opioid epidemic. Get to the source of the problem, […] -
This Play About Recovery is Being Celebrated Internationally – Which is a Shame.
People, Places, and Things may be drawing a celebrity crowd, but it’s also propagating stigma. -
How Understanding Anger Revolutionizes Addiction Recovery
When we deny our anger, it doesn’t disappear. On the contrary, it creates havoc with everything from our immune systems to our emotional health. -
How Simple Journaling Can Help Recovery
Are you struggling with your recovery or feeling overwhelmed by your life? Do you find it impossible to sleep because your mind is filled with […] -
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Dilemma of Addiction
Learning how to set and maintain self-respectful boundaries is the best thing families can do when dealing with an addicted person. -
I’m an In-Between Woman: The Trials and Tribulations of Being Sober and (Still) Crazy
At six years sober, I am both relieved and embarrassed to admit, I am almost as unpredictable now as I was after 10 shots of […] -
Feeling Stuck at Work After Treatment? 5 Ways to Get Back on Track
With your energy focused on recovery, you may not have had as much time to focus on your career – and that can be difficult. […] -
The Evolution of Anonymity in 12 Step Fellowships: Does it Still Serve a Purpose?
Does the application of 12 Step anonymity have a place in the wider addiction recovery movement today, given our advocacy and need to fight the […] -
Let’s Talk About the Stigma Surrounding Sobriety
Two-thirds of adults believe addiction can be "cured," but many of them report being uncomfortable around someone two or more years into recovery. -
Self-Help in Recovery: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Is
Consider if self-help products are a quick fix fantasy or if they'd actually require you to go on a deep inward journey. If it sounds […] -
How Employers Can Create A Recovery-Friendly Workplace
Recovering individuals often bring a wealth of skills, talents and character to the workplace; they have the potential to benefit your entire company culture for […] -
Are We Stuck in Recovery Tunnel Vision and Missing the Wildflowers?
Maybe I need to stop looking for answers and live my life; truly breathe my existence in this world in and appreciate the wildflowers all […] -
Let’s Talk About Diffusing Defensive Communication
Defensive communication happens when a message triggers a sense of threat, and therefore defensiveness, on the part of the listener. -
Can’t Relate to AA? Here’s How to Choose the Right Resources For Your Recovery
There is no "right way" to recover. The truth of the matter is the "right way" is the way that works for you. -
The Secret to Stopping Addiction in Your Family – Forever
My choice to remain in recovery is entirely up to me and no one else. The moment I decide to stop practicing holistically healthy self-care […] -
How the Values of Recovery Can Transform the Way You Lead
Merging the principles of recovery with the art of leadership can lead to a unique intersection of wisdom and encouragement that can lead to greater […] -
The Road to Enlightenment: A Revealing Interview With Noah Levine (Part II)
Noah Levine created a Buddhist approach to addiction recovery called Refuge Recovery, a program that includes peer-lead meetings and a professional treatment center. -
The Road to Enlightenment: A Revealing Interview With Noah Levine (Part I)
This is part one of a fascinating interview with Noah Levine where we discuss his journey into recovery, Buddhism, the 12-steps and Refuge Recovery. -
Why Changing Your Habits Will Never Bring Lasting Results
It is only by altering our beliefs that we can find lasting change - the kind that brings real results and real happiness. -
September is Recovery Month: What’s New in Recovery News?
Recovery Month is a good time to check out some new developments happening in the addiction and recovery field. -
Music Powers Potential: Good, Bad and Ugly
As we use music daily, we could be actively influencing all parts of our lives. Songs may describe life and grow to be life’s soundtrack. -
Finding Your Own Voice in Recovery
Recovery means you must also recover your individual voice. It means taking the journey to find what is true for you, and not letting others […] -
Why Healing Underlying Core Issues is Key to Addiction Recovery
Mental-level work helps people notice their automatic negative thoughts and then change their thought patterns - and ultimately, their behaviors - for the better. -
Stressed on the Job? 5 Ways to Combat Workplace Stress With Healthy Recovery
As you work to implement healthy practices that keep your recovery strong, be mindful of your stress tolerance and how your job may play a […] -
Stopping Addiction in the Family: Welcome to the “Blame-Shame-Game”
As the loved one of an addict, will you be the one to stop this disturbing game in its tracks? Will you care enough to […] -
Tapping Your Way to Emotional Freedom in Recovery: An Interview With Veronica Valli
Believing as passionately as I do about EFT, I spoke to Veronica about how EFT can be used for the unique challenges those in addiction […] -
See Yourself Successful; Talk Yourself Into It: Using Visualizations and Affirmations to Support Recovery
There are coping tools that can capitalize on the brain's self-regulating and self-healing capacity - visualizations and affirmations are two such tools. -
Healing the Rejected Self
If you have suffered from an addiction or eating disorder, your inner-critic has been hard at work, inadvertently trying to help you cover up what […] -
The Next Frontier of Addiction Recovery: An Enlightening Q&A With the Alano Club of Portland
In this feature, I interviewed Brent Canode, Executive Director of the Club, to find out more about their pioneering recovery support model. -
30 Years of Recovery From Addiction: Ya Gotta Wanna!
Some days it’s hard for me to believe I really have 30 years of recovery, but I’m so grateful that I do. And I’d love […] -
My 30-Day Diary of Refuge Recovery Meditation – Part II
These 30 days have been wonderful. I feel more present, have greater mental clarity, and feel more poised. -
Simple Things You Can Do to Feel Better Every Day
While engaging in your recovery work, it is important that you take proactive steps every day to help yourself feel better – physically, mentally, emotionally […] -
My 30-Day Diary of Refuge Recovery Meditation (Part I)
I created a 30-day Refuge Recovery journal to share my revelations, breakthroughs, and struggles with you. -
The Dark Side of Your Spiritual Practice
Believe it or not, all those “enlightened” activities - the meditation, yoga, journaling, etc. - can sometimes be used as distractions. -
Developing Your Personal Recovery Plan (Template Included!)
Regardless of whether you are currently in an addiction treatment program, you have already finished a program, or you are […] -
Family Addiction: Transformation and Healing Are Possible
The change began when they finally reached out for help for themselves – that’s when they started to see their family heal and transform. -
Interview With Nikki Myers, Founder of Y12SR
Nikki Myers - yoga therapist, teacher, somatic experiencing practitioner and founder of CITYOGA School of Yoga and Health - launched Yoga of 12-Step Recovery in […] -
Help From Your Higher Self: How Spirituality and Life Purpose Aid Recovery
Having a perspective of spirituality and a mindset focused on meaning and purpose plays such an important role in sustaining recovery. -
Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist-Based Recovery Group
Refuge Recovery members sit in meditation, learning how to be in the present moment, discerning the causes of addiction and the suffering it causes, and […] -
Food and Your Mood: The Intertwined Relationship
When I changed my perception by learning what I ate and how it made me feel, I saw that it affected the recurrence of depressive […] -
Why Your Workplace Should Support Substance Abuse Treatment
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) serve a variety of mental health and social needs, but they mainly support employees who need help with substance abuse issues. -
Relationship Red Flags: People to Avoid During Recovery
If you are in recovery, it is essential to make an effort to avoid repeating patterns of behavior that draw you into toxic relationships. -
How Breathing Can Heal Your Relationship With Your Body
It is impossible to engage in binge behavior if you are fully aware and feeling into your body and your emotions. Breathe deeply and explore […] -
She Does Indeed Recover
I had never quite realized - until I was surrounded by 499 versions of me - just what a woman I am. -
My Best 7 Tips for Newcomers After 2,000 Days Sober
Here is a list of recovery tips I have personally found always hold true, as they have from day one to today. -
How a Spiritual Bypass Can Derail Recovery
A person who is in a spiritual bypass has a strong spiritual practice that directs their life, but they repress their true emotions and authenticity. -
Reclaiming the Feminine in Recovery
Women, each of us, have to decide what we believe about our own selves before we can ever expect anyone else to really see us. […] -
Why I am Over Clean Eating
We often fail to make the connection about what is happening with our physical recovery, because we are so focused on our psychological recovery. -
Early Recovery: Pitfalls and Possibilities
With a plan in place, and a commitment to follow it, you can recover from a slip or relapse and get back on track with […] -
Why I Fell Out of Love with the 12 Steps
I started to open my eyes, challenging if The Steps were right for me and my recovery. -
The Pain of Addiction in the Family: How Counseling Can Help
Sara didn’t understand that she was exhibiting codependent behaviors by putting other people’s needs and wants ahead of her own on a fairly consistent basis. […] -
Recovery is Relational – And So is Your Career
By building trust, being a great leader, and growing your network with recovery principles, you will experience greater joy at work. -
Take Strides Towards Your Long Term Recovery: Try a 5K High
For those of us in recovery, whether it be drugs, alcohol, or being addicted to the addict, it is important to have a replacement for […] -
What Eating Well Looks Like And How It Can Enhance Recovery
Recovery, for me, is about doing away with unhelpful terms and to stop aiming for perfectionism. It is about learning to live a balanced life. -
Learning to Trust Your Intuition in Recovery
Among the feelings that come back in recovery lies intuition - the “gut feelings” that are beyond wise if we simply heed their guidance. -
The Parallels Between Food Addiction and Drug Addiction
When we put down the drugs and alcohol, we notice the deficiency in our mood and seek alternative substances to fill this void - sugar, […] -
Here’s What Happens When You Apply a 12-Step Attitude to Your Fitness Routine
As I started to think about getting fit, I realized that my approach to sobriety could be applied to my get-fit plan, too. -
Ben Affleck’s Statement on Getting Treated for Addiction – And Why it Matters at Work
By normalizing the conversation surrounding addiction, people can start to feel less fear when they need to get treated for addiction. -
How Yoga Can Help You Thrive in Recovery
Yoga is a powerful practice for the mind and body that helps to replace addiction with something that will enrich your life in a more […] -
Are You Addicted to Overthinking?
Just like addiction to substances causes a person to become consumed with fear, worry, and doubt, overthinking creates a sense of being bound to suffering. -
Self-Care vs. Codependency: Exploding the Myths about People-Pleasing
Remember that you really are not supposed to be all things to all people and that everyone has their own journey. -
Common High Risk Situations in Recovery and How to Manage Them
These guidelines help people in recovery recognize risky situations and develop proactive strategies to deal with them before they get out of hand. -
Using the Phases of the Moon in Recovery
The moon’s gravitational force creates our ocean tides, so it’s not a longshot to think the same gravitational pull can affect our inner tide. -
Mind Your Mind: The Impact of Thoughts on Our Recovery From Addiction
Whether or not you believe in the Law of Attraction, it still exists and is at play in all of our lives every minute of […] -
Handling Criticism Through Humility: Lessons From Recovery to Benefit the Workplace
Here are three ways to make sure you’re creating a safe environment for yourself, your recovery and your peers through humility in the workplace. -
The Healing Power of Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Therapy is a technique helps the body communicate and release its innermost thoughts and emotions. -
Cultivating Your Own Recovery and Spirituality
Your spiritual connection is a way to get out of the driver seat, and listen to something that is actually bigger than the addictive voice […] -
A Story of Transformation: From Addiction and Eating Disorders to Health and Wellness Coach
Five years ago, my reality was a life rife with addiction, a life-long eating disorder, and cripplingly low self-esteem. -
You Have to Believe Choice Can End Suffering
You have the power to choose: will you decide to live in happiness or will you simply exist in misery? -
Valentine’s Day in Recovery: What Will Yours Be Like?
Don't buy into the misguided belief that you're nobody until somebody else loves you! Why not learn to love yourself first? -
Getting Personal With Recovery Coach Megan Goodrich
Megan Goodrich speaks with us about the role of a recovery coach, some of the ways she works with clients, and her personal philosophy of […] -
Addiction, Recovery, and Responsibility: Is It My Door to Open?
Have you ever tried to force something to go differently, whether it’s a particular situation or a relationship that you know deep down is just […] -
Dealing With Internal Losses
Internal losses are the reduction or disappearance of those inner qualities and feelings that drive how we feel about ourselves, how we engage others, and […] -
Relationships in Recovery: Balancing Personal and Partner Needs
Romantic partners are usually our primary source of the close bonds we need to thrive, but can you have a successful intimate relationship while in […] -
His Beautiful Death
While my mother recovered in ICU, I brought her a photo of my puppy, a tiny pug named Maximus. Her face lit up in a […] -
Having Sex in Recovery: A Meeting Between the Sheets
Thousands of people are sober; thousands are confused about having sex. But one thing is very thing clear: we need to talk more about sex […] -
4 Recovery Lessons to Bring to Your Career in 2017
A thorough examination of your skills, goals and ambitions will help you achieve a year of effective career building, business growth, and a healthy recovery. -
Recovery Growth: 4 Character Traits That Foster Change
How many times have you told yourself that you were going to stop a behavior, only to find yourself back […] -
Codependency and Narcissists: Let’s Make Something Go Right! (Part II)
Let's give the codependent some valuable tools to get out from under the clutches of the narcissist’s seven deadly sins. -
It’s 2017: The Year of Living… Happily?
Am I really saying that we can be “happy” in this coming year? Yes, we can - if we choose to be. -
How the Skills You Developed in Recovery Can Help You in Your Career
Not everything about your past should be forgotten; your past self and the journey you experienced along the way made you the person you are […] -
Getting Sober Young Isn’t Social Suicide
While you may end up steering clear of the kind of parties where you leave smelling like a bar, you’ll find plenty of fun things […] -
Abundance Has Never Been in Short Supply
It took a while for me to see abundance in my life, but I finally did. I hope this story, my story, helps you […] -
5 Tips to Help Parents Better Manage the Holidays
Though your life might not feel “perfect,” you can still enjoy the holidays - even if your kids are struggling with substance use or in […] -
Get Real: FDA “Tripping” On Trial to Treat PTSD With Ecstasy
the whole basis for sobriety and recovery is to be able to find inner peace and function without reaching for something outside of ourselves. -
Holiday Strategies for Those with Food Addiction
For those who deal with food addiction, the holidays often trigger issues that are already difficult to handle, and evoke feelings that are far from […] -
Feeling Disqualified From Your Dream Job Because of Past Struggles With Addiction? Here’s How to Move Forward.
For those in recovery, many are left with the shadowing thoughts of shame related to their career - even years after they’ve recovered. -
How to Support Your Child in Meaningful Ways During Their Early Recovery
Addiction and recovery affect the entire family. When family members openly take part in healing, it improves their health and quality of life. -
The Ultimate Guide to Behavioral Filters
The consequences of allowing our behavior to “just happen,” can be that our lives and our relationships are inconsistent, at best, and a train wreck […] -
Does an Attitude of Gratitude Affect Recovery?
Keeping a Gratitude Journal and making a daily Gratitude List are excellent ways to put into practice your intention to strengthen your gratitude muscle. -
How a Non-Religious Journalist Makes a Case for AA in 2017
The 12 steps are like homework you do to grow and change, and the program offers a network of people who you can relate with. -
A Lesson in Conquering Addiction
Addiction isn’t something to be conquered by force, but examined and embraced with love. When we seek to understand, the answers appear. -
Riding the Wave of Disappointment: Beware of the Bear!
People who have trouble dealing with the inevitable disappointments in life tend to experience the most disappointment with themselves. -
New Study Shows Young Women Are Drinking Just as Much as Men. Yikes!
Recent findings have revealed that millennial women (born between 1991 and 2000) are “drinking” as much as their male counterparts. -
Being Humble in Recovery But Confident at Work – And How to Stay Balanced
When your recovery intersects with a job hunt, career move or professional advancement, tact and balance must be learned. -
Addiction in the Family: Is Someone You Love Affected by Another Person’s Addiction?
Being the loved one of a loved one of someone who's struggling with addiction can be equally as frustrating and painful. -
Falling Down…and Getting Up
What lessons from Tracy’s story that might help those dealing with their own unexpected struggles come into our lives, -
Returning to Work after Substance Abuse Treatment
Some employers have policies to help employees readjust to the work routine post-substance abuse treatment and those expectations are typically outlined in a Return to […] -
Coping With Depression in Chronic Pain Management
Depression is the number one psychological disorder that causes the biggest problems for the most people living with chronic pain - and it often gets […] -
Boundaries for the Sensitive Soul
The need for healthy boundaries is often emphasized in recovery. Little by little, people learn to become more assertive, speak […] -
Is it a Reason or an Excuse? Maintaining Your Self-Respect in the Face of Life’s Challenges
Have you ever used a reason as an excuse for not doing something? If so, you’re definitely not alone! -
Why is Giving Up People Pleasing So Difficult?
The thought of giving up “being the nice guy” can be so overwhelming and paralyzing that we put our heads in the sand. -
What’s Shame Got to Do With It? Successful Recovery From Addictive Behaviors
“I’m not enough” and “I’m not worthy” are perhaps the biggest shame pieces that catapult people into addiction in the first place. -
The Underbelly of Being Nice
If nice is “the right way” or “good,” does it mean I am wrong or bad if I am not nice? If I have been […] -
Relapse and Addiction: The Straight Truth
Saying relapse is a "normal" part of recovery is in no way helpful for an addict or their loved ones; it's simply arming them with […] -
Dreams in Recovery: “Using” and Relapse Dreams – What Do They Mean?
Why do relapse dreams and using dreams occur? And how do they affect recovery? -
To Go or Not To Go: How to Navigate Professional Happy Hours When You’re in Recovery
When it comes to professional happy hours, there are questions and tools you can use to make the best decision for both your career and […] -
Who Are You, Anyway? The Changing Perceptions of Yourself During Recovery
How you see yourself and the fundamental beliefs you hold about yourself are instrumental to your success or failure in recovery. -
Interview With an Old-Timer
I sat down with Gene, who is 35 years sober, to talk about the changes and inconsistencies he’s observed in Alcoholics Anonymous over the decades. -
Using Anger as a Gateway to Your Power
Anger used to be one of the most uncomfortable emotions for me. I hated it because I felt powerless in […] -
What Our Athletes Can Teach Us About Recovery!
Whether you follow cycling, tennis or any of the competitions that took place in Rio, it is hard not to be inspired and learn from […] -
Developing Resilience and Mentally Strong Habits: Do’s and Don’ts
How well do you stand up to adversity? When times are tough and setbacks occur, what is your reaction? Do […] -
Authenticity vs. Attachment: Which One Will You Choose?
When people are faced with the choice of either attachment or authenticity in their relationships, most choose attachment first, seeking approval and recognition from others […] -
How to Get the Best Out of Your 12-Step Meeting!
Attending a support group can be a very positive part of your recovery plan, as long as you understand what […] -
Chronic Pain Management with Addiction: It’s a Tightrope Act (Part III)
When treating both a chronic pain condition and a coexisting addictive disorder, knowledge truly is power. -
Differences Between Your Professional Mentor and Recovery Supports – And How They Can Help You
Professional mentors and recovery supports are highly beneficial, but it's important to remember the differences between the two and the unique mentorship they provide. -
Self-Respect 101: We Teach Other People How to Treat Us
We teach other people how to treat us. I absolutely believe this to be true, although there can be a variety of reasons for the […] -
Recovery With a Capital R!
It is imperative that you view Recovery as Active, Alive, Constantly Changing, a Verb, and something you never take for granted. -
Do You Have “Reluctant Recovery Syndrome”?
There are a certain set of signs that indicate reluctance, indecisiveness or lack of commitment on one’s part, regarding the possibility of seeking substance abuse […] -
The Butterfly Connection in Addiction Recovery
I deeply believe two things: One is that people really can change - if they choose to. The other is that butterflies are astonishing […] -
Chronic Pain Management with Addiction: It’s a Tightrope Act (Part II)
Even though pseudoaddiction looks like addiction, it is actually caused by an undertreated or mistreated chronic pain condition. However, the treatment plan for pseudoaddiction and […] -
How We Found Our Way From Addiction to Recovery
We were on a Boulder mountain trail hiking when my daughter finally admitted she was using crystal meth. I was devastated. -
Change: Embracing it and Making it Happen
Life in recovery is not easy. It involves making fundamental changes in all levels of your life. It means adopting […] -
Broken Promises: Learning to Trust Yourself and the Recovery Process
If you didn't trust yourself in the beginning of your recovery process, you're certainly not alone. -
Boxed Wine and Turkey Grease: A Lesson in Identification Projection
I was terrified that if I stopped creating problems, we would be forced to look at the real issue, which was my addiction. -
Embracing Recovery, the Need for Human Connection and CRAFT
As a therapist, I’m encouraged by fresh thinking and new approaches that build upon what is absolutely essential for humans: the need for connection. […] -
Reinventing the Concepts of Recovery
Let’s look at a couple of possible breakdown scenarios that might lead to relapse - and find some ways to avoid those traps. -
Chronic Pain Management with Addiction: It’s a Tightrope Act
People in pain have come to expect instant relief - they want it and they want it now - but when pain medications are used […] -
Stop Living in Shame Because of the Addict in Your Life!
We hear a lot about those who are struggling with an addiction, but what about their loved ones - the people struggling just as much […] -
Should You Have a Sober Wedding?
What does it mean to have a "sober wedding" and are they right for every couple out there ready to tie the knot? -
In Able-ing the Recovering
What does enabling look like when you're trying to help a loved one in recovery and how can you prevent it? -
5 Questions to Ask When Finding a Job in Early Recovery
While having a job in recovery is certainly important, choosing any job that comes your way could jeopardize your recovery. -
4 Persistent Addiction and Recovery Misconceptions De-Bunked
Many of the early misconceptions surrounding addiction and recovery - myths that contributed mainly to shame-based associations, still persist today. -
10 Fundamental Components of a Successful Recovery
Let's talk about some common components and strategies that can be extremely helpful to anyone who's in recovery. -
Internalize Your Recovery for Success: No Self Esteem, No Problem!
By repeating some simple exercises, you can start to do to dramatically increase your chances for success in recovery. -
How To Handle Past Legal Issues When You’re In Recovery and Looking for a Job
Although you cannot erase your legal history, it’s important to know how to handle that information in your professional life. -
To Love From Recovery: 5 Tips for Success!
What can successful recovery teach you about successful love and relationships? -
Catching It Early: If Addiction is a Learning Disorder, Can We “Unlearn” It?
Maia Szalavitz's latest book, UnbrokenBrain, explores the ways in which addiction is actually a learning disorder. -
Caring for Aging Parents
Knowing the stress that comes from caring for an aging parent, guarding your own health and sobriety is paramount. -
Spotlight on Emotions and Your Health – Part II
It's important to allow the experience - and release - of high emotional response energy. -
6 Tools for Resiliency in Recovery
Resiliency is having the ability to adapt in the face of adversity and it is key to your recovery success. -
Tried and True: AA Slogans That Everyone Can Subscribe To
As the official founding day of AA rolls around, let's look at some of the most well-known recovery slogans. -
Recovery for LGBTs
What are the main differences in how LGBT individuals experience the recovery process? -
The Insidious Killer in Recovery!
How does the lack of a developing a backbone impact your recovery process? -
Alternative Therapies for Addiction
Using alternative therapies as part of an addiction treatment program is hardly “alternative” anymore. Many addiction treatment centers now boast […] -
Unblurring the Lines: Managing Transference Surrounding Sexual Assault
Our healing moments of clarity come only when we learn how to be patient, gentle and kind with ourselves. -
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Self-Worth’s Impact on Addiction and the Recovery Process
How does self-worth impact your own addiction and recovery process? -
The Spiritual Warrior: A Life Without Armor
The Spiritual Warrior is disciplined, committed and focused! -
Is Nowhere Safe for a Sober Girl in the City?
We’re told, in the beginning, to avoid “people, places, and things” that could trigger a relapse. In other words, we’re […] -
The Gift of Uncertainty
When we are certain of something, we often stop exploring or asking questions, leaving us comfortable in our own rigid beliefs and unreceptive to change. -
New Year, New You: How to Go from Powerless to Empowered
For those in the early stages of recovery, the start of a new year often makes it challenging to commit to a goal of sobriety, […] -
Coping with Addiction and Holiday Stress
The month of December, with its mistletoe and merriment, might be joy-filled and cheery for everyone else, but for those of us in recovery, this […] -
Handling Holiday Stressors
For those in recovery, navigating the holidays can pose a risk of returning to unhealthy patterns and behaviors as a coping strategy. -
Healthy Love After Addiction
Clinging is a dangerous coping mechanism, especially in romantic relationships. In recovery, we tend to give our power away, leaving us more vulnerable and unsafe. […] -
Staying Sober
If you're utilizing the right tools and support systems, they will help you achieve, maintain and embrace a life of long-term and continuous sobriety. […] -
I Stopped Drinking; So Why am I Still Such an Asshole?
I am going to do it differently, and return to the one thing I know has worked for me in the past; I am going […] -
Journaling as an Aid to Recovery
Journaling is a self-reflective activity, and it can be aided by the use of other activities that also foster an inner, reflective state. The use […] -
5 Ways to Be Comfortable in the Present Moment
Learning how to feel comfortable in the present moment is a critical part of thriving in a new life that's centered around recovery. -
Spotlight on the 12-Step Sponsor Relationship
It's perfectly normal to have questions about 12-Step sponsorship, including how to choose the right sponsor, who can be a sponsor and the ultimate role […] -
An In-Depth Look at Steps 6 and 7
As with a number of the 12-Steps, Steps 6 and 7 present with their own unique controversies. Some people believe there should be written […] -
Rewriting the Story of My Addiction
Holding on to the shame, anger and resentment of addiction keeps us sick; once we move through it, however, we have the opportunity to recognize […] -
Recovery Roadblock: Overcoming Your Resistance to Change
There are plenty of healthy, positive ways to obtain the same mental and emotional "highs" associated with substance abuse. -
God Could…and Would if Sought
Though many take issue with the "Higher Power" language of AA, others are very comfortable with, and even comforted by, the language and presence of […] -
Fake it Till You Make It: Helpful AA Saying or Dangerous Self-Deception?
Does pretending to be happy - when you anything but - offer advantages to those in living in recovery? -
How to Cultivate Goodness Through a Sober, Giving Life
With a growing number of mood and anxiety disorders, stress, narcissism, loneliness, intolerance, we need a resurgence of goodness like never before. As a genuine […] -
Pain Management in Recovery
As long as recovering patients remember their primary purpose – to stay sober and carry the message – they should be able to cautiously navigate […] -
The Gift of Aversion Therapy: How I Purged My Way to Sobriety
My greatest hope was my greatest fear; that the aversion therapy would work and I would never want to drink again. -
Road to Recovery: Discipline or Act of Grace?
Be humble and flow with whatever circumstance you encounter, taking responsibility when you should and shedding responsibility when grace is guiding the way. -
How to Stop Cravings: 7 Tips from an Expert
What would it take to start amping up your craving for recovery? Now, that would be a craving worth yearning for. -
Liar, Liar: How to Break Free from Habitual Lying
Lies seem to serve the same purpose as the addictive substance itself – they provide an escape from difficulty and unpleasantness. -
We Know Yoga Helps People in Recovery… But How?
"Inversions—or going upside down—help people see the world in a different way, which is exactly what they’re trying to do if they’re in recovery." -
Take What You Need and Leave the Rest
“The day I recognized that holding out a hand was much more powerful than pointing a finger, everything changed.” -
Use the 12 Traditions to Improve Your Relationships
Do I focus on my partner’s defects to feel better about myself, and to avoid seeing and changing my own defects? -
What is the Secret to Reducing Self-Criticism?
The secret to reducing self-criticism lies in understanding how to interpret what your Inner Critic is really trying to express. -
Amazing Grace: How Unconditional Forgiveness Assists Recovery
Coming to believe and accept that you are worthy of grace can be a real turning point in your recovery. -
Can’t Sleep? Non-Pharmaceutical Options for Treating Insomnia During Recovery
Did you know that nearly 75 percent of recovering alcoholics report sleep problems immediately following detox? -
The Lighthouse: What is the Purpose for Your Recovery?
Identifying a purpose for your recovery can help you stick with the process, no matter how difficult it becomes. -
Trauma and Addiction: 7 Reasons Your Habit Makes Perfect Sense
Addictions often help reduce the sensation of overwhelm that post-trauma changes create. -
Coloring Outside the Lines of Forgiveness
The saying in AA “our secrets keep us sick” holds true for many, but what if we are not ready to scrape the scab off […] -
Top 5 Reasons You Should Keep Going to 12-Step Meetings
Meetings are the place where joy is multiplied and pain divided, where a Higher Power is most likely to be found and experienced. -
The Heart of Forgiveness
It is quite possible, if you are open to a process that involves acceptance of human frailty and imperfections, to forgive yourself. -
Romance in Recovery: Are You Rushing Your Relationship?
It is important that you honestly identify whether or not you may have a tendency toward codependency in your romantic relationships. -
Use the 12 Traditions to Improve Your Relationships
I was failing to remember that it is my job, an inside job, to be self-supporting emotionally and spiritually. -
Eating Disorders and Pregnancy: Does Your Body Feel Like a Wonderland?
Women with eating disorders have higher rates of postpartum depression and are more likely to have problems breastfeeding. -
50 Shades of Vulnerable: The Art of Coming Clean About Recovery
To tell or not to tell, that is the question many professionals in recovery must explore, but the answer doesn’t always come easy. -
Why is Opiate Addiction So Hard to Treat?
Okay, I’ll admit it: I experience much difficulty treating opiate dependence. From heroin to OxyContin, opiate abuse is alive and flailing in this field. -
Buddhism and Addiction Recovery
Buddhism is not a philosophy that works for everyone, but it offers a complementary practice to the 12 steps. -
A New Twist on Valentine’s Day: ‘I Love You, But I Love Me More’
When someone is lacking in self-love, they come into relationships from a place of neediness, looking for validation of their own self worth. -
Compassion Fatigue: Is it Happening to Your Family?
Marsha's emotional spirit and physical health were beaten down by the seemingly hopeless addictions that plagued her husband and daughter. -
Planning a Sober Vacation? First, 7 Essential Tips
A vacation is supposed to be a retreat from the daily grind but that grind is what comforts you and helps you stay structured, through […] -
Use the 12 Traditions to Improve Your Relationship
Judgment comes from the head, mercy from the heart; judgment wounds, mercy heals; judgment separates, mercy unites. -
Sponsor, Recovery Coach or Professional Counselor: Which is Right for You?
There are a variety of options to help people in recovery find the additional support they may need. -
Do You Understand Your Addiction Rituals?
The act of rolling a joint is important to Danny’s usage, and the ritual itself fulfills a sort of creative urge for him. -
Are You Addicted to Chaos?
I often find my patients resisting letting go of the chaos and dysfunction that was part of their lives during their active addiction. Why? -
Use the 12 Traditions to Improve Your Relationship
The 12 Traditions are to relationships what the 12 Steps are to sobriety. Use these tools to improve your romantic relationship in recovery. -
Why You Should Rethink Your Holiday Detox Diet
Seeking refuge in the “diet” of your choice fails to address the underlying issues which may have driven the overeating to begin with. -
Renewable Energy: How to Renew Your Emotional and Spiritual Energy
Energy a little low? Here are some fresh ideas for emotional and spiritual energy renewal in the New Year. -
Why Rehab Worked: Lisa’s Journey to Sobriety
Many aspects of addiction are so forbidden that reaching for help becomes an exercise in overcoming the powerful taboos of shame and guilt. -
New Year’s Resolution: Should You Make One or Not?
Resolutions signify our commitment to make positive changes and improve our lives in the coming year. But, are they risky for people in recovery? -
What They Say vs. What the Big Book Really Says
AA newcomers receive so much advice “in the rooms.” What is someone's opinion, and what is actually from the Big Book? -
Renewable Energy: How to Renew Your Physical and Mental Energy
Energy a little low? Now that the excitement of the holidays has died down, January seems to loom ahead with short, cold and dreary days. -
Why You Should Set Boundaries with Family During the Holidays
The most prevalent question that I am asked by families this time of year is, “do we need to make this holiday a dry event?” […] -
6 Essential Tips for Your First Sober Holiday Season
Are you part of the growing legion of sober men and women who will march into this holiday season for the first time? -
Do You Need Inspiration for a Hopeful Holiday Season?
Don’t predict and return to the negativity of the past. Decide to make a change for yourself with hope, forgiveness and empathy. -
Alcoholism, Family and the Miracle of Change
I remember the emotion that filled the room that day; whatever happened didn’t only affect my grandfather, it also affected me. -
Heal Fractured Relationships with These 7 Tools
Are you attached to your brokenness and to high-drama within relationships? These tendencies must be surrendered for healing to occur. -
The Miracle Question: What Does ‘Fully Healed’ Look Like for You?
Walking yourself through this process will bring to light the many ways – big and small – your life has been impacted by your illness. -
7 Tips for a Sober Holiday Party Season
The holidays are traditionally associated with over-indulgence. The season officially opens with a big turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. -
Grieving the Death of Addiction
Comparing the relationship with addiction to a death provides a concrete finality that addicts need in order to reach the stage of acceptance. -
Love Yourself: The Great Compliment Experiment
I am here to tell you that criticizing yourself is not the yellow brick road to recovery. Praising yourself is. -
False Promises: Don’t Be Fooled by the Allure of Anticipation
Studies in neuroscience show that dopamine, previously thought of as the “pleasure chemical” is actually the “anticipation of pleasure” chemical. -
The Truth About Relapse: 5 Misconceptions Explained
There are many misconceptions about what a relapse is and what having a relapse actually means for your recovery. -
Boredom is a Threat, But You Don’t Have to Give in
Who isn’t tempted to use alcohol or drugs or engage in some compulsive, soothing behavior in the face of boredom? -
Weight Stigma and Binge Eating: What’s the Connection?
Weight bias is an unfortunate byproduct suffered by many who struggle with binge eating disorder. So, what can you do to fight weight bias? -
Why is Boredom a Threat to Recovery?
If you’re creative, you’re likely to find boredom unbearable. That dreadful feeling can be a trigger for drug and alcohol use. -
6 Tips for Dealing with Grief & Loss in Recovery
Four days before their 40th wedding anniversary, Bill’s wife dies in a tragic auto accident. After the funeral, Bill discards his 35 years of sobriety […] -
Bodies, Binges and Your Ego’s Big Lie
If change comes from a place of self loathing—from the fear driven voice of the ego—it reinforces the idea that you are not good enough. -
Riding the Wave: How to Manage Your Cravings
If we shift away from the narrative that a craving is “bad,” then we can invite an exploration of the function and meaning of the […] -
5 Simple Tactics for Creating in Recovery
A creative person must create. Creating is a life purpose choice and a meaning opportunity. But everything falls apart if recovery fails. -
Bringing Balance Back: Why You Need Routine and Structure
When we create positive life-enhancing habits to replace self-destructive habits, we are getting a double reward... -
We’re in This Together: Aiming for Success in Recovery and Relationship
So what exactly can couples do to make their relationships better, while addressing the needs of the recovering partner?
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