Prime Examples of 4th Step Resentment
Resentment is a common emotion experienced by individuals undergoing the 12-step program, particularly during the 4th step, which involves making ...
AA Promises Printable PDF (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Get your free AA promises printable. The 9th step in Alcoholics Anonymous lists some significant promises on pages 83-84. We give you three designs to download and hang on your wall.
Contour Light Therapy – What is it and How Does it Work?
What is red light therapy and how does it work? Also known as contour light therapy, we dive deep into what this new therapy can do for pain management and weight loss.
Empathy vs. Enabling: How to Provide Support Without Reinforcing Destructive Patterns
Want to know the differences between empathy vs. enabling? Learn more about helping loved ones without reinforcing negative behavior!
11 Famous People with PTSD
PTSD affects 6% of the US population. However, these numbers are probably underestimated because PTSD cases can go unreported due ...
Practical Tips to Stay Sober During the Holidays
While holiday survival could be challenging because of alcohol consumption, it is an excellent opportunity for you to prove that you're strong. In this holiday survival guide, I will give you everything you need: advice, purpose, and hope to reignite that flame that got you sober in the first place.
Somatic Exercise Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as feelings of stress, worried thoughts, and physical changes. This means there is an intricate dance of mental states and physical symptoms at play.
This is why anxiety finds a unique ally in somatic exercises. Whether it's the elevated heart rate, muscle tension, or shallow breathing associated with anxiety, these practices address the entire spectrum of mind and body responses.
Somatic Intervention Techniques for Trauma Therapy
Through years of research and personal experiences, there is no doubt that our mental state significantly impacts our physical body. ...
Sobriety Cake Ideas for Your Next Sober Celebration
We’ve listed the top sobriety cake ideas from the internet. Pick one that truly resonates with your journey to get the celebration started!
Sobriety Tattoo Ideas to Celebrate Your Recovery
Recovery from addiction is an achievement of a lifetime. The lotus flower is one of the most common recovery-related tattoos that people get. It symbolizes strength and purity as it grows pure despite its roots in muddy waters and progresses toward the light. It is also a simple symbol that can be tattooed on the inside of your wrist, shoulder, or even ankle. Your wrist is the best place for a tattoo since it is always visible and is a great reminder of your choice.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF)
Print the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Downloadable and printable PDFs available.
11 Ideas on How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Sober
The holiday season is here! New Year’s Eve is a great time to host a sober celebration. Whether you are ...
Sober Speak Podcast Interview | Why go on a Recovery Retreat?
Julia from Vikara Wellness Retreats & Holistic Health shares her passion for the power of holistic wellness modalities & sober wellness retreats for personal transformation. She talks about what inspired her to be on the path of recovery & wellness and why she is a pioneer in educating people today.
Podcast: Richard Taite Sobriety and Luxury Treatment Centers Part 2
Richard Taite, an entrepreneur in the rehabilitation industry, joined us on the Sober Speak podcast. Richard shares with John about his journey to sobriety, his family, and how he has made it as an entrepreneur in the alcoholism and addiction rehab arena.
Step 8 of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous): Making A List
The 8th step of AA is a precursor to the step most of us feared more than any other. The post examines the value of this step and looks at how we can make this list of the people we had hurt and how to decide on who makes which people make that list.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Porn Addiction?
Porn addiction, a form of behavioral addiction, is a growing concern in today's digital age. The growing availability of pornographic material, the rise in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and strained relationships have contributed to the increase in porn addiction worldwide.
Novena Prayers to the Patron Saint of Addiction
Who Is The Patron Saint Of Addiction? St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of addiction and political prisoners. He has also been canonized as The martyr of charity. Devotees often pray to seek his intercession in addiction recovery.
Does Trauma Cause Symptoms of Memory Loss?
Trauma can shape our memories and cause loss of memory or permanent memory loss. As a defense mechanism, trauma teaches our brains to suppress events that trigger a stress response. This allows individuals to live their lives without having to deal with constant reminders of their trauma. A severe car accident is a good example of memory loss. Although the car's occupants are present during the accident, our brains are busy trying to keep us alive instead of forming new memories.
Richard Taite: Sobriety and Luxury Treatment Centers
In this podcast, Richard emphasized the importance of replacing drugs and alcohol with something more valuable. Richard shared his personal experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, support, and addressing mental anguish. Richard also shared his personal journey towards understanding God and emphasizing the importance of faith in his life.
Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction
Identifying the symptoms and signs of fentanyl addiction can help in seeking immediate medical attention when an emergency arises.
How to See the Signs of Teen Porn Addiction
Unlike substance addiction, where you can see physical signs, porn addiction in teens is more hidden, causing it to often go unnoticed.
What is Bulimia Face? (Swollen face and cheeks)
Bulimia face refers to the physical changes in the face due to frequent vomiting and purging. This is also called the chipmunk face, chipmunk cheeks, or bulimia cheeks.
Symptoms Of Oxycontin Addiction
Oxycodone addiction affects 1.9 million people in the United States according to The American Society of Addiction Medicine. This addiction usually precedes a prescription of oxycodone-containing painkillers for chronic pain.
I Used Alpha-Stim to Help with My Anxiety During Sobriety
"My 34th year of sobriety was the most stressful year I have experienced in a long time. There was a heavy weight on my chest that I couldn't kick no matter how much 12-step work I did, how much I counseled with others, and how much prayer and meditation I did," shares John, who wishes his last name to remain anonymous.
Famous People With Borderline Personality Disorder
So many famous people that we love and appreciate suffer from borderline personality disorder and still manage to make their name in history and showbiz.
Autonomic Nervous System and Trauma
The nervous system's response to trauma is complex and involves multiple factors, including genetic conditions, developmental trauma, and environmental stressors.
Can You Overcome Addiction Through God?
Overcoming addiction through God sounds like a feat too big, even for our Higher Power. Yet, the good news is that the Bible shows us that God is powerful and can help us overcome addiction. The Holy Spirit weaves its way through daily life, and God's love is unconditional.
How Long Does Depression Last After Quitting Alcohol?
According to surveys and research, people who have dealt with and quit an addiction may suffer from unpleasant side effects of alcohol abuse later on. This includes mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, social issues like financial loss or loss of friends/relatives, and health issues such as liver disease.
Healing Prayers for Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of sexual abuse have been through traumatic experiences. Sexual violence or any kind of sexual crime causes years of ...
Does Fasting Help To Overcome Food Addiction?
Food addiction affects millions of people around the world. Our society is full of trigger foods and addictive substances, making eating healthy extremely challenging.
Types of Somatic Pain Symptoms and Disorders
There are two different types of pain that we experience in our bodies: visceral and somatic. Visceral pain is one that you feel in a specific organ, like your stomach, bladder, uterus, etc. Somatic pain mainly arises from the skeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, skin, and mucous membranes (inside of your mouth).
What are AA Medallion (Sobriety Chips) Keychain Holders
Recovery medallions remind us of our commitment to staying sober. They can help to remind us to call our sponsor or our friends in recovery if we need support. Adding them to our keychain is one way to keep our recovery medallions close.
22 Top Al-Anon Family Group (AFG) Suggested Meeting Topics
Are you leading an Al-Anon meeting soon or for the first time? Are you looking for topics to discuss? We've got you covered. Below are the Meeting Topics we like. Of course, there are many more; these are just a few we love to hear about.
Alcoholics Anonymous Controversial Discussion Meeting Topics
This article will discuss controversial issues we do not discuss in AA meetings. However, you can discuss these topics with your recovery friends and sponsors outside AA meetings.
Find the Best Sober Living Homes For Recovery
Sober living homes are homes for multiple people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. The transition to sober life can be challenging, especially when someone is new to it or has just been released from treatment.
What Does the Bible Say About Addiction (Top Verses)
Ever wonder what the Bible says about drug addiction? The good news is that the Bible can be a resource for support groups, drug users, and treatment programs.
What is Anorexia and Does It Cause Hair Loss?
Anorexia Nervosa is a chronic eating disorder that affects adolescent females, young adults in their twenties and middle-age, and males in their teens. Due to undereating, anorexia leads to malnutrition and a lack of enough nutrients for the body. This leads to health problems over a long period of time. One common health problem seen in anorexia is hair loss.
Al-Anon Just For Tonight And Just For Today
Al-Anon Family Groups is a support group for relatives of alcoholics to share their experiences and find hope in a safe environment. Alcoholism is a family disease and Al-Anon helps families recover.
Step Twelve (12) of AA Worksheet
The twelfth step of Alcoholics Anonymous is based on carrying the message to other suffering alcoholics after experiencing a spiritual awakening. Step 12 can only be accomplished once we have worked steps 1 - 11 with a sponsor or recovering group of alcoholics.
Step 3 of Alcoholics Anonymous Worksheet – Made A Decision
When we arrive at Step 3, we've admitted we are powerless over alcohol, and we have acknowledged that a Higher Power we defined would be able to take care of our addiction. Now, it's time to let that Higher Power take over. Step three is simple if we have fully worked on steps one and two. We make a decision to turn our will and lives over to the Higher Power we acknowledged in step two.
18-month AA Sobriety Bronze Medallion Chips
Picking up AA coins celebrating 18 months of sobriety has significant meaning for recovering alcoholics and addicts. It represents hard work in the program, learning the principles of honesty and cleaning house, growing a connection to a Higher Power, and, above all else, giving hope to the newcomer.
How Soberlink Proves Sobriety and Enforces Accountability in Recovery
Soberlink is a type of breathalyzer test that can play a pivotal role both at home and in court cases in families with a history of alcohol abuse. Family law cases across the United States now use Soberlink devices in family courts to show sobriety stats for their clients. For an alcoholic, Soberlink works as an accountability tool.
The Yellow Sobriety Chip In Alcoholics Anonymous
AA sobriety chips, also known as sobriety tokens, are emblematic symbols of progress and commitment to addiction recovery. These small, round tokens, which resemble plastic poker chips, are passed out to AA members of the fellowship at various points along their recovery journey, helping them mark sobriety milestones such as 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc. On some sobriety chips, the serenity prayer is printed on one side.
Porn Addiction and Prayers for Healing
From cyberbullying to porn, the internet’s dark side is a cause of concern. Today, we will focus on porn addiction and how you can overcome it or help someone to do so. Specifically, we will focus on the effectiveness of prayer for porn addiction.
Tips on Writing Your Own Addiction Recovery Story
As an addict who has achieved sobriety, you may be interested in sharing your addiction recovery story with others who have substance abuse problems. You have the unique opportunity to inspire and encourage those struggling with substance abuse. And you can do this by sharing your story.
Al-Anon Fourth Step Inventory Worksheet
To begin your fourth step, find a quiet place where you can concentrate and have an open mind. It is important to have a support system during the fourth step. Be it a sponsor, step study group, or a close friend, you'll need someone to lean on during this time. There are a few ways to begin your honest inventory. You can begin by praying to your Higher Power, calling a friend and praying together, going for a short walk and listening to soft music, lighting a candle, and meditating. Do whatever is needed to clear your mind.
Al-Anon Step One (Recovery Work)
We are filled with despair and hopelessness when we first come to Al-Anon meetings. Some of us come because we want to learn how to teach our family members to stop drinking. We are looking for a quick fix.
Why Expats Are at Risk for Addictions and Treatment Options
Moving abroad presents expats with opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, moving away from your home country and your family is difficult. It also comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Is Acceptance the Big Answer
Acceptance is a topic that is frequently discussed in 12-step recovery meetings. Why? As humans, we can definitely say a common single defect of character is we want to control.
AA Sobriety Chips For Two Years (Alcoholics Anonymous)
In Alcoholics Anonymous, chips are given for years of sobriety. Depending on where you live, these AA medallions may be called a different name: sober medallion, AA chips, AA sobriety chips, or AA sobriety tokens, to name a few.
Tips For Finding And Making Sober Friends After Rehab
Overcoming addiction can be a difficult journey, with many challenges along the way. A solid support network makes this positive step in life a little easier. Now that you’ve made this change and are out of rehab, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I meet sober people?”
Understanding the Underlying Root Causes of Addiction
Root causes of addiction include psychological and emotional trauma, genetic factors, and environmental influences.
Packing List For Inpatient Treatment (What to Bring)
Deciding to enter recovery is a brave step towards a happier, healthier life free of substance use disorder. At these facilities, there are mental health professionals who can give you the highest quality of care within a safe environment and are ready to help you enter the world of recovery. You can now put your drug use and/or alcohol use behind you.
Xanax Addiction: Can you get addicted to .25 Xanax?
Today, we are going to explore if a .25 dose of Xanax is addictive. To answer this question, we will take a look at Xanax: why it is prescribed, the symptoms of Xanax addiction, how Xanax addiction is treated, and wrap up with, can I overdose on Xanax?
Sober Party Ideas to Celebrate Your 21st Birthday
As a sober person, how do you celebrate your 21st birthday while keeping your sobriety? Thankfully, a 21st bash does not need to be centered around alcohol.
The Symptoms and Stages of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine abuse does not just happen in an instant. Cocaine users develop a chronic disease over time after using this addictive drug over and over again.
What Do Cross Addiction and Cross Dependence Mean?
Substituting one addiction for another is known as cross addiction, cross dependence or addiction interaction discorder. It occurs when the substitute has more or less the same properties as the replaced addiction—a common example is unhealthy eating patterns that emerge when giving up alcohol.
Stages of Sexual Addiction: Breaking The Cycle
In this article, we will discuss the stages of sex addiction and learn how to break the continuous cycle of sexual addiction.
Meditation Symbols: Spiritual Meaning For Your Yoga Routine
Meditation is the practice of quieting our minds and accessing our energy centers. There are many different paths to reaching a meditative state. To help get us to that quiet place, some use everyday items like stones, images, and symbols.
Saints’ Prayers for Drug Addictions and Recovery
Praying to Saints, those that have passed on before us, is a practice in many churches, most famously in the catholic faith. The saints symbolize hope and can be a powerful intercessor for addicted people.
Best Sober Vacation Ideas and Destinations (Alcohol-free)
Alcohol-free vacations can do wonders for your mental health. But how easy is it to stay sober when you are on vacation with your party mode on? It's easy, and you can achieve this goal by choosing a sober vacation destination.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Anorexia Nervosa
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are complex and challenging mental health conditions. These two conditions have revealed a striking connection in recent years in many individuals.
Does Cocaine, or Other Illegal Drugs, Cause Hair Loss?
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug, and chronic use of cocaine can cause long-term side effects. Does cocaine cause hair loss? Does the damage go away? Can you reverse the damage? Does your hair ever go back to its healthy stage? Let’s see how cocaine can cause damage to your hair and what can bring back the shine you always had.
What is Body Checking? (Eating Disorders)
Body checking encompasses various activities related to obsessive thoughts about the body’s shape, body’s weight, and size.
Inspirational Eating Disorder Quotes for Recovery
Here are some eating disorder recovery quotes for those suffering from eating disorders. These are healthy eating quotes that can give you an unexpected laugh and help you with your recovery process.
Powerful Symbols & Tattoos to Celebrate Recovery
For many people who are or have been on the path to sobriety, tattoos serve as powerful representations of their successes. They serve as a reminder of a person’s commitment to a life free from addiction.
Clothing Fashion Brands with Mental Health Awareness
Fashion brands have evolved beyond mere apparel providers. They can now actively engage in raising awareness on essential social issues. Clothing is common to all genders and ages. So, if clothing brands take the initiative to talk about something, they are more likely to reach a wider audience.
Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Plan
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) significantly impacts an individual's physical and mental health. Recovery from BED demands a well-structured plan and consistency.
Novena Prayers for Alcoholism and Addiction
A simple prayer is enough to call upon God for His divine help. However, the catholic school of thought has a more precise method of prayer known as the Novena.
Bible Verses For Healing Trauma (Comforting Scriptures)
Trauma manifests in various forms for different people. Bad experiences can affect us in different ways, impacting us emotionally, physically, financially, and beyond. The trauma that we suffer as a consequence of these experiences can often leave us distraught and hopeless. Such a state requires a source of comfort and peace that we can always turn to.
Empowering Body Dysmorphia and Body Image Quotes
Struggling with your body image is something everyone goes through at some point in their lives. According to research published by the National Institute Of Health, about 20-40% of women struggle with some form of dissatisfaction with their bodies. At the same time, 10-30% of men report to have similar struggles.
Nar-Anon Quotes & Slogans for Family of Addicts
One such example is Nar-Anon meetings and the words resonating from Nar-Anon family groups. These words act like a faithful hand guiding individuals through these challenging times. These simple phrases, found within the Nar-Anon Blue Book, often provide inexpressible comfort to those seeking solace amidst the chaos of addiction's impact on their lives.
What is the Difference Between Being Sober vs Drunk
The difference between being sober versus drunk lies in more than behavior changes. Being sober means not consuming any alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
Intracacies of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD symptoms can vary widely among people, but there are a few commonalities you should be aware of; OCD typically involves specific patterns of obsessions and compulsions. You might be wondering, what exactly is an obsession and a compulsion?
Suboxone vs Subutex Use During Pregnancy (Opioid Treatment)
Subutex, or buprenorphine treatment, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, similar to other opioids. However, its unique property as a partial agonist means it produces a milder opioid effect, reducing the risk of opioid dependence. By stimulating some receptors and blocking others, Subutex helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery.
Personality Disorder vs Mood Disorders (Key Differences)
Mood disorders and personality disorders are two distinct categories of mental health conditions that impact a person's life. While they have some common symptoms and characteristics, they are fundamentally different as to what causes them, how they present, and their treatment approaches.
About Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Suboxone is emerging as a valuable tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Its formulation, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, helps to address different aspects of addiction.
Best Retreats for Family Therapy Vacations
Family vacations allow loved ones to reconnect and spend time together. It takes them away from the hustle of work, routine, and chores and brings them together in a place meant for relaxation and rekindling.
24-Hour Sobriety Chip in Alcoholics Anonymous
Receiving this sobriety token, or desire chip, serves as a daily reminder of the promise you made to reclaim your life and make better choices, one day at a time. And if you have accomplished that, even for a short period of time, for now, you should know you have what it takes to keep going!
About Alcoholics Anonymous (Purpose Meetings Steps)
AA is a fellowship of men and women whose primary purpose is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. They conduct meetings where they share their personal experiences and success stories. The idea is to provide a healthy and supportive environment for alcoholics that is conducive to their recovery and gives them a sense of belonging.
Symptoms of PMO Addiction (Porn Masturbation Orgasm)
PMO refers to porn, masturbation, and orgasm. In the digital age with easy access, porn addiction, also known as PMO addiction, is emerging as a major problem. This problem appears to be affecting a significant number of individuals worldwide.
Leaving A Drug Addict Boyfriend
Living with a drug addict boyfriend can be daunting and emotionally draining. Especially when you have no experience dealing with substance use disorder and addictive behavior.
Love Addiction vs Love Avoidance (Relationship Addiction)
Love is in the air! Maybe not literally, but it is all around us. In the novels we read, the movies we watch, our favorite tv shows, and even the local newspaper with marriage announcement photos and “love is love” posters.
Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction and Abuse
Recognizing the signs of Vicodin addiction is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. This article explores the red flags that may indicate Vicodin addiction, with insight and guidance to enable individuals and their loved ones to take the necessary steps toward prevention and recovery.
Can You Be Addicted to Emotional Pain?
Drug addiction is something concrete and physical. We have evidence of our substance abuse in the physical act of taking a drink, snorting a line, shooting up, or inhaling a substance.
What is NyQuil abuse and addiction?
NyQuil, available in caplet and liquid form, is one of many over-the-counter cold medications for common cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, fever, and headache. Some people take NyQuil as a sleep medication.
Celebrate Your Sobriety Anniversary with a Party
A sober milestone commemorates how much time has passed between the present moment and the date of the addict’s last drug or the alcoholic’s last drink of alcoholic beverages. In reality, we celebrate a new sober milestone on a daily basis when we wake up sober.
Best Crystals For Addiction (Healing and Recovery Help)
The word Crystal comes from a Greek word meaning ice and frost. Like ice can heal us, so to can crystals for addiction help heal us in our recovery journey.
Can Sober Alcoholics Drink Non-alcoholic Beer?
As more and more non-alcoholic beverage options hit the market in recent years and advertising on social media seems to be multiplying images of bottles of non-alcoholic beer, those with alcohol addiction are asking themselves whether it is a good idea to sip these nonalcoholic drinks in social situations or whether the best thing would be to abstain completely from such drinks.
Sober Cruise Vacations for Sober Singles (Alcohol-Free)
Travelers all across the world enjoy going on cruises. Millions book cruises each year. So what happens if you're sober from alcohol and want to go on a cruise where it's typically free to drink any alcoholic drink you wish?
How To Enjoy Living a Sober Life
Sobriety can feel absolutely frightening. It can also be a challenge in those first days of recovery. In today's culture, it feels like not drinking means being alone and dull. I remember in early sobriety, and I thought all my fun was over! Being sober was lame. I was a bore now.
35 Top Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Discussion Meeting Topics
Leading an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting? Wonder what topic to discuss? Whether you are leading your first meeting or your 100th, here's a quick guide to the Sober Speak Meeting Topics we like.
Examples of AA Fourth Step Moral Inventory (Guide)
Some people fear the action of the fourth step inventory. Even though this is referred to as a fearless moral inventory, it can be scary. In many people's experience, the fourth step brings peace and calmness when complete.
How Long Until I’m Sober
We know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States came into the New Year just like they do any other New Year – with their hands around a glass bottle during a night of heavy drinking, and never the wiser that they may have an alcohol addiction.
How Does Alcohol Abuse Differ From Alcoholism?
There is a fine–and not-so-fine–line between alcohol dependence (or “alcoholism” or “alcohol abuse”) and heavy drinking or excessive alcohol consumption. For those of us wondering whether we have a drinking problem, it is hard to distinguish whether our binge drinking–which is often culturally celebrated and acceptable in the United States–is evidence of alcohol misuse or just good American fun.
Sobriety Anniversary Wishes for Cards and Gifts
If you have a friend or family member celebrating a sobriety anniversary, you might not know what to say to them or if you should give them a gift. Do you know where they celebrate their sober birthday in their addiction recovery program?
How Long Does it Take to Sober Up From Alcohol?
The different factors that determine how long alcohol will stay in your system include:
Individual’s age
Individual’s weight
What they’ve ingested
Medications they have taken, and
The overall health of the individual’s liver