PAL Blog
A Parent’s Story
Articles by Parents Like You
PAL made all the difference
I am married to a wonderful husband of 18 years, and we have one girl, two boys, two granddaughters and one grandson. My son, Cooper, was always active as a child. There was never a dull moment. He would make you...
Not our life to control
For many years I was a single mom. From the time my son, Drew, was young, he was a handful. I kept thinking “he’ll grow out of it”. His behavior and choices as young as age 12 were atypical for someone that age…stealing,...
Growing through the pain
My wife and I have been married for 31 years and have two children. Our daughter is 23 years old and our son, David, is 21 years old. Growing up, David was always a very sensitive child. He was very well behaved, didn’t get...
The View from Recovery
Articles by People in Recovery
Vignettes – Part 5
December 2013. Downtown Phoenix. Lost. Broken. Emaciated. Sick. Gray December skies punctuate the morning as I climb the stairs to the emergency room doors. Banner Good Samaritan. Twenty-six years ago, I was born here. I snub my cigarette out with my shoe...
Practicing Gratitude
This time of year always instills in me a deep sense of gratitude. As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, I often find myself reflecting. The dark days behind me strike such a brilliant contrast to the light that permeates my now daily...
Vignettes – Part 4
June 2013 - 12th St & Maryland It’s 2:00 a.m. I’m crouched under the awning of a neighborhood bar’s entryway and it’s pouring. Sheets of rain splatter against the asphalt, coating my face with a cold mist but I don’t notice because I’m high, again....
From Counselors
Articles by PAL and Partner Counselors
Spending time with family for the holidays without undoing progress
Spending time with your loved one who’s in early recovery can be an anxiety provoking time for all involved, let alone during the holidays, however, it doesn’t have to be. Before I dive in, let me tell you a little about...
“Why Me?”
Dr. Don Middleton (excerpt from Chapter 2 of The Dunamis Effect: When Your Higher Power is Jesus) Whenever we are faced with difficulty, whether it is the end of an important relationship, an unexpected or...
It’s not your fault
As a therapist working with those struggling with addiction, it is hard to watch family members not knowing what to do. Always wondering, “Where did I go wrong?” Although I do not have a loved one who’s battled the beast, I have...