Anna K., an anesthesiologist with over 20 years of sobriety, vividly describes an unforgettable night when she gave herself a combination of the narcotics she would administer to patients. This…
Self-acceptance is an important part of recovery. Growing up gay in a community where that wasn't accepted, Keith W. felt flawed—like something was wrong with him. When he found drugs…
Matt Erwin, CACII As mechanics, doctors, artists, or any other skilled craftsperson will probably tell you, when a problem presents itself, gritting one’s teeth and forcing a result does not…
By Jim Seckman, CACII, MAC, CCS "We simply pay too high a price when we refuse to forgive. Lingering resentments are like acid eating away at us. Rehearsing and re-rehearsing old…
What are some of the specific ways a parent’s addiction affects the lives of their children? How do parents who are in recovery start to rebuild the family’s home life?…
Our brains love stories. We use them to make sense of the world, to make connections, and to find patterns. We use stories to make predictions, and we use them…
By Jim Seckman, MAC, CACII, CCS Shame and addiction are Siamese twins. One rarely exists without the other. Both exist behind walls of denial, growing like cancer, sucking out life. -Stephanie…
By Alisa Sawyer Right Side Up Recovery Center for Women and Children Despite the wider acceptance of the disease model, and a growing understanding of the importance of treatment, alcoholism,…
Overcoming shame in recovery is an important step in staying sober. This is particularly true for mothers and for professionals. Michelle was both. She had four children and a career as a full-time…
In this episode we hear from two therapists about perfectionism and how it is a major obstacle to long-term recovery. Director of MARR’s Women’s Center Cailey Binkley and a therapist…
Research has shown, and continues to show, that shame and addiction go hand in hand. In this episode, we hear from two counselors on the topic of treating clients with…
As humans, we have an innate desire for connection. We want to feel accepted by the people in our lives, whether it be friends, family, or significant others. We want…