Twenty-seven years ago today I walked out from under the supervision of the New York State Department of Correctional Services. I have never returned with the exception of the times I have visited a friend, during my work or my ministry. Many people have not been as fortunate. Many people get on the merry-go-round … Read more
“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” — Sydney J. Harris Without recovery the “what” is a terrible alternative! What exactly is the what? Homeless, prisoner of the department of corrections, failure, or possibly death. Each of us has our personal stories of where we … Read more
If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” Rumi I was riding with my friend yesterday doing some shopping for my son’s office. I am getting over a respiratory infection and I was sniffling a bit. I ran out of tissues and it was bothering me because I do not … Read more
If you are early in recovery and have started attending 12 step meetings, you are most likely hearing suggestions about finding a sponsor. For me, mainly because I didn’t ask, it took some time to find out what a sponsor was and also what he wasn’t. At most meetings I’ve attended there are pamphlets available … Read more
Today’s blog is a continuation of the previous blog discussing the topic of accepting one’s dependency on drugs/alcohol. In my experience, refusal to accept the fact that I was powerless over my dependence on alcohol/drugs led to attempts to self-help the condition. I was eventually driven to isolation and a deeper despair. To me, asking … Read more
Over the next few weeks I will be writing a series of blogs called “Relapse Prevention”. I will cover topics and provide information based on the experience of recovered people designed to assist in early recovery. I have always been amazed by the determination of the newcomer in their first week of recovery. Chances are … Read more
If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me, I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress. – Calvin Coolidge, 1872-1933, 30th President of the United States One great thing about history is our Presidents from this long … Read more
Experience has taught us that [spiritual approaches and conceptions] are matters about which, for our purpose, we need not be worried. They are questions for each individual to settle for himself. —Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., pg. 50 Recently I learned about a series of DVD’s that help to answer the questions that we all face … Read more
Medical Aspects of Alcohol and Alcoholism 1. Alcoholism: classified as a disease, characterized by a loss of control. 2. Hangover Effects: mini-withdrawal from a depressant drug; causes agitation upon detoxification. Symptoms include: headache, irritability, dehydration, upset stomach, anxiety, nausea, jumpiness. 3. Malnutrition: alcohol has no nutritional value; essential vitamins, minerals, proteins are missing from the … Read more
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar In the recovered life we can include in the term motivation our Spiritual condition. We are clean and sober on a daily basis contingent upon our Spiritual condition. Well just like bathing we need … Read more