My son began smoking pot in middle school when he was fourteen. His grades started declining and he became lethargic and had no interest in anything. He got caught smoking pot in the tenth grade and was expelled. His father and myself decided to send him to a prep school. His situation got worse as he …
Continue reading “From Crisis To Calm”
Michael Herbert
There is a lot of misunderstanding about addiction and how families can help. Stigma and denial play an important role in blocking the recovery process. “I still have a job”, “I’m too young”, and “I’m not that bad”. Somehow the idea of being a “functional addict or alcoholic” validates the continued use. Family members buy into these misconceptions. If the …
Continue reading “Keep It Simple Series Part 2: What Do Families Need to Understand About Recovery?”
Michael Herbert
Stigma around addiction remains. Society still looks down upon addicts. There are those who see addicts as the bottom of the barrel, weak willed and choosing to ruin their lives. The stigma prevents some from getting help. Others do see them selves as, inferior, worthless and hopeless. Addicts and alcoholics are not bad people. Their behavior can be bizarre, …
Continue reading “Is There A Stigma Surrounding Addiction?”
Michael Herbert
Asking for help is difficult in any language and any culture. How do we know when we need help? Who to ask for it and how to pay for it? What are our family and friends going to say if we ask for help? How are they going to feel about it? What are people …
Continue reading “Cultural Barriers for Recovery from a Hispanic Perspective”
Michael Herbert
To start let’s talk about treatment and what treatment offers. Treatment offers stabilization for the addict and alcoholic in the acute phase of addiction. Most addicts and alcoholics can stay clean and sober during a detox or inpatient treatment, there are some exceptions. Addiction is that “thing” takes over and even in the best conditions …
Continue reading “What is Structured Family Recovery®?”
Michael Herbert
Joe McQ. died on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Joe was 78 years old. Most widely known within the fellowship because of his love for the big book and his partnering with Charlie P. to start and continue the Joe and Charlie Big Book Studies since 1977 that have been given all around the world. Sober …
Continue reading “African American Alcoholics (Part 2)”
Michael Herbert