For my particular condition as well as other inflammatory chronic illnesses, alcohol can actually mess up your gut flora, which is where many diseases originate. During graduate school—about seven years ago now—I was partying wildly. I was part of a theatrical show, which had me out late very often. Drinking was a sort of currency;… Continue reading Alcohol, Inflammation, and Chronic Illness: My Story
Tag: Features
What to Expect in Early Recovery from Addiction
In early recovery we may discover co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma, and exhaustion. We may even find ourselves engaging in compulsive behaviors in other areas, like gambling or sex. A few weeks ago, a woman contacted me in the throes of early recovery. I vividly recall those first few weeks — I was so out… Continue reading What to Expect in Early Recovery from Addiction
How to Find Sobriety in the New Year
If you’re abusing alcohol and have decided it’s time to stop, here are some tactics that helped me to get and stay sober. You don’t have to undertake this daunting task alone. You stumble to your car after a night out drinking. Not just any night, New Year’s Fucking Eve! You pounded more beers and… Continue reading How to Find Sobriety in the New Year
5 Self-Destructive Habits to Leave Behind in 2018
Here’s to deeper connection through owning our imperfections, attracting more abundance by believing there’s enough for everyone, and freeing ourselves from these other self-destructive habits. New Year, New You? How about New Year, Real You? I do not think Life is about becoming some other person, as society would have you believe. I think Life… Continue reading 5 Self-Destructive Habits to Leave Behind in 2018
4 Quick Tips for Staying Sober and Avoiding FOMO on New Year's Eve
FOMO—Fear Of Missing Out—took enough away from me in my addiction. I spent countless nights wishing I hadn’t gone out or drunk as much as I did. In sobriety, I’ve never regretted not going to the party. If there is one thing that describes my addiction, it was the yearning for connection. Ironic, isn’t it?… Continue reading 4 Quick Tips for Staying Sober and Avoiding FOMO on New Year's Eve
7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays
Shouldn’t you help your sister address her character defects? Isn’t it time to take your father’s inventory? And wouldn’t it be perfect to make amends to your mom at a family dinner? Regardless of whether you are newly sober or have many years of sustainable sobriety under your belt in 12-step programs, what is true… Continue reading 7 Reasons Not to Bring Your 12-Step Program Home for the Holidays
The Empty Chair Campaign Highlights Loss and Sorrow Caused by the Drug War
The families of people incarcerated, distanced, or deceased because of the drug war live year-round with the unique suffering of loving someone whose pain you do not have the power to heal. During the holidays, that loss rises to the surface. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, or something else this winter,… Continue reading The Empty Chair Campaign Highlights Loss and Sorrow Caused by the Drug War
A Christmas Gift from the Dopeman
You know what sucks about being an addict? A ten mile walk in the freezing cold to get pills on Christmas morning because you have no other options. You know what sucks about telling your family you’re an addict right before the holidays? Everything. I come from a very large Puerto Rican family. So usually… Continue reading A Christmas Gift from the Dopeman
Everything's Fine: How I Recovered from Panic Attacks
Even when I understand that what I am experiencing is a panic attack, I don’t dare say the words—not even to myself—for fear I will give it more power. I am lying back in a leather chair. The windows are open and I can smell the frangipani; its sweet scent drifting in from the garden.… Continue reading Everything's Fine: How I Recovered from Panic Attacks
When Treatment Professionals Relapse: Shattering the Stigma
We are treatment professionals: we are trained to help our clients navigate addiction and mental health crises. We aren’t supposed to relapse and have crises ourselves. In my last article about helping professionals who struggle with addiction and relapse, I wrote about how 37 to 57% of addiction treatment professionals are in recovery and 14.7% relapse over their… Continue reading When Treatment Professionals Relapse: Shattering the Stigma