ENTRY: Dual Diagnosis

This past weekend while at work I helped out a patient and afterwards we engaged in a little bit of casual conversation. The conversation just happened to get more serious at one point, and he mentioned that he was adopted. Now, this patient has always struck me as a very intelligent, confident, and well-spoken person. …

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PODCAST: Sitting down with employment specialist Emma Young

A brand new part of my job as a peer coach is to work alongside a real-deal employment specialist, and I'm super excited about it.  This will only bolster the services that patients will be receiving in the way of various guidance that can be applied to their own lives.  Her name is Emma Young …

MEDIA: Little Sister, by singer-songwriter Jewel

Despite the acoustic tune being released approximately 25 years ago, I think "Little Sister" is artfully realistic.  Even the way she frantically picks out the melody and sings those endearing words denotes sensitivity towards addiction.  Plus, it has always been one of my many absolute favorites on this classic record.  In fact, Jewel's debut album …

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 …

I CAN RELATE: You Are So Brave… (My Loud Whispers of Hope)

“You are so brave to share your story,” many people have said to me throughout the years. “Thank you,” I would humbly reply and never felt like I was brave. Each time I share my story of living, surviving and overcoming severe mental illness it becomes easier and the need to be brave becomes less. …

ENTRY: Reflections… 4 years ago

I used to maintain another online journal a few years ago, but it was a bit more personal.  I spoke of all the changes and enlightenment I'd been experiencing as a wide-eyed newcomer to the recovery world.  Scanning through old entries, I ended up towards the beginning of the blog, when I was only at …

I Have to Complain Today – is Anyone There? — National Addiction News

I wanted to bring some rarely talked about awareness about marijuana to Facebook, simply because it’s becoming more and more legal in more and more states here in the US. So, I put a simple little ‘sign’ up that I made that absolutely blew it up. My one sentence that I posted is below, and …

On Alcoholism, Sobriety, and Running Toward a Future — Longreads

“…no one sober knows if they’re going to be sober forever. It was a forgiving moment, and it humbled me.” via On Alcoholism, Sobriety, and Running Toward a Future — Longreads LOU'S FOOTNOTES: This is something I am always repeating to peers and fellow patients of addiction treatment.  They get it, too.  It makes me chuckle …

MEDIA: How to Cope with Lying and Addiction

We’ve all been challenged by our kids lying when they have a substance use problem. Your child may tell an outright lie, or they may omit information. Either way, it is a struggle to deal with.  I recently spoke with a mom who was frustrated with her son’s lying. “I want him to admit the …

From1-2-1: Even in Dark & Lonely Times, Amanda Still has Recovery

I have been sober for 3 months now. I have learned a great deal about myself and why I started using in the first place.  Many of my problems revolve around my relationship with my family.  It's not good.  Let's just say that it's not the typical relationship that you would have with your family.  …