Staying sober is sometimes a tough task. There are a lot of challenges you must face. Adding more stress into the mix can often result in a relapse. If you have lost your job while you are trying to stay sober, it may be a huge blow. But this does not mean that your recovery must be impacted. Here are a few tips to help you minimize the stress associated with the loss of a job and help you maintain your sobriety. Continue reading
If you are a teen who has been affected by a family member’s alcoholism, there is a support group just for you. Alateen is a part of Al-Anon, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. At Al-Anon, we believe that alcoholism is a disease that affects everyone in the family. Alateen provides a safe space to share the experiences you are having, or have had, with the problem drinker in your life, whether they are a parent or close family member. Alateen is a community where you will find help and support. Alateen groups have a long record of success, regardless of whether the problem drinker is seeking help for herself or himself or is actively working on sober living. Are you curious about how Alateen can help you cope with family issues related to drinking or other substance abuse? Here are five things you may not know about the program. Continue reading
If you are beginning a recovery program, or are helping a friend find the right recovery program, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether to select an outpatient or an inpatient treatment center. Both treatment options are effective when properly followed and adhered to, but one may be better for your loved one over the other. Here are a few of the ways to tell which is the better option for you or a loved one. http://www.my12stepstore.com/product2560.html Continue reading
Is Halloween one of your favorite holidays? Do you dread the scary day because so many Halloween events feature drinking as one of the major activities? If so, don’t worry. It’s possible to have a sober Halloween and participate in the festivities without tempting yourself to drink. Here are several ways to celebrate a sober Halloween while in recovery. Continue reading
If you are looking to lead a sober life, you may have read the Alcoholics Anonymous book and may be looking to follow everything in the book. One of the questions that frequently comes up is whether you must have an AA sponsor. This is not specifically addressed in the book. Here is some more information about this. The AA program like other 12-step programs do not require you have a sponsor. However, many people do because they have found it to be a great support, especially in early recovery. Continue reading
Getting clean and sober is among the most rewarding things that can occur in the life of someone who is struggling with addiction. There are two main organizations that exist to serve and support people who are on a path toward recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a program focused on assisting alcoholics, while Narcotics Anonymous, or NA, is focused on assisting those who struggle with drug addiction. Often, people have issues with both drugs and alcohol, and are unsure which program would be best for their needs. The team at my12stepstore.com would like to share some information about the differences between these programs, in the hopes of making that decision a little bit clearer. Continue reading
Addiction can be devastating, not only for the addict but also for those who care for someone who is struggling. In fact, there are many situations where the caregivers or loved ones suffer as much or more than the person who has the addiction. Many people feel hopeless when confronted with a loved one’s addiction, and are frustrated that their intentions and actions seem to have little effect. It is important for friends and family to know that there are resources available to assist them through this difficult experience. One of the most powerful resources is Al-Anon. The team at my12stepstore.com would like to highlight the benefits of this organization, in the hopes of helping families to move through this period of their lives more easily. http://www.my12stepstore.com/product2690.html
When many people think about Alcoholics Anonymous, they picture the chips used to signify important milestones in sobriety. These chips have become widely recognized as symbols of AA, even though many people are unaware of the history and significance of their use. At my12stepstore.com, we enjoy sharing information and resources with our community and are proud to offer the following overview of how and why chips became such a big part of the AA experience. As other 12- step groups have started so has the significance of celebrating recovery time. Continue reading
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. http://www.my12stepstore.com/What-Addicts-Know.html http://www.my12stepstore.com/Alcoholics-Anonymous-Voices-of-Long-Term-Sobriety-Book.html
Everyone who has struggled with addiction knows how hard it can be to get through a holiday. Christmas and Thanksgiving offer their own unique challenges, but the “lesser” holidays can also be difficult to weather. The good news is that with the right mix of motivation and effort, it is possible to enjoy holiday celebrations while also supporting your sobriety. The following tips are offered on behalf of My12StepStore.com in the hopes of making the upcoming Labor Day an excellent experience and something to truly look forward to. Continue reading
