Two and a half years pass, and you have just gotten out of jail again. I know it won’t be your last time, but I wish it were.
Tag: personal stories
Learning to Have Sex in Recovery
I had forgotten that I was once again in control of my own life… I needed to take charge of my sexual experiences just like I had taken charge of my recovery.
Dad Day: Death Is A Holiday
Once a year on our fake holiday, we shine light on the person he was. We show him how much we remember—and how little we can forget.
Sex, Drunk and Sober
Once I got sober again, I’d like to say my behavior towards men was completely different, that I only had sex when I was one hundred percent sure I wanted to, that I didn’t judge and hate.
But I’m Depressed, Not Addicted
I was there to treat my depression. I couldn’t tell the truth. I couldn’t say I got smashed almost every night, whiskey whistling through my veins, thinning my blood and seeping into my brain.
Recovery of a Real-Life "Nurse Jackie"
Before I ever stole a pill from work, before I was ever a daily drinker and habitual pill-popper, I was just a burned-out nurse, exhausted and in pain.
How I Came To "Believe” In Safe Injection Sites
The part of me that understands service is the backbone of my recovery, demands something other than pretending that there aren’t options available to people still suffering. So last night I’m at a town hall event on drug addiction and someone mentions safe injection sites in the audience. My heart begins to pound from… Continue reading How I Came To "Believe” In Safe Injection Sites
Twin Addictions And Parallel Recovery
In hindsight, we both had tell-tale signs of the addict – irrational fear, feelings of inferiority, flights of fancy. But there was no room for two troubled twins in our divided, post-divorce household. I’d always been the golden twin by default. To quote the Radiohead song, I was “fitter, happier, more productive” than my twin… Continue reading Twin Addictions And Parallel Recovery
The Myths & Methods of Mindfulness Meditation
I kept cravings at bay with 12-step meetings and counseling but continued to seek meaning and purpose that would lead to lasting sobriety. Then I found mindfulness meditation. I was raised to believe meditation was wicked. Along with yoga, Buddha, incense, and anything symbolizing or hinting of Eastern religion or ritual. The rationale? Meditation clears… Continue reading The Myths & Methods of Mindfulness Meditation
Sober Dating: Overcoming Triggers & Temptations
The date turned out to be a boobytrap of triggers that I wasn’t totally prepared for. But mindfulness, resilience, accountability – recovery – kicked in when I needed it most. I startled as my phone buzzed a text against my thigh. It was my date. “I’m late, but I’ve got tacos!” Relax, I urged myself,… Continue reading Sober Dating: Overcoming Triggers & Temptations
