Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

It is second nature to be critical and judgmental of others, especially when we look superior next to them. In our addiction we size ourselves up against other addicts to feel better and in sobriety we do the same. Where does this pattern of thinking really get us? Even though we are temporarily satisfied, we [...]

Do you ever feel like you are moving but when you look down you really have gone nowhere? I was speaking with a fellow addict who painted a picture for me. He said, “I feel like I am going in one direction but when I get there I have no idea where I am. So [...]

Non-addicts believe that stubbornness is the reason why addicts continue using alcohol and drugs despite negative consequences. Just because we decided to use drugs and alcohol, it does not mean that we chose to become addicted. Our addiction develops over time and causes us to make impaired decisions. Hitting rock bottom may be one of [...]

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. What should we call it when we do the same thing over and over again knowing exactly what the outcome will be? This applies to those who relapse, worsening after a period of improvement. We are extremely good at [...]

Joining the program Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a good thing; however, becoming addicted to the program in place of your substance abuse could be a bad thing. Self-awareness is the key to knowing your underlying motivation for behaviors, including attending support groups like AA. Substituting meetings in place of substance abuse means that the underlying [...]

Relapse is not inevitable, but it does occur. When addiction relapse occurs it is important not to punish ourselves and allow the old negative messages to take over. After a relapse, addict’s make statements like, “I don’t deserve better, I’m worthless, I deserve to be punished,” simply because they made a poor choice. The negative [...]

Sex, drugs and rock-n-roll is just an accepted way of life for a rock star. Eddie VanHalen knows too well what the destruction that this lifestyle endorses. He has said that he had terrible stage fright and that his father introduced him to alcohol at the age of 12 to overcome his fear of performing. [...]