Four T’s of a high-quality recovery program

Four T’s of a high-quality recovery program

​             One thing we all hope for and want to see in our loved ones is long term recovery. Two questions I have been asked many times by both family members and those that are in treatment are: how long will this take and what can I...
Is accepting the same as condoning?

Is accepting the same as condoning?

​         We talk often about acceptance in our PAL meetings. Acceptance is also spoken of frequently in substance use treatment programs as well as in AA meetings. On page 417 of the fourth edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous it says,...
Only I can be responsible for my own happiness

Only I can be responsible for my own happiness

​         I will never forget the feelings of worry and fear that consumed me during the early years of my journey with my sons. Over time, I learned from my PAL facilitator and fellow PAL members that if I allowed those feelings to consume me, it...
Drama-Free Holidays

Drama-Free Holidays

​            Journal entry December 25, 2011: “I’m not sure I would have had children if I knew I would have to endure a day like today.” Can you relate to this? There was a time when I would have been too ashamed to share that with you. Since...
Am I being Manipulated?

Am I being Manipulated?

​             Herein lies an irony: the person who is trying to manipulate you views you as having greater strength or power than he or she does. — George H. Green and Carolyn Cotter, Stop Being Manipulated George Green and Carolyn Cotter...
Turning the spotlight on ourselves

Turning the spotlight on ourselves

​           I read in a book by Earnie Larsen* that there is scant difference between an abstaining chemically dependent person and a co-dependent person. Both have living problems, intimacy problems and issues with self-esteem. All these...