SPECIAL: Maintain RECOVERY from home during the pandemic!

I just found out that there is a live stream available on, where else, YouTube (of course) to those individuals who still wish to attend AA meetings on a daily basis. Well now, you theoretically still can!  Just like how most schools in the country are managing with their "distance learning," well we folks in …

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MUSINGS: The Broad Highway

This is, by far, one of my favorite passages written in the Big Book (of Alcoholics Anonymous).  Upon first reading this inspirational portion, I was awestruck.  To be honest, I think it was the simplicity of the text that truly compelled me.  Moreover, this is a useful section to return to especially if you toil …

FOOD4Thought: Intuitive Counselor in Recovery Colette Baron-Reid

ENTRY: Forwardness Forever (Rest of the ‘Journey’ article)

NOTE FROM LOU: Here is another drafting of part of the magazine article I wrote for this month's issue of Journey magazine that didn't make it to print.  I understand completely that magazines only have so much space for content, and they do have to be conscious of their advertisers.  Thankfully, I'm able to share …

FROM-1-2-1: Shedding the Darkness

I aim for redemption by way of self-reflection; we should all do the same.  We all must become willing to explore deep self-reflection in order to become whole. Many of us in this "sober movement" understand that, in order to shed the old, we must become willing to take suggestions (The Steps from AA) #1, …

ENTRY: My perpetual disdain for cross-talking at AA

Yesterday was tough.  I went to an AA meeting last night, but that was a last-minute decision.  I typically go to the only meeting that my hometown hosts on Friday evenings because it’s nearby and the people there are generally very kind and welcoming.  So, I was planning on attending this meeting, known as “The Outreach …

ENTRY: Patients inflate use history to ensure treatment

Being in recovery myself, I tend to notice certain behaviors of the folks seeking recovery themselves as they proceed through the intake process at work.  In case you weren’t already aware, I work as a peer recovery coach at a treatment center specializing in MAT therapy (we offer both methadone and Suboxone) and mental health …

MEDIA: Seizures of Meth, Coke, Other Stimulants Surging in US – NPR

Methamphetamine, an illegal drug that sends the body into overdrive, is surging through the United States. Federal drug data provided exclusively to NPR show seizures of meth by authorities have spiked, rising 142% between 2017 and 2018. "Seizures indicate increasing trafficking in these drugs," says John Eadie, public health coordinator for the federal government's National …

MEDIA: Little Boy Lost, II

The little boy is crying, crying inside the man! The little boy is crying, he can only do what he can! The little boy is crying, there’s so much shit in this life! The little boy is crying, not for himself, but for his wife! The little boy is crying, while lying in bed at …

ENTRY: MAT Protocol in Need of Empathy–NOT Sympathy

As a person facing true substance use disorder, you do in fact have many options when it comes to attaining sobriety, and in turn a life built around everlasting recovery.  Inpatient rehabs are widely considered the gold-standard when it comes to initial sobriety.  I say 'initial' since, just as with any option for treatment, getting …