“I’ve always wanted to film the real ‘after party’ when the mom is passed out with her little kid in the background, or she gets into her car and drives drunk. It happens all the time.” When I made the decision to quit drinking, one morning in June 2017 when my relentless hangover was surpassed… Continue reading Mommy Doesn't Need Wine: The Stigma of Being a Sober Mother
Tag: Features
My Life with Phil
If anyone could relate to loneliness, abandonment, depression, it was Phil. We got each other. If my cat could talk, he’d say “You’re so fucking crazy.” Also, feed me, asshole. And not that gluten and grain-free slimy shit. Meow Mix from the corner bodega, where you’ll often spend seven dollars on an activated charcoal latte… Continue reading My Life with Phil
Narrative Therapy, or What Angelina Jolie Tells Herself About Herself
Ask yourself: As a sober person, who am I? What is my new story? What will I tell myself and others about who I am and what my life is like sober? Human beings are fascinated by stories. Indeed, we are particularly enthralled with stories about the lives of other people. Biographies and autobiographies always… Continue reading Narrative Therapy, or What Angelina Jolie Tells Herself About Herself
The Importance of Women’s Recovery Spaces
Women’s meetings gave me the space to talk about the unspeakable, allowing me to move closer to becoming free from the fear that has kept me shackled.[Content Note: Discussions of IPV] I started my sobriety journey in a foreign city where there was one English speaking 12-step meeting daily, and a relatively small number of… Continue reading The Importance of Women’s Recovery Spaces
Dating While (Newly) Sober
When my sponsor told me about the suggestion to not date for a year, that I should just concentrate on getting sober, I said: “I’m a really good multi-tasker.” I thought that when I got sober, I’d get into the best shape of my life, start going to the gym all the time, train for… Continue reading Dating While (Newly) Sober
How One Rural Community Is Fighting to Save Lives from Drug Overdose
“I don’t want another parent to pick out a casket. I don’t want another grandparent to have to look a grandchild in the eye and say ‘your momma is gone.’” The Driftwood Motel on Oak Island, North Carolina, has seen better days. All around it, pastel-colored vacation homes with kitschy names like After Dune Delight… Continue reading How One Rural Community Is Fighting to Save Lives from Drug Overdose
5 Tips For Staying Sober In College
At the end of the day, the college experience is about so much more than just alcohol. For most people, college is not associated with sobriety. Such was the case for me during the first two years I spent away from home. I drank often and partied hard, convincing myself that it was normal. I… Continue reading 5 Tips For Staying Sober In College
Deeper Cleaning: How I Came to Accept My Mother’s Hoarding Disorder
About 50% of all hoarders have blocked access to their fridge, bathtub, toilet and sinks. 78% have houses littered with what could be deemed garbage. My chances of finding a spot to sleep were next to nil. For the second time in my life I was saying goodbye to my mother and moving to California,… Continue reading Deeper Cleaning: How I Came to Accept My Mother’s Hoarding Disorder
Do AA's Promises Come True?
After completing the 12 steps, a long-time member of AA shares his experience of the 9th step promises. Russell Brand recently released his own creative interpretation of AA’s Twelve Steps. As a recovering alcoholic myself (since 12/30/1983), I admire how he captures the essence of the program, while still more or less respecting its tradition… Continue reading Do AA's Promises Come True?
Dope Sick: Breaking Down Opioid Withdrawal
The strength it takes for a broken down, tormented person, feeling sick and hopeless every single day, to say, “No more” to their source of relief is something many people cannot even fathom. Dope sickness (from opioid withdrawal) or even just the fear of dope sickness can trigger a desperation and panic unlike any other.… Continue reading Dope Sick: Breaking Down Opioid Withdrawal