Articles By

Shannon M

Shannon M

Why Gambling Addiction Isn’t About Greed but About Escape

Like most addictions, gambling is often labeled with a harsh stigma. Most people who don’t have a gambling issue see ...
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Best Drug Rehabs in Florida

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand how important it is to choose the right drug rehab center in ...
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Best Drug Rehabs in Kentucky

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand how important it is to choose the right drug rehab center in ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Kansas

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand how important it is to choose the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Nevada

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know how important it is to choose the right drug rehab center in ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Mississippi

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in Mississippi is a vital ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Colorado

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that finding the right drug rehab center in Colorado is a vital ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Oregon

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in Oregon is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Pennsylvania

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we recognize that choosing the right drug rehab center in Pennsylvania is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Louisiana

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in Louisiana is a vital ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Massachusetts

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in Massachusetts is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Montana

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in Montana is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in New Jersey

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center in New Jersey is a ...
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Rebuilding Your Career After Addiction Treatment: Best Jobs for a Fresh Start

If you’ve recovered from addiction, first and foremost, you know you should be very proud of yourself. You may need ...
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How To Build a Solid Foundation in Sobriety: Practical Steps for a Secure Life

Sobriety involves establishing a steady and rewarding life that strengthens long-term success. Without a clear strategy, moving forward may feel ...
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The Role of Technology in Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery? It’s a hard journey, different for everyone. While traditional methods—therapy, support groups, and medical interventions—remain fundamental, technology is ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Alabama

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know that choosing the right drug rehab center in Alabama is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Vermont

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that selecting the right drug rehab center in Vermont is a crucial ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Nebraska

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know that choosing the right drug rehab center in Nebraska is a vital ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Connecticut

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we recognize that choosing the right drug rehab center in Connecticut is a crucial ...
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The Role of Cybersecurity in Modern Rehabilitation Facilities

A quiet breach. A patient’s data—exposed. Trust, shattered in seconds. In an age where personal health information is more valuable ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Minnesota

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that finding the right drug rehab center in Minnesota is a critical ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Illinois

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know how crucial it is to find the right drug rehab center in ...
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Rehab Reading List: Fiction That Encourages Personal Growth

Books change people. Stories, whether real or imagined, have the power to reshape perspectives, challenge assumptions, and push readers toward ...
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Why Access to Mental Health Services Matters More Than Ever

In the last few years, conversations around mental health have become more open and widespread than ever before. We see ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Arizona

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand how important it is to find the right drug rehab center in ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Georgia

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we recognize how crucial it is to find a high-quality drug rehab center in ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Еl Paso

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know how crucial it is to find the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Tennessee

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand that choosing the right drug rehab center is a vital step toward ...
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The Vicious Cycle: How Trauma Fuels the Cycle of Addiction

Discover how trauma fuels the cycle of addiction, unraveling the complex connection between past experiences and substance abuse in this in-depth blog post.
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How to Organize a Drug Intervention for a Loved One

Drug interventions can help a loved one seek help. How to organize an intervention can seem overwhelming. Today we offer steps to organize a treatment intervention.
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Austin

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand the importance of choosing the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ranking process ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Texas

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand how crucial it is to choose the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ...
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The AA Resentment Prayer – the Path to Emotional Freedom

The AA resentment prayer offers a path to emotional freedom. Please help me show those I resent the same Tolerance, Pity and Patience that I would cheerfully grant a sick friend.
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Ohio

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we recognize the importance of selecting the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ranking process ...
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How Long Does It Take to Recover From Porn Addiction? The Role of Accountability in the Journey

How to recovery from porn addiction and the role of accountability in the journey. Four stages: Coping with withdrawals, Building new habits, reaching new goals, and maintaining long-term recovery
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Indiana

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we know how crucial it is to choose the right drug rehab center. Our ...
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What Are the Challenges of Managing Criminal Injury Claims in Cases of Substance Addiction?

When it come to cases of substance addiction, there are challenges in managing criminal injury claims. Understanding these difficulties is crucial for effectively navigating the legal landscape.
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Is There a Link Between Addiction and Divorce?

Is there is a link between addiction and divorce? Divorce is a challenging and emotional process that affects many families across the globe. When addiction plays a role in the breakdown of a relationship, it adds another layer of complexity.
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Drug Use and Dealing in UK Prisons: Why is it Such a Problem?

Drug use and dealing in prisons within the UK present a significant challenge for the British justice system. Despite stringent measures, the problem persists, affecting the rehabilitation process and overall prison environment.
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The Anxiety-Sobriety Paradox: Why Quitting Can Make You Feel More Anxious Before It Gets Better

Explore the anxiety and sobriety paradox – why quitting can spike anxiety before mental clarity returns. Learn causes, coping tips, and treatment options for recovery.
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Iowa

Our Ranking Process At Sober Speak, we understand the critical importance of choosing the right drug rehabilitation center. Our ranking ...
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Best Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Utah

How We Rank Rehabilitation Centers At Sober Speak, we know how vital it is to select the right drug rehabilitation ...
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The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Trauma, whether originating from childhood experiences, acute incidents, or prolonged exposure to stress, can leave enduring imprints on an individual’s ...
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Should You Travel to Another State for Addiction Treatment?

As addiction treatment options continue to expand, an increasing number of people are exploring the possibility of traveling out of ...
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The 4 Ds of Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention plays a crucial role in the journey of addiction recovery, equipping individuals with essential tools and strategies to ...
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Prime Examples of 4th Step Resentment

Explore prime examples of 4th Step resentments in recovery, uncovering key triggers, patterns, and the transformative power of forgiveness.
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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.
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Contour Light Therapy – What is it and How Does it Work?

What is contour light therapy and how does it work? Also known as red light therapy, we dive deep into what this new therapy can do for pain management and weight loss.
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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!
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People with PTSD: 11 Famous People

Want to know 11 famous people with PTSD? Did you know Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and other big names have PTSD?
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Holiday Survival Guide: Tips to Stay Sober

Need a holiday survival guide to stay sober this holiday season?
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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.
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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. ...
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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!
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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.
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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF)

Print the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Downloadable and printable PDFs available.
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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 ...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Powerful Prayers for Victims of Bullying

Despite the endorsement of multiple anti-bullying campaigns across several forms of media, it remains prevalent, with hundreds of individuals falling victim to it daily. If you're a religious person, this is a wonderful opportunity to turn to God and ask him for his mercy in helping this victim of bullying recover. Prayer and the act of praying for victims of bullying helps victims feel less alone and gives them this profound sense of safety in God's love.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ...
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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.
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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). 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find the Best Sober Living Homes For After-Treatment 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?”
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Signs and Symptoms of Barbiturate Addiction

Barbiturates are a class of drugs most commonly prescribed during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s for sleep, muscle spasms, anxiety, and seizure disorders by medical professionals. These drugs work as central nervous system depressants by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA, which inhibits the activity of nerve cells in the brain.
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Understanding the Underlying Root Causes of Addiction

Root causes of addiction include psychological and emotional trauma, genetic factors, and environmental influences.
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