PAL Blog
A Parent’s Story
Articles by Parents Like You
How PAL Helped my Relationships
When I found PAL, I had no idea it would have such a powerful impact on so many of my relationships. Yes, I have three children I came for, but now realize I am here not only for them, but for my mom, and my brother and sister-in-law. There is a long history of...
Expectations
It can be hard to maintain a positive attitude at times. It can be a challenge when facing hardship and struggle to keep a smile on your face. Sometimes during these holiday seasons, the effect of depression and anxiety can be magnified. Culturally speaking, these are...
Attending PAL Meetings For Myself – And my Son
I think perhaps the hardest thing for me to understand about my son’s addiction was how the sweet, curious, creative, thoughtful, loving, energetic little boy I spent so many afternoons with after school became such a totally different person.Just about every day...
The View from Recovery
Articles by People in Recovery
Strength Comes From Trying Times
The human body is constantly striving for homeostasis. We inherently try (without even recognizing it) to maintain an equal, steady, even-keeled, and most importantly safe state. Of course this is typically in reference to physiological processes literally keeping our...
Change, Restoration and Healing are within Reach
I can remember autumn seasons filled with joy, laughter, thanksgiving, and family congregation. Beautiful swaths of orange, red, and yellow dotting the Northern Arizona forest. Recollections of time spent together, experiencing moments of happiness, gratitude, and...
Finding hope in the midst of addiction
My husband and I share a blended family of five adult children. I have three sons and my husband has two daughters. We have been married for eight years. Two of my three sons struggle with addiction- my oldest son age 38 and youngest son age 33. To the best of my...
From Counselors
Articles by PAL and Partner Counselors
One Day at a Time
An essential tool for recovery. Navigating addiction in the family is typically overwhelming on its own, bringing the past or future into it creates even more anxiety and tension and complicates an already difficult situation. It is enough to have to deal with today...
Holiday Season Preparation
I get many questions this time of year about navigating the holiday season with an addicted loved one. This is understandable, being that this season can bring all the family dynamics (positive and negative) front and center. Depending on the family’s past holidays...
Let’s Talk About Gratitude
It’s November! Let’s talk about gratitude. There is no better medicine to lift our spirits than a quick account of our blessings. What an incredibly powerful tool for changing our perspectives for the better. The happiest most resilient people I meet always seem to...
